Student Assistance Fund
No set amount. Your college decides how much based on your circumstances. It pays the money to you directly.
Last checked September 2026
What it is
Help from your own college for higher education students who are struggling financially, for things like rent, food, books, travel or childcare. A PLC course in a further education college does not qualify. There is no national form and no online portal. You go to the access office or the student services office in your own college and they assess it there.
The test is whether your course leads to a higher education award, at levels 6 to 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications, in a university, institute of technology or other higher education institution. The level number on its own is not the test, so a level 6 award from a further education college does not qualify.
The course has to run for at least a year.
The money is given to the colleges and each one assesses its own students, so what you can get and how you apply is decided locally. Ask your access office early in the year.
Who can get it
- You are a full-time or part-time student on a course of at least one year leading to a higher education award at Level 6 to 10, including postgraduate and PhD students, in one of the colleges on the HEA's list of participating colleges. That covers the universities and institutes of technology plus some other colleges, including the National College of Ireland and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Most other private colleges do not have it
- You do not need a SUSI grant to apply
- International fee-paying students are not covered. Neither are courses that do not lead to a higher education award, such as PLC courses
- It can help with books, rent and utilities, food, essential travel, childcare, medical costs and family emergencies
- It does not pay tuition fees, the registration fee or student loans
- €1 million a year is set aside for part-time students who are lone parents or from other access groups
- Each college runs its own scheme and may call it something else, such as a student support fund. Ask your access office early in the year
How to apply
Apply to the access office or student services office in your own college. There is no national form. Your college assesses you and you can appeal a decision.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 27 September 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
Do I need a SUSI grant to get the Student Assistance Fund?
No. You can apply whether or not you get a SUSI grant.
Can part-time students get the Student Assistance Fund?
Yes. Full-time and part-time students on a course of at least one year leading to a higher education award can apply.
Does the Student Assistance Fund pay tuition fees?
No. It covers living costs such as rent, food, books, travel and childcare. It does not cover tuition or registration fees.
Can a PLC student get the Student Assistance Fund?
No. It is only for courses leading to a higher education award at Level 6 to 10 in a higher education college.
Related guides
- Bursary for Young People with Care Experience
- SUSI Student Grant
- Free Fees Initiative
- Fund for Students with Disabilities
- Tax relief on tuition fees
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