TULLAMORE
Grants, Funding & Programmes Student Grant (SUSI)
This means test student grant is available to students who are progressing to a full-time QQI Level 5/6 Award or equivalent, and who have not previously studied an award at similar or higher level on the National Framework of Qualifications. The amount of the grant depends on family income and on the distance a student travels from their place of residence to the college. Student Grant applications can be made online only to Student Universal Support Ireland {SUSI) through www.susi.ie. Applications can be made from April and should be made before starting a course. Further information is available on www.studentfinance.ie or www.citizensinformation.ie
Back To Education Allowance (BTEA)
The BTEA is an allowance from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection {DEASP) to allow eligible applicants to participate in education while remaining on a Social Welfare payment. Eligible applicants are paid BTEA instead of their Jobseekers or other allowance or benefit - more information is available on www.welfare.ie.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
The VTOS scheme provides a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people. Applicants must be aged over 21 years of age and in receipt of Social Welfare payment for at least 156 days before commencement of course. VTOS is aimed in particular at unemployed people who are early school leavers. Successful applicants can receive a VTOS payment for the duration of their course instead of their social welfare payment. They may be able to avail of additional supports including childcare support and small meal and travel allowances. Books and course materials may also be provided.
Back To Education Initiative (BTEI}
BTEI courses are provided to people aged 16+ who have left full-time education and meet at least one of the following criteria: • Have less than upper second level education {Leaving Certificate) • Have a medical card, or are the dependent of a medical card holder • Are in receipt of a social welfare payment (e.g. Jobseeker Allowance/ Benefit, one Parent Family Payment, Cares Allowance, Disability Allowance, etc.).
Page 90 | LOETB Tullamore Prospectus 2022-2023
