OPTIONS 2021 An information guide for Leaving Cert students & parents
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OPTIONS
2021
An information guide for Leaving Cert students & parents
# Y M C AY O UT H I N F OSTUDENT INFORMATION / SUPPORT SERVICES This year’s Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) and the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) will be provided to students directly on the Candidate Self Service Portal on Friday 3 September 2021. The Portal will be available on the gov.ie website. If you opted for Accredited Grades and to sit the Summer exams, then your final grade is selected from the better of the 2 results. HOW ARE ACCREDITED GRADES CALCULATED? Accredited grades are based on an estimated mark you would get in that subject in the Leaving Certificate exam. Accredited Grades are offered to students taking the following Leaving Certificate programmes: Leaving Certificate - For subjects Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) - For outstanding assessments, including subjects, vocational specialisms and tasks due to be completed in the current LCA session. Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) - for your LCVP Link Modules. The steps involved in the Accredited Grade system are as follows: Step 1: Estimated mark by your teacher Your teacher estimates your mark based on your likely performance if you were to sit the 2021 exams by using records of your performance and progress, for example: classwork and homework, class assessments and your coursework over the 2 years of the Leaving Certificate cycle. Step 2: In-school alignment by subject teachers in your school Subject teachers in your school then review the estimated percentage marks of students in the school. Your teacher finalises their estimated percentage marks following this alignment process. If your school has only one teacher of a subject, that teacher will conduct the in-school alignment process with the deputy principal of your school or with another teacher of the same subject in your school who does not have a Leaving Certificate class in 2021. Your principal must agree to the arrangement. Step 3: Oversight of marks by the school principal The school principal reviews the estimated percentage marks and assures themself that the process has been fair. Step 4: National standardisation Your school principal submits the estimated marks for national standardisation by 3 June 2021. After the standardisation process, the marks are converted into SEC accredited grades. THE CAO & ACCREDITED GRADES STATUS Accredited Grades will have the same status as Leaving Certificates awarded to students in previous years and will therefore be recognised for employment and further study. Students’ Calculated Grades will be transferred directly to the Central Applications Office (CAO).
HELPLINE
The National Parents Council helpline (1800 265 165) can also be
contacted following the issue of results and CAO offers. The dates
and times for the 2020 Helpline are as follows:
Helpline dates for 2021 TBC
IMPORTANT CAO DATES*
*The following dates may be amended. We advise all students to check cao.ie on a regular basis for potential
schedule changes.
7th September (14:00): Round 1 offers available from 14:00 online - also issued by e-mail and SMS text.
Applicants who have not received an offer will receive a Statement of Application email.
8th September (12:00): Available Place facility opens
13th September (15:00): Round 1 acceptances closing date.
20th September (10:00): Round 2 offers available online.
22nd September (15:00): Round 2 acceptances closing date.
28th September (10:00): Round 3 offers available online - applicants will also receive an offer notification
by email and SMS text.
30th September (15:00): Round 3 acceptances closing date.
5th October (10:00): Round 4 offers available online - applicants will also receive an offer notification
by e-mail and SMS text.
7th October (15:00): Round 4 acceptances closing date.
12th October (10:00): Round 5 offers available online - applicants will also receive an offer notification
by e-mail and SMS text.
14th October (15:00): Round 5 acceptances closing date.
YOUTH INFORMATION - ONLINE ASSISTANCE
National Youth Information Chat Service (ymca-ireland.net/question)
YIChat is an easy to use chat service that works just like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. It helps to provide students
and parents with advice and answers to their questions during these unprecedented times. The service is staffed by
trained Youth Information Officers, who can help students and parents discuss their situation and talk through their
options.
