Funding Your Education in Ireland
Grants, access routes and fee support to help you study or retrain — from SUSI and HEAR/DARE to Springboard+, tax relief and apprenticeship earnings.
SUSI Student Grant
Best for: Undergraduate and PLC students
The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant is the main means-tested grant for undergrads and some further-education students. It can cover part of the student contribution (fees) and provide a maintenance payment for living costs.
Check eligibilityHEAR — Higher Education Access Route
Best for: School-leavers from underrepresented backgrounds
HEAR offers reduced-points entry to college for school-leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, plus extra academic, social and financial supports in many colleges.
Check eligibilityDARE — Disability Access Route to Education
Best for: Students with a disability
DARE offers reduced-points entry to college for students whose disability has had a negative impact on their education, along with support such as assistive technology and academic mentoring.
Check eligibilityBack to Education Allowance (BTEA)
Best for: People on certain social welfare payments
BTEA from the Department of Social Protection lets people on eligible payments (e.g. Jobseekers, One-Parent Family) return to full-time study and keep a weekly payment instead of a jobseeker payment.
Check eligibilitySpringboard+
Best for: Jobseekers, returners and those in employment upskilling
Springboard+ provides free or heavily subsidised higher-education places in areas of skills shortage — mostly tech, data, manufacturing and green skills. Many courses are part-time for those in work.
Check eligibilityeCollege & SOLAS Skills
Best for: Adults upskilling online
SOLAS eCollege offers free flexible online courses in areas like IT, business and healthcare skills, with recognised certification — ideal for fitting learning around work.
Check eligibilityApprenticeship Earnings
Best for: Apprentices
Apprentices are employed and paid a training wage throughout on-the-job phases, so you earn while you qualify — there's no tuition fee for apprenticeship training.
Check eligibilityTax Relief on Tuition Fees
Best for: Undergrads and part-time/postgrad students
Income tax relief at the standard rate is available on qualifying tuition fees for approved full-time and part-time courses, claimed via Revenue (often through the student or a parent).
Check eligibilityMature Student Grants (via SUSI)
Best for: Students aged 23+ on first day of college
Mature students can apply for the SUSI grant based on their own means (rather than parents'), making study more affordable for adults returning to education.
Check eligibilityCollege Access & Bursary Funds
Best for: Disadvantaged, mature and student-parent learners
Most Irish colleges run access/bursary funds and student assistance funds for students facing financial hardship, including dedicated funds for lone parents and students with disabilities.
Check eligibilityNext step: choose your route
Once you know how to fund it, explore the route that leads to your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get funding to study as a mature student?
Yes. If you are 23 or over on the first day of the academic year, you can apply to SUSI assessed on your own means, and you may also be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance if you are on a qualifying social welfare payment.
Are apprenticeships free?
There is no tuition fee for apprenticeship training — apprentices are employed and paid a training wage during on-the-job phases, and the state covers the college phase training.
What is the difference between HEAR and DARE?
HEAR supports school-leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, while DARE supports students whose disability has negatively impacted their education. Both offer reduced-points entry to college and additional supports.
Is there tax relief on college fees?
Yes. Tax relief at the standard rate is available on qualifying tuition fees for approved full-time and part-time third-level courses, claimed through Revenue.