The Laptop On Loan scheme  provides long and short-term loans of laptops to students who may be struggling financially and cannot afford a laptop or computer to participate in college life. The Scheme is currently being run by the TUS Library and all queries should be directed to laptopscheme@tus.ie. 

The scheme is funded by the Department of Education and Skills to support implementation of the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education and to address the digital divide experienced by disadvantaged students as a result of the Pandemic. The National Access Plan is working to increase the numbers of students who are currently underrepresented in higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Who is the Laptop on Loan Scheme for?

The Laptop on Loan scheme is for students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged or live in an area of urban or rural disadvantage where not many people from that area go on to third level education by tradition or for financial reasons.

You may be classified as disadvantaged if:

• You attended a DEIS school
• Your household or family income is under a certain threshold.
• You are facing financial barriers
• You are a first-time mature student
• You have a disability
• You are a member of the Traveller or Roma community
• You are a lone parent
• You have previously been in the Care of the State/Tusla.

All of these factors, either individually or in combination, mean that you may have significant additional social and financial barriers making it difficult to access and succeed in higher education

Who can appy for the Laptop on Loan scheme?

The Laptop on Loan scheme considers a combination of socioeconomic factors, you must meet the following criteria to recive a laptop from the Laptop on Loan scheme:

You household/family income under a certain income threshold.

AND

You must be attending a full-time or part-time course undergraduate course that:

(a) takes minimum of two years to complete,

AND

(b) awards a major higher education and training award at level 6 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications.

How do I apply for the Laptop on Loan Scheme?

• Fill in the online application Please note: You need to be a registered student to access the application form.
• You will receive a follow up on your application with an email asking for the required documentation to assess your application.
• If you are approved you will get an invitation to collect a laptop at the library. We will meet you to set up the laptop, fill out a short loan agreement, and make sure the laptop is up and running before you go!

Where can I get an application form for the Laptop on Loan scheme?

Applicants can complete an application for the Laptop On Loan scheme here.

Please note: You need to be a registered student to access the application form.

What documentation do I need to provide for the Laptop on Loan scheme?

If you are applying just for the Laptop on Loan scheme you will need to provide the following:

A copy of the letter from SUSI stating your family income (i.e. the full three pages of your SUSI letter)

OR

If you have been awarded a SUSI grant and have a letter stating your grant remains the same as last year you will need to submit your family income details as they will not be on the SUSI letter.

Family income details may include the following documentation:

• P21(s) for 2022 and/or Employment Detail Summary (formally known as a P60)
• Department of Social Protection Statement for 2022

Follow this tutorial to get your Employment Detail Summary.

If you have applied to the Student Assistance Fund and supplied the documentation for that Fund the same documentation will cover the Laptop on Loan scheme.

What is expected of me if I am loaned a laptop?

You will be expected to:

• Sign the Laptop on Loan form and Responsibility and and Liability Agreement. 
• Regularly check your student email for updates from the Laptop on Loan Scheme co-ordinator. 
• Keep within the rules and regulations of your institution.
• Agree to any assessment set out by your institution for your course.
• Agree to the department managing confirming that you are engaged/registered with your course .

When is the application deadline for the Laptop on Lan Scheme?

Applications are accepted from registered students all year round.

If I am refused, can I appeal?

There are two grounds for appeal:

1. You believe there was an “administrative error in assessment” i.e., there was a mistake when your application was being reviewed that lead to you not being awarded the loan.
2. You believe “insufficient weight was given to an aspect of your application” i.e., all your circumstances were not considered when your application was being reviewed, or something important was not considered about your personal situation.

I applied but was not eligible. Are other financial supports available?

Yes. The institute has funds to support students experiencing financial hardship. The main fund available is the Student Assistance Fund.