Youth Information Chat is an online chat service operated by YMCA
Ireland’s Advocacy and Youth Information Service together with Youth
Information Centres from Youth Work Ireland, Crosscare and by Ireland’s GO TO
Youth Information website, SpunOut.ie. YMCA-IRELAND.NET/QUESTION
TO GET STARTED
The Youth Information Chat service is available every Monday to Friday,
16:00 - 20:00 or you can leave a message outside of those hours and receive
a reply by email. The service is open to 16 to 25 year olds, parents, and people
who work with young people.POINTS SYSTEM
HIGHER LEVEL ORDINARY LEVEL MATHS BONUS POINTS
POINTS GRADE GRADE POINTS
(PERCENTAGE) (PERCENTAGE)
In Higher Level Maths, for H6 grades and above, 25 additional
100 H1 (90 - 100) bonus points will be awarded to the 46 points already awarded
88 H2 (80 < 90) for a H6 grade.
77 H3 (70 < 80)
LCVP GRADES FOUNDATION LEVEL GRADES
66 H4 (60 < 70)
56 H5 (50 < 60) O1 (90 – 100) 56 Distinction: 66 points F1: 20 ponts
Merit: 46 points F2: 12 points
46 H6 (40 < 50) O2 (80 < 90) 46
Pass: 28 points
37 H7 (30 < 40) O3 (70 < 80) 37
0 H8 (0 < 30) O4 (60 < 70) 28 IMPORTANT:
O5 (50 < 60) 20
HEIs award points for results in LCVP Link Modules, in place of
a 6th Leaving Cert subject. However, not all HEIs count LCVP as
O6 (40 < 50) 12
meeting eligibility requirements in regard to passing subjects.
O7 (30 < 40) 0
O8 (0 < 30) 0
Applicants should refer to HEI literature for full details.
CAO POINTS CALCULATOR
If needed, a Points Calculator is available on the CAO website at www.cao.ie
CONDITIONS REGARDING POINTS
The 6 best results, in recognised subjects, in one Leaving Certificate
Examination will be counted for points calculation.
Only one sitting of the Leaving Certificate will be counted for points purposes.
With certain subjects, (e.g. Home Economics [General], Foundation Level Maths or Foundation Irish)
some HEIs may not award the points shown above. If in doubt, check with the Admissions
Office of the appropriate HEI.
Remember, you must first meet the minimum entry requirements in order to be considered for
entry to a course. The bonus points are included in the overall points calculation only when
Mathematics is one of the applicant's best six subjects following the addition of the bonus.
CAO PROCESS
1; Transfer of Grades to CAO:
All students’ grades are transferred directly to the CAO. Following this the offers process
begins and you will be notified if you have been offered a college course place.
See ‘Important CAO Dates’ above for the provisional timetable of dates regarding offers.
2; Accepting an offer:
If you receive an offer and you choose to accept this offer, you can do so online. If you choose to accept
your offer you must do so by the reply date indicated on the Offer Notice. If you receive an offer from both
lists you must choose between them - you can only accept one offer, in any one round, from either the
Level 8 or the Level 7/6 list.
3; Available places.
If any places remain unfilled in particular courses after all offers have been made, and the waiting lists of
applicants meeting minimum entry requirements have been exhausted (or if HEIs have any new courses
that open for application after the Change of Mind deadline), such vacancies will be advertised.DEFERRING OFFERS
If you wish to defer an offer of a college place, you do not accept your offer. Instead you must e-mail or write to
the admissions office of the appropriate HEI immediately. You must give your name as it appears on your CAO
application, quote your CAO application number and the course code of the offer you wish to defer, and set out
the reason(s) for the request. Applicants must mark “DEFERRED ENTRY” clearly on the envelope or in the subject
line of the email. You can also check the website of the relevant HEI to see if they have a deferral policy available
online that you can refer to. The letter or email must arrive in the Admissions Office of the institution at least two
days before the reply date shown on the Offer Notice. The HEI will communicate their decision to you directly. If
the deferral is not granted, you may then accept the offer for the current year, providing you accept the offer by
the reply date.
