With college tuition and registration fees rising at a steady level each year it’s  vital for those in charge to loosen the purse strings and provide the necessary support for those who need it…2008 has seen the introduction of various  schemes to assist students in the financial struggle of third level education…

On the 12th March Mary Hanafin, the Minister for Education and Science distributed the first round of annual Donagh O’Malley Scholarships to 17 students. The fund seeks to support access to higher education for those from socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Four geographical regions are covered in the range of the scheme; Dublin City and County, the rest of Leinster, Munster and Connacht. Three scholarships worth approximately €6,750 are given to each region and are awarded on the basis of Leaving Cert results.

Another relatively recent phenomenon is the Bank of Ireland/UCD Scholarship scheme which was introduced last year and provided three scholarships. The idea of the initiative is to assist members of the new Irish community; i.e. those from minority/ethnic groups outside of the E.U; this is intended to further the creation of a socially and culturally inclusive learning environment in today’s Ireland. Hopeful candidates must be resident in the Republic of Ireland for a minimum of three years; four scholarships are available for 2008/2009.

Paying rent is an unattractive yet unfortunate reality for many college students. DIT has recognised this by announcing the Rent Assistance Scheme which allocates €1000 per year for those who meet the eligibility requirements.

Good news for those in the Connacht area as the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) has implemented a new scholarship scheme which will offer 10 scholarships to the value of €5,000 which will be distributed in instalments over the duration of the course. The fund is awarded on the condition that the candidate is an EU student who attended secondary school in the Mayo and Galway area and who has applied for a GMIT programme. The parents’ income must qualify for the Third Level Maintenance Grant Scheme 2007; contact teresa.hanley@gmit.ie.