Second whack at college...

Fionn MacCool

Ok so I started a course in NUIG 2 years ago but became rather disinterested with a couple of the modulesm, to the point where I simply could not motivate myself to study enough to even pass. I ended up repeating a couple of modules the following year as an 'external student' but the problem was still there and ultimately I failed 1 of my 6 modules and dropped out.

I desperately want to return to the college (on a different course obviously!) next year but I'm rather worried about the financial demands. I've been signing on the dole since last October but my claim got cancelled in Jan and I had to resign in Feb - I fear this rules me out of any back-to-education allowance as I wont have been on it long enough.

I assume I will have to pay full fees in my first year back, does anyone have an estimate as to what these may be or any information regarding financial assistance toward my fees and/or living expenses.

Thanks a million

Little Acorn

The following are undergraduate fees, all the other courses are listed in the tabs at bottom of page. I know it says "Full Course Fees" are for example 5200 euro, but I always thought that was the general price per year-I could be very wrong though.
You might be able to apply for a grant in your second year.

http://www.nuigalway.ie/student_fees/downloads/all_undergrad_fees_2009_10.xls

I think you will probably be ruled out from BTEA,cos I think you have to be 9-12 months receiving welfare payment, but that might have changed??

If you are having financial difficulties, the college may be able to help you out occasionally with food, books etc.
There's was a thing called the Millenium Fund as well for students, but I think it stops in 2010-I don't know a lot about it but somebody here might be able to tell you if there is another replacement.

I think you should pop into citizens advice and explain your situation in detail, they will be able to tell you all financial help you could avail of.
This is a link of a small bit of info I found:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/education/third-level-education/fees-and-supports-for-third-level-education/maintenance_grant_schemes_for_students_on_third_level_courses

Good Luck, hope all goes well.:)

EDIT(Just incase you mightn't like clicking on a download, like the one of fees I posted, here is just the page: http://www.nuigalway.ie/fees/ )

Cliona99

This site is pretty handy: www.studentfinance.ie

Good luck!