APPEAL PROCESS
For Written Exams
If you are not satisfied with the marks you get in one or more subjects of your
written Leaving Certificate exam, you can appeal those results to the State
Examinations Commission (SEC). The SEC appeals process for candidates
appealing the result of an examination will include an opportunity to view the
scripts marked by SEC examiners. Your script will also be sent to an appeal examiner
for re-marking.
This will not be the same person who originally marked your work. The same marking scheme is used for
re-marking. This means that appeal examiners apply the same standards in re-marking as were applied to
all candidates in the original examination. There is further information about the appeal process on the
SEC’s website.
If you are not happy with the outcome of your appeal, you may request an appeal review by the Independent
Appeals Scrutineers. Application forms for an appeal review are provided with your appeal results.
For SEC Accredited Grades
If you appeal an Accredited Grade, the appeal will only check that your school data was correctly transferred
to the SEC and that it was correctly processed by the SEC. If you are still unhappy at the end of this process,
you can get verification of the SEC’s processes by independent appeal scrutineers. Under the accredited
grades system, the estimated percentage mark provided by the teacher cannot be reviewed. Students who
think that their case has not been processed correctly after the appeals process can make a complaint to
the Ombudsman or, in the case of students under 18 years of age, the Ombudsman for Children.
For External Students
In some circumstances, a school may not be able to provide an estimated percentage mark to external
students or students studying subjects out of school. Between 3-9 June 2021, schools had to notify these
students if they could not provide an estimated percentage mark. You could appeal the school’s decision
by submitting an appeals form by 14 June 2021.
IF YOU RECEIVE A HIGHER GRADE AFTER APPEAL:
If you receive an upgrade after appeal and your revised result places you higher on the order-of-merit list
than the last person who actually got an offer, then the Higher Education Institution will usually instruct CAO to either
offer you a place to begin immediately or offer you a place deferred to the next year. The decision is made by the
Admissions Office.HEAR & DARE APPLICANTS INFO
What is HEAR?: Each year The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) reserves a number of places for
students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds that show an ability to succeed at third level.
What is DARE?: The Disability Access Route To Education (DARE) is a college course access scheme for
people under 23 years of age that have a disability or diagnosed learning difficulty.
For more information on the HEAR and DARE Schemes visit www.accesscollege.ie
For 2021 DARE and HEAR applicants, The CAO website contains a page specifically dedicated to the DARE /
HEAR process, including key dates and much more. Visit www.cao.ie for details.
IMPORTANT NOTES (Specific HEI’s / Courses)
NCAD does not award points for Leaving Certificate or other examinations in the case of their
restricted courses. Consult NCAD literature for details.
Applicants for undergraduate medicine courses should consult the Student Resources section of
the CAO website and click on the Entry to Medicine tab.
HIGHER EDUCATION LINKS SCHEME (HELS)
Under QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland)
The Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS) gives learners the opportunity to use their QQI Level 5 or 6 major
award to apply, through the CAO, for a place in the first year of a higher education programme. Programmes
leading to Level 5 and Level 6 Major Awards are available through providers who have programmes validated with
QQI. Applications to participate in these Level 5 and 6 courses are made directly to the college’s in question.
Linked awards, special requirements and available higher education programmes are published by the admissions
office of the individual higher education institution and on www.cao.ie.
For more information and guidance on HELS see www.qqi.ie
COLLEGE START DATE?
?
Commencement dates for this academic year (21/22) including start dates for specific
courses will vary. Therefore, we strongly advise students to contact their college as soon
as possible after receiving and accepting an offer to confirm start dates.
COLLEGES FOR REPEAT LEAVING CERTIFICATE
College of Commerce - Morrison’s Island, Cork (Non-private) Hewitt College - 24, Patrick’s Hill, Cork.
Tel: (021) 4223801 / Mail: mdebarra@ccoc.ie Tel: (021) 455 0430 / Mail: admin@hewittcollege.net
Web: corkcollegeofcommerce.ie Web: hewittcollege.ie
Bruce College - Audley House, St. Patrick’s Hill, Cork. Deane College - Fitzgerald House, 73-75 Grand Parade, Cork.
