Student Assistance Fund FAQs

Student Assistance Fund FAQs

Below you will find some useful frequently asked questions and answers in relation to the Student Assistance Fund at LIT.

• Can I apply for the SAF at any time in the academic year?

  Applications to the Fund are open to full-time and part-time registered TUS students on a course of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (excluding night study). Applicants must meet the application eligibility criteria. Funding is not available under this fund for the cost of tuition or registration fees.

  Students must meet one or more of the following eligibility criteria:

  •  Be in receipt of a DEASP means tested social welfare payment or be dependent upon their spouse or partner’s means tested social welfare payment

  And/or

  •  Students who are dependent on their parent(s)/legal guardian, who are in receipt of a means tested social welfare payment.

  And/or

  •  Students who are in receipt of a SUSI grant or are awaiting the outcome of their application e.g. fees only or maintenance grant.

  And/or

  •  Are a registered HEAR student of TUS

  And/or

  •  Can demonstrate that they or their family have a household income of less than €76,000 a year and have one or more dependent children in full time education.

   

  PhD students are funded for years 1-4 only. Students must have been resident in the Irish State for three of the past five years on the date on which their year of study commences. International/non-EU fee paying students are not eligible for funding. Students on courses that do not lead to a higher education award are not eligible to apply for the SAF.

• How do I apply to the fund?

  Applications for the Student Assistance Fund are now closed as of 5pm on Friday the 29th of October. Late applications cannot be accepted. 

• What supporting documentation is required to support my application?

  Documentation needed to support an application, may include proof of your own or your parent/spouse/partner(s)’ social welfare payment.

  A student that is in receipt of the SUSI grant, must provide a copy of their awarding letter or screenshot of their SUSI online account.

  To prove household income of under €76,000 a student may provide a copy of their/their parents P60 or P21. A copy of the birth certificate of the child/children and a letter from the school confirming attendance in full time education.

   

• I am a HEAR student, do I need to provide documentation?

  No, HEAR students do not need to provided documentation. However, as it is a required question on the application form, please upload a blank document stating you are a HEAR student.

• Can I apply for the SAF at any time in the academic year?

  The Student Assistance Fund is open from the 29^th of September until the 29^th of October. The online application form will close at 5pm on the 29^th of October and no further applications will be accepted after that date.

• Can I apply to the Student Assistance fund if I am participating in a part-time course?

  Yes, given that your course will lead to a higher education award.

• Can Springboard students apply for the SAF?

  Students on Springboard+/Human Capital Initiative courses, or who are on blended/distance learning courses, are eligible to apply for support through the SAF

• How is my application form assessed?

  The financial documentation outlined above, where applicable, must be submitted online in support of your application. Applications will only be assessed by the Student Assistance Fund Advisory Committee if the relevant supporting documents are submitted, within the application closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

• How long does the process take?

  Applications may take up to six weeks after closing date to process.

• How will I be notified of the outcome of my application?

  You will receive an email to your student email address stating the outcome of your application.

• If my application to the Student Assistance Fund is not approved, can I appeal the decision of the Student Fund Advisory Committee?

  Yes, you may make an appeal in respect of process or if your circumstances have changed from the time you have made your application. Students must provide further documentation to support their appeal. The deadline for making an appeal is one week from the date you receive your unsuccessful letter and appeal form.

• How do I make an appeal?

  An appeal form will be sent to applicants that were unsuccessful in their application.

• If I am successful in my application, how do I receive my payment?

  Payment will be made by electronic funds transfer directly to your bank account, using the details provided on your application form. The account must be in the student’s name. Incorrect account details will delay payment.

• If I am successful in my application what expenses can be considered for funding?

  The Student Assistance Fund is available to help students with day-to-day costs while participating in higher education, such as:

  • Rent
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Books and Class Materials
  • Registered Childcare Provider Fees
  • Medical Bills
• What costs are not covered?

  Funding is not available to assist students with the costs of tuition fees, registration fees, student loans or any costs that are borne by the HEI.

• How much funding is available to a student from the SAF?

  The amount of funding available to an applicant is dependent on the amount allocated by the HEA, and the number of students who successfully apply.

• I am in receipt of funding from the 1916 Bursary, am I eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund?

  Yes, you are eligible to apply. The SAF will not affect your 1916 Bursary payments.

• I am registered on an approved course and I am receiving additional support under the Fund for Students with Disabilities. Am I eligible to apply for the Student Assistance Fund?

  Yes, you are eligible to apply.

• I am repeating a year of college and I am registered on an approved course. Can I apply to the Student Assistance Fund?

  Yes, if you are fully registered and attending your course you can apply.

• I have outstanding registration fees, can I use the Student Assistance Fund to cover these?

  No, funding is not available to assist students with the costs of tuition fees, registration fees, student loans or any costs that are borne by the HEI.

• If I am successful in applying to the Student Assistance Fund in an academic year, does this mean that I will be supported by the fund in a subsequent academic year?

  No, you will need to reapply to the fund each academic year and prove that you meet the eligibility criteria.

• If my application to the Student Assistance Fund is not approved, can I apply again the following academic year?

  Yes, you may apply again the following year. However, you will again need to prove that you meet the eligibility criteria in order to be awarded the SAF.

• What If I have any questions about the online application form or process?

  If you have any further questions, please email saf@lit.ie