College debt problems?

The average cost of attending university in Ireland has been on a steady increase despite falls in the cost of living and other expenses. DCU campus companies have had their own part to play in this burden with a further increase in rent for campus accommodation.

Gigantic increases in the Government-imposed registration fee as well as mounting health and travel costs are squeezing the ordinary student dry of every precious cent.

To make matters worse university budgets have suffered significant cut-backs. Professor von Prondzynski has pledged in an interview with the College View to avoid cutting essential student services, but cuts may be inevitable.

So what services are available to those feeling the bite of the recession?

Maintenance Grant

The maintenance grant is awarded by local city councils and VECs. It can often be the only sustained lifeline available to hard-up students. Grant applications are available on the Higher Education Authority (HEA) website.

Historically there have been significant issues with the grant. These range from late payments by the awarding bodies to students not reading grant applications correctly and not providing the appropriate information.

This year’s closing date was August 31. All students should make an application for the grant, regardless of circumstances. At the very least you may get the Registration Fee paid.

Back to Education Allowance

The BTEA is available to those who were unemployed for designated period of time.

It has, in the past been abused by ‘education migrants’ from EU member-states who took advantage of the parity of welfare benefits afforded to EU citizens and our free fees regime.

A number of cuts have been made to the BTEA in recent years. You can only apply for the BTEA in first year, and circumstances such as previous study will also be taken into consideration.

The Millennium Partnership fund

Some areas that are designated as disadvantaged may have local partnerships that can assist students with the cost of travel, books and other course-related expenses. There have been significant cuts in this area.

Applications can be made annually and some partnerships allow late applications during the college term. An example of a partnership which ran such a scheme in Dublin is the Kimmage, Walkinstown, Crumlin and Drimnagh Partnership.

These partnerships may also offer additional supports such as tutoring on study skills, academic writing and mentoring.

Scholarships

Whilst these vary from university to university they can greatly benefit a student. DCU offers a number of sports scholarships to student with promise, but beware these scholarships will require a significant commitment to your chosen sport and to the university.

Academic scholarships in Ireland are rare. An example of an academic scholarship in DCU is the Veronica Guerin scholarship for the MA in Journalism. Information on these scholarships is on the DCU website.

Millenium Scholars Trust

This fund has been in operation for nine years. It was established to assist those from backgrounds which would not traditionally enter higher education.

Bank of Ireland allocated almost 13 million euro to the trust. There are some post-award obligations you may be required to fulfil such as press conferences and op-eds. Drop into your local Bank of Ireland for more information.

Student Disability Fund

This fund, which is operated through the Disability Services in DCU is open to students with a recognised disability.

It will fund equipment and additional aids to assist eligible students with their studies.

It is important to register with the Disability Services before making an application. This fund is very limited and students are encouraged to make their application early in the academic year to ensure there are available funds.

Assistance from the University

There is a limited budget in every university to assist students who are in dire financial circumstances.

This fund can assist in the payment of rent, bills and other essentials. Students will have to supply detailed information pertaining to their financial circumstances.

In many colleges you may be allocated a financial mentor to ensure your finances stay on track.

Part-time work

While there may not be an abundance of part-time work nowadays, there is still work out there.

The Careers Service can help you with your CV and the Students’ Union will send out occasional emails about any work that the SU becomes aware off.

Register with temping companies such as Gilligan Black Recruitment. They may have summer work available and often pay highly competitive rates.

Temping can give you access to companies you never dreamed off, and make the essential contacts you need when you graduate.