Tel: (021) 450 4122 / Mail: susan@brucecollege.ie Tel: (021) 427 4722 / Mail: deanecollege@eircom.net
Web: brucecollege.ie Web: deanecollege.ieSTUDYING IN NI, UK & EUROPE
UK & Northern Ireland Information for UCAS Undergraduate applicants
Ahead of the next main student intake in September 2021, UK universities are processing
international UCAS applications as normal and traditional study and learning is expected to
return. UK universities are working towards a full return to face-to-face teaching from the start
of Autumn Term in September 2021 and students are expected to have full access to all
campuses and facilities. In line with UK Government guidance, institutions will continue to
provide a safe campus for students.
UCAS Offers - Tariff Points
UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) is the central applications body for full-time undergraduate
courses in the UK (including Northern Ireland). If you have applied for a UK college place, UCAS will receive
students' grades from the relevant awarding bodies and pass them on to their chosen colleges.
For students currently holding a conditional offer, these offers will become unconditional, as long as students meet
offer conditions (usually related to grades). The UCAS system is based on a different points system known as Tariff
points. The tables below outline the amount of points given for each leaving certificate grade at Higher and Ordi-
nary level. For more information and details on UCAS and the Tariff Points system, you can visit www.ucas.com
UCAS Tariff points Leaving Certificate
HIGHER LEVEL ORDINARY LEVEL TRACKING - Monitoring Your UCAS Application Progress
POINTS GRADE GRADE POINTS
(PERCENTAGE) (PERCENTAGE)
If you have applied for a college course in the UK you can
track the progress of your application by logging in to the
35 H1 (90 - 100)
UCAS ‘Track System’ (track.ucas.com). To log in you will need
30 H2 (80 < 90) your Personal ID (which was provided in your welcome email)
24 H3 (70 < 80) along with the password you used when applying.
18 H4 (60 < 70)
IMPORTANT: With regard to UK and NI Colleges - In the event of
12 H5 (50 < 60) O1 (90 – 100) 12 any COVID-19 related changes to course delivery which may
9 H6 (40 < 50) O2 (80 < 90) 10 occur, it is advised that students stay up to date with the relevant
University or College websites in case of any such alterations.
O3 (70 < 80) 8
Make sure you’re aware, know your rights and the information
O4 (60 < 70) 6 you should receive, before confirming your place.
UCAS FEES:
The following fees may apply to Irish Students who wish to study in the UK:
England: up to £9,250 Wales: up to £9,000
Scotland: up to £9,250 Northern Ireland: up to £4,395
IMPORTANT: In previous years, due to EU regulations, students from the Republic of Ireland were not charged
fees to study in Scotland. However, following Britain’s exit from the EU this regulation has been removed.
Therefore, those who choose a programme of study in a Scottish university may now also be liable for fees.
