Funding for education

Information

There is a range of options for education and training for unemployed people. There are different sources of funding for education, some schemes give you a training allowance and others allow you to keep your social welfare payment when you are doing certain education courses.

Maintenance grants for students in third-level education

If you are thinking of starting a third-level education course or if you wish to return to complete your degree there are 4 main student support schemes. If you are a student undertaking an approved full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course for the first time you can apply for a grant under one of the following schemes: the Higher Education Grants Scheme, Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme or the Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees. There is a similar grant scheme for students aged over 16 who are starting a Post Leaving Certificate course for the first time.

You can find more detailed information on the range of grants and funds for students in further and higher education on the website www.studentfinance.ie.

Back to Education Allowance

If you are unemployed, you may be able to do a second-or third-level education courses through the Back to Education Allowance scheme. Participants in the scheme receive a standard rate of payment that is not means-tested. From 2010, if you are starting a new course and getting a Back to Education Allowance, you will not get a student maintenance grant. However, this does not affect any entitlement you may have to an exemption from college fees or student support charges.

The allowance is payable for the duration of the course. If you were previously getting a jobseeker's payment, you will not get the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) during the summer period between academic years. In addition to your weekly payment, you will also be entitled to an annual Cost of Education Allowance, which is payable at the start of each academic year.

Part-Time Education Option

If you are unemployed, the Part-Time Education Option allows you to keep your Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit and attend a part-time day or evening course that will improve your chances of getting a job. You will continue to get your jobseeker's payment at your usual rate. You must also continue to be available for and actively seeking work. This means you will still need to sign on at your Social Welfare Local Office.

There are no specific eligibility criteria for the Part-Time Education Option. You can be any age and may be unemployed for any length of time before starting a part-time course of education.

Education, Training and Development Option

If you are getting Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit, the Education, Training and Development Option allows you to keep your social welfare payment and attend a course not covered by the standard Back to Education Allowance, such as, a personal development course, a basic education course (for example, literacy classes) a general training course or specific job skills. You will continue to get your jobseeker's payment at your usual rate.

There are certain criteria you must meet to qualify for the Education, Training and Development Option.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme

If you are over 21 years of age, unemployed and have been getting certain social welfare payments for at least 6 months you can apply for the Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme (VTOS). The scheme provides a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people. While you are on a VTOS course there is no fee and you will get a payment equivalent to the maximum rate of your social welfare payment.

FÁS training allowance

If you are on a FÁS training course there is no fee for the course and you are paid a training allowance - but only if you are entitled to a qualifying payment, such as Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit.