Student Assistance Fund – Athlone

The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) application process will open on 10th September 2025 and close on 31st October 2025 for the new academic year 25/26.

About the Student Assistance Fund

The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills and co-funded by the Irish Government. The SAF is allocated to higher education institutes (HEIs).

The Student Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for students who are experiencing financial difficulty whilst attending college. The fund provides a further source of funding for higher education students in addition to the SUSI grant.

Application to the Fund is open to full-time and part-time registered students on a course of not less than one year’s duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. Applicants must meet the application eligibility criteria. Funding is not available under this fund for the cost of tuition or registration fees.

International/non-EU fee paying students are not eligible for funding. However, students who are non-EU nationals, but who are eligible for free or reduced fees in line with the criteria for the Free Fees Initiative, may be considered for the SAF subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.

Unfortunately not all applications will be successful due to limited funds. Students who apply to the fund are assessed on an individual and confidential basis.

The purpose of the Student Assistance Fund is to provide support to full-time and part-time registered students of TUS who may be experiencing extreme financial difficulties/ have experienced a major change of circumstances.

The application process:

Complete the online application form and upload your documentation, please make sure you click the SUBMIT button at the end of the form.

The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide you with information about the fund. You need to read these before you make an application and before you submit documentation.

Frequently asked Questions

Who can apply for the SAF?

Full-time and part-time registered students on courses that lead to a higher education award at level 6 to 10 of the national framework of qualifications are eligible to apply for the SAF.

To be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund, students must be in receipt of one of the categories below and evidence must be provided.

In receipt of a SUSI grant or awaiting the outcome of their application e.g. fees only or maintenance grant. Due to limited funding, only the following SUSI awards are eligible for SAF funding:
- Full Maintenance
- Part Maintenance (75%/50%/25%)
- 50% tuition fees and 100% student contribution
- 50% student contribution only
In receipt of a means tested social welfare payment or be dependent upon spouse/partners means tested social welfare payment
Dependent on parent(s)/legal guardian, who are in receipt of a means tested social welfare payment
Registered HEAR (Higher Entry Access Route) student of TUS (applied on CAO to TUS)

How do I apply for the SAF?

You complete the online application form and then you upload your supporting documentation. The Access Office does not accept hard copies of documentation. It must be uploaded with your application.

Make sure to write your name and student number on your documentation.

How often can I make an application to the SAF?

Only one application per academic year can be made.

How will my SAF application be assessed?

Each application form is assessed by a sub group of the Student Assistance Fund Committee on an individual and confidential basis. The committee will assess applications based on the application submitted and evidence provided.

If my application is approved, how will I get an SAF payement?

Payments will be made by electronic fund transfer (EFT) into the bank details you provide.

How will I find out about the outcome of my application to the SAF?

You will be emailed to your student email account. If your application has been approved this email will state the amount of your payment and the date that payment will be made.

When will I find out the outcome of my application to the SAF?

You will receive an email to your student account once all applications have been reviewed.

Can I appeal the decision if my application to the SAF is not approved?

Yes, you can email the Access Office requesting a review of your application (saf.midlands@tus.ie).

Can I apply for the SAF if I am repeating a year?

Yes, a registered repeat student can apply if they are repeating and attending modules.

Students that are registered for repeat exams only are not eligible to apply for the fund.

What documentation should I provide for the SAF?

You need to provide details of your income to support your SAF application. Your application cannot be assessed without documentation.

Write your name and student number on the documentation that you are submitting.

DOCUMENTATION MUST BE UPLOADED WITH YOUR APPLICATION

You need to provide one or more of the following documents for your SAF application, whichever applies to your situation:

SUSI award letter – All 3 pages – Please note if you do not have your approval from SUSI you can upload a screenshot of the status of your application until such time as you can provide your letter

Proof of your own Social Welfare payments (Mature students)

Proof of your Parent(s)/Guardian/Spouse/Partners Social Welfare Payments

Confirmation that you are a HEAR student

You can request a Dept of Social Protection Statement online.

When is the SAF application closing date?

The fund closes for applications for semester 1 on Thursday 31 October at 5 pm 2025.

The fund closes for applications for semester 2 on Friday 21st February 2026 at 5 pm.

The fund will reopen in January for new applicants only.

(Only one application per academic year is accepted).