MORE INFO ON TUITION FEES & FUNDING FOR UK STUDY
LOANS: You can apply for a UK Tuition Fee loan, which you only have to repay after you have graduated and are
earning above a certain level. For more information on these loans you can visit https://www.gov.uk/student-fi-
nance/eu-students
FEES & FUNDING OPTIONS: You can find out more about tuition fees and funding available in your region by
visiting ucas.com/finance/finance-international-and-eu-students.you can also contact: Student Finance Services (EU Students) Tel: 0141 243 3570 (Mon-Fri 8am to 6pm) Web: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/eu-students Twitter: @SF_England Facebook: facebook.com/SFEngland The British Council, Ireland Tel: 01 676 4088 / Mail: info@ie.britishcouncil.org Web: www.britishcouncil.ie/study-uk/scholarship-fundingTwitter: @ieBritish Facebook: facebook.com/BritishCouncilIreland The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) Tel: +4420 7788 9214 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 4pm) / Mail: No mail service available / Web: ukcisa.org.uk Twitter: @azBritish / Facebook: facebook.com/UKCISA/ UCAS Finance & Support See also www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/finance-and-support SUSI GRANTS FOR THE UK It is also possible to apply for a maintenance grant in Ireland for approved undergraduate courses in the UK via Ireland’s SUSI grant scheme. Visit SUSI.ie for more information on the application process and relevant date and details. Impact of COVID-19 on studying abroad in Europe IMPORTANT: As the COVID situation develops internationally, we recommend that you maintain regular contact with any European member state HEI where you may have been offered a place - This is to ensure you are up to date with the COVID protocols of the particular HEI, as well as the member state where it is situated, prior to travelling to said member state. STUDYING IN EUROPE: Impact of COVID-19 on studying abroad in Europe IMPORTANT: The information below was obtained through Study.eu. As the COVID situation develops internationally, we recommend that you maintain regular contact with any European member state HEI where you may have been offered a place - This is to ensure you are up to date with the COVID protocols of the particular HEI, as well as the member state where it is situated, prior to travelling to said member state. How does the Corona pandemic affect studying abroad? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the higher education sector in many ways. If you are planning to enrol in a degree programme abroad, it is important that you follow developments closely - both in your home and your destination country. Here are some of the effects we have already seen: No face-to-face teaching or exams: To reduce the spread of coronavirus, many universities have suspended any on-campus activities like lectures. Where possible, classes are being held online. Restrictions on immigration: Certain countries have restricted entry, and only nationals or permanent residents are allowed in unless there are important reasons. So you should monitor developments closely and plan ahead. Admission procedures and application deadlines: As the pandemic is also affecting administration, universities may have made changes to their admissions processes, application deadlines and semester start dates. So you should check the website of your desired institution(s) regularly for any updates. If you cannot meet eligibility criteria by the application deadline because of effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, please reach out to the admissions office of the university you want to apply to. It may be better to submit an incomplete application.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE CAO/UCAS ROUTE APPRENTICESHIPS An apprenticeship is the recognised way people are trained in a craft trade or profession. The main craft trades and professions have been designated by an organisation called SOLAS (solas.ie). Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training with an employer and generally last for 2 to 4 years, during which time you will spend different periods in off-the-job training. CRAFT APPRENTICESHIPS Craft Apprenticeships include carpentry, plumbing, motor mechanics and electrical apprenticeships. They will generally last for 4 years, during which time you will spend 3 different periods in off-the-job training. Generally, the first such training phase will take place in an Education and Training Board (ETB) Training Centre while subsequent training phases will take place in an Institute of Technology. Once you have completed the necessary assessments successfully, you will be awarded an Advanced Certificate – Craft (Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifica- tions). NEW APPRENTICESHIPS IN OTHER AREAS OF INDUSTRY 2016-2021 Apprenticeships introduced from 2016 on lead to an award between Levels 5-10 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Each apprenticeship programme can be between 2 and 4 years duration. New apprenticeships in ICT, finance and hospitality include software development, accounting technician and commis chef. You can find information about new apprenticeships on apprenticeship.ie. SOLAS Solas offers Further Education and Training programmes. Part-time, full-time, day, evening and online courses. Programmes include apprenticeships, traineeships, skills to advance, eCollege and the European Globalisation Fund. NOTE: In relation to COVID-19 the Solas website currently states the following: “At this time, FET programmes continue to be delivered primarily online with some exceptions, however planning for a return to onsite education from Septem- ber 2021, safely and in line with public health guidelines is underway”. Visit solas.ie for more information THE DEFENCE FORCES Recruitment competitions are held as required for the Defence Forces. Visit their website for more information - www.military.ie AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA To register your interest you must have a User Account on www.publicjobs.ie. If you have not already done so, you must register as a New User to create your Profile. Once registered, you can set up a job alert for positions within An Garda Síochána. In the section Create Job Alert, under Job Category, select Security/ Emergency Services and Sub Category Garda then “Add alert”. Candidates should not confuse registering (Creating a Profile) and setting up a job alert with submitting an application. Once the position is advertised you must then access the application form, complete and submit it.
POST LEAVING CERTIFICATE COURSES
Colleges of Further Education offer PLC courses mostly accredited by FETAC. These are designed
to prepare students for direct employment, or act as a pathway to higher education.
CORK PLC COLLEGES WEST CORK PLC COLLEGES
Cork College of Commerce - Morrisons Island, Cork. Clonakilty Further Education and Training Centre, CETB
Tel: 021 422 2100 / Mail: info@corkcollegeofcommerce.ie / St. Fachna's Centre, Casement Park, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Web: corkcollegeofcommerce.ie Tel: 086 020 4681 / Mail: brid.m.murphy@corketb.ie
See for West Cork Campus at Skibbereen.
Maria Immaculata Community College - Bantry Rd, Underhill,
Colaiste Stiofain Naofa - Tramore Road,Cork. Dunmanway, Co. Cork
Tel: 021 496 1020 / Mail: info@csn.ie / Web: csn.ie Tel: 023 885 6030 / Mail: miccinfo@corketb.ie
Web: www.micc.ie
St. John’s Central College - Sawmill St, Cork City
Tel: 021 425 5500 / Mail: info@stjohnscollege.ie College of Commerce (West Cork Campus) - 2 North St,
Web: stjohnscollege.ie Gortnaclohy, Co. Cork
Tel: 028 21 644 / Mail: westcorkcampus@ccoc.ie
City North College of Further Education - Hollyhill, Knocknaheeny, Web: westcorkcampus.corkcollegeofcommerce.ie
Cork Tel: 021 439 1782 / Mail: info@citynorthcollege.ie /
Web: citynorthcollege.ie McEgan College of Further Education - Macroom, Co. Cork
Tel: 026 41 076 / Mail: info.office@mcegan.ie / Web:
NORTH & EAST CORK PLC COLLEGES mcegan.ie
Carrignafoy Community College - Cobh, Co. Cork. Kinsale College of Further Education - Bandon Rd,
Tel: 021 481 1325 / Mail: cobhcc@corketb.ie / Blackhorsefield, Kinsale, Co. Cork Tel: 021 477 2275 / Mail:
Web: cobhcommunitycollege.com info@kinsalecollege.ie / Web: kinsalecollege.ie
PRIVATE THIRD LEVEL COLLEGES
Mallow College of Further Education - Mallow, Co. Cork.
Tel: 022 43 309 / Mail: info@furthereducationcollege.ie / Griffith College - Wellington Rd, Cork
Web: furthereducationcollege.ie Tel: 021 450 7027 / Mail: admissions.gcc@griffith.ie / Web:
griffith.ie
STATE TRAINING AGENCIES
Teagasc (The Agriculture and Food Development) National Maritime College of Ireland (NCMI)
Also see CAO for related courses through MTU & UCC. / Applications for all degree programmes made through
Address (Main Office): Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow R93 XE12 the CAO / Address: Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork
Tel: (059) 917 0200 / Mail: info@teagasc.ie / Web: teagasc.ie Tel: 021 433 5600 / Mail: reception@nmci.ie
Web: ncmi.ie
Cork Training Centre - CETB Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) - Irish Sea Fisheries Board
(Cork Education & Training Board) Address: National Fisheries College, Castletownbere, Co.
A range of training and apprenticeships Cork / Tel: 027 71230 / Mail: della.osullivan@bim.ie /
Address (Main Office): 21 Lavitt’s Quay, Centre, Cork Web: bim.ie
Tel: (021) 4907100 / Mail: info@corketb.ie / Web: corketb.ieGRANTS
THE STUDENT GRANT SCHEME
Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland’s national awarding authority for all
further and higher education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students, in approved
full time third level courses at approved institutions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Any student wishing to undertake a course of study at a private college (e.g. Griffith College, Dublin
Business School etc) will not qualify for a grant as the list of approved institutions does not include private HEI’s. Students
attending these colleges will also be required to pay the relevant fees.
ELIGIBILITY FOR SUSI GRANTS
Residence & Nationality:
In order to receive funding from SUSI, you must have been resident in the Irish State or the EU/EEA/, UK or
Swiss Federation for three of the last five years.
If a student has been living in the EU/EEA/, UK, or Swiss Federation but not in the Irish State for three of the
last five years, they are deemed a tuition student. An eligible tuition student will only receive the fee portion
of the Student Grant and will not receive the maintenance portion.
Course: You must be attending an approved course in an approved institution, and those who secure a
course place will have met the academic requirements.
Income: For the 2021/22 academic year, your application will be assessed on your household’s gross
income from all sources from 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020. The person/s whose
income is taken into consideration will depend on which of the following two categories you fall
into (NOTE: Most secondary students fall into the first category - i.e. Dependent);
APPLICANT CATEGORIES
Dependent / Mature Dependent Student: You will be assessed on your parents/legal guardians
income and your own income (if any).
Independent Student: You will be assessed on your own income and that of your spouse/civil
partner/cohabitant.
Maximum Period of Grant Assistance For Undergrad Courses:
Level 6 + 7: Max 4 years funding
Level 6: Max 2 years funding
Level 7: Max 3 years funding
Level 8: Max 4 years funding (except where course duration exceeds 4 years)
STUDENT GRANT BREAKDOWN
Part 1. Maintenance Grant: This is a contribution towards day-to-day living costs and is paid directly to eligible
students through nine monthly installments over the course of the academic year.
The total amount of grant payable will depend upon the level of a student’s
reckonable income. (see threshold breakdown below)
Part 2. Fee Grant: This will cover;
All or part of a student’s ‘tuition fees’
All or part of the ‘student contribution’
Costs of essential field tripsQualifying for the fee grant
This fees grant is also means tested and follows a lot of the same conditions as the maintenance grant. Generally, if
you qualify for a maintenance grant, you will also qualify for the fee grant, as long as you are in an approved course
in an approved institution.
MAINTENANCE GRANT: ADJACENT & NON-ADJACENT RATES
Maintenance grants are payable at either adjacent or nonadjacent rates. The adjacent rate is paid when a student’s
college is 45km or less from their normal residence. The non-adjacent rate is paid when a student’s college is more
than 45km from their normal residence.
GRANT AMOUNT AWARDED
The total amount of the grant will depend on the level of a student’s reckonable income. The ‘Income Threshold’
table below illustrates the different income thresholds.
SPECIAL RATE GRANT:
To be eligible for the Special Rate a student’s family income must meet the following conditions;
Your annual household income must not exceed €24,500
This income must include a long term Department of Social Protection eligible payment, which qualifies
you for the Special Rate. For a list of eligible Special Rate payments visit https://susi.ie/special-rate-awards/
RATES OF MAINTENANCE GRANT 2021 - 2022
PLC Grant Levels (Maintenance Only: No Fees Payable)
& Undergraduate Grant Levels (Maintenance Element) Annual Rates
Level of Grant Maintenance(Non-Adjacent) Maintenance (Adjacent)
Special rate of maintenance € 5,915 € 2,375
Standard rate - Full Maintenance (100%) € 3,025 € 1,215
Standard rate - Part Maintenance (75%) € 2,270 € 910
Standard rate - Part Maintenance (50%) € 1,515 € 605
Standard rate - Part Maintenance (25%) € 755 € 305
INCOME THRESHOLDS 2021-2022
Household income thresholds (for the purpose of means testing) are laid out in the tablebelow and relate to
Rates of Maintenance Grant (Adjacent or Non-Adjacent).
Family’s Reckonable income must be under the *The following outlines conditions relating to
listed amounts (Maintenance & Fee Grant) the Fee Grant (i.e. No Maintenance Grant) for
household incomes under the the listed amounts.
Number Special Standard Standard Standard Standard *No *No Postgrad fee
of Rate of Rate 100% Rate 75% Rate 50% Rate 25% maintenance maintenance contribution
dependent maintenance rate of rate of rate of rate of 50% tuition 50% student (standard rate)
children maintenance maintenance maintenance maintenance fees or 100% contribution
student
Full Fee Full Fee Full Fee Full Fee contribution
Grant Grant Grant Grant
Less than 4 €24,500 €39,875 €40,970 €43,380 €45,790 €49,840 €54,240 €54,240
4 to 7 €24,500 €43,810 €45,025 €47,670 + €4,830 €54,765
€50,325 €59,595 €59,595
8 or more €24,500 €47,575 €48,890 €51,760 €54,630 €59,455 €64,700 €64,700
Plus increment for each additional relevant person/student
+ €4,830 + €4,670 + €4,670 + €4,670 + €4,830 + €4,830 + €4,830
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
SUSI is currently accepting new grant applications for the 21/22 academic year.You can apply online at www.susi.ie.
Applications should be made as soon as possible. Use the Eligibility Reckoner on SUSI website, for quick assessment
of your eligibility for a grant. There is also an Online Tracker available to check the status of your application.
For more detailed information on eligibility and the SUSI grant application process (including ‘tips for applicants’) visit
susi.ie.STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
IMPORTANT NOTE on potential changes due to COVID-19:
Before looking into your accommodation for the academic year, you should contact the institution you will be
attending, to check if any changes to the delivery on courses have been implemented in light of the COVID-19
pandemic.
FINDING ACCOMODATION:
If you have gained a place, contact your college as soon as possible before the start of the
academic year for advice and support in accommodation locally. Some college Students Unions
provide lists of suitable/vacant accommodation. Also check the college website. Other useful
websites include:
daft.ie / let.ie / eazycork.com / rent.ie / property.ie
? STUDENT SUPPORT
There is a lot of help and support available to you when you start college
- you just need to ask:
Admissions Officer: Often your first point of contact. They advise on the administration of college life,
such as deferring courses, changing courses etc.
Access Officer: Assists students on various issues such as financial problems, education worries
and facilities / resources for people with disabilities (some colleges have separate
disability officers).
Student Services Officer: Plans for students needs such as orientation for newcomers, counselling,
mentoring etc.
Student Union: Represents students and advises on student issues.
NOTE: Contact info for all of the student supports above can be found on the relevant college websites.YMCA IRELAND'S ADVOCACY &
YO U T H I N F O R M AT I O N S E R V I C E
Our service connects young people, parents and those who work with young people
with a professional Youth Information Officer who provides personalised information.
The service is a great way for you to get more information, learn about new opportunities
and talk through your own situation with someone who can help.
YIChat Service www.ymca-ireland.net/question
Monday-Friday 16:00 - 20:00 (except for public holidays)
or you can leave a message outside of those hours and receive a reply by email
West Cork Helpline 023 884 4009
WEST CORK
Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays 14:00 - 16:00
Carbery Helpline 087 755 3562
Mondays 18:00 - 20:00 | Saturdays 12:00 - 14:00
CORK CITY
Cork City Helpline 085 130 6207
Wednesdays & Thursdays 09:00 - 17:00
Follow us on & @yiyoungvoices
Find out about the latest online/ offline opportunities, Youth Advocacy
programmes and future Youth Information activities at
Youth Innovation Space, YMCA, 11/12 Marlboro Street, Cork
# Y M C A Y O U T H I N F O
WHILE EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS
DOCUMENT IS ACCURATE, THE YOUTH INFORMATION SERVICES CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
LIABILITY INCURRED OR LOSS SUFFERED AS A CONSEQUENCE OF RELYING ON THAT MATTER.You can also read
