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Student Assistance Fund FAQs – Midwest
Below you will find some useful frequently asked questions and answers in relation to the Student Assistance Fund at TUS.
Student Assistance Fund FAQs
Applications to the Fund are open to full-time and part-time registered TUS students on a course of not less than one year’s duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (excluding night study). Applicants must meet the application eligibility criteria. Funding is not available under this fund for the cost of tuition or registration fees.
Students must meet one or more of the following eligibility criteria:
- Be in receipt of a DEASP means tested social welfare payment or be dependent upon their spouse or partner’s means tested social welfare payment
And/or
- Students who are dependent on their parent(s)/legal guardian, who are in receipt of a means tested social welfare payment.
And/or
- Students who are in receipt of a SUSI grant or are awaiting the outcome of their application e.g. fees only or part/full maintenance grant.
And/or
- Are a registered HEAR student of TUS
International/non-EU fee paying students are not eligible for funding.
Students on courses that do not lead to a higher education award are not eligible to apply for the SAF.
Students who are repeating as an Exams Only student cannot apply.
Students who have been awarded the following grant cannot apply to the SAF at present: €500 SUSI contribution grant.
Please check this page regularly for updates on when applications for the student assistance fund will open and close. Typically the fund opens for a set period of time.
Documentation needed to support an application, may include proof of your own or your parent/spouse/partner(s)’ social welfare payment.
A student that is in receipt of the SUSI grant, must provide a copy of their awarding letter or screenshot of their SUSI online account.
HEAR students can provide any documentation to confirm they are a HEAR entrant.
No, HEAR students do not need to provided documentation. However, as it is a required question on the application form, please upload a blank document stating you are a HEAR student.
The fund is open for applications for a set time period, thus meaning that you cannot apply at any time during the academic year. Only one application is permitted per student. Late applications are not accepted.
Yes, given that your course will lead to a higher education award.
Students on Springboard+/Human Capital Initiative courses, or who are on blended/distance learning courses, are eligible to apply for support through the SAF
The financial documentation outlined above, where applicable, must be submitted online in support of your application. Applications will only be assessed by the Student Assistance Fund Advisory Committee if the relevant supporting documents are submitted, within the application closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.
Applications may take up to six weeks after closing date to process.
You will receive an email to your student email address stating the outcome of your application. This can take up to 6 weeks from the closing date, after application form is submitted.
Yes, you may make an appeal in respect of process or if your circumstances have changed from the time you have made your application. Students must provide further documentation to support their appeal. The deadline for making an appeal is one week from the date you receive your unsuccessful letter and appeal form.
An appeal form will be sent to applicants that were unsuccessful in their application.
Payment will be made by electronic funds transfer directly to your bank account, using the details provided on your application form. The account must be in the student’s name. Incorrect account details will delay payment.
The Student Assistance Fund is available to help students with day-to-day costs while participating in higher education, such as:
- Rent
- Food
- Travel
- Books and Class Materials
- Registered Childcare Provider Fees
- Medical Bills
Funding is not available to assist students with the costs of tuition fees, registration fees, student loans or any costs that are borne by the HEI.
The amount of funding available to an applicant is dependent on the amount allocated by the HEA, and the number of students who successfully apply.
Yes, you are eligible to apply. The SAF will not affect your 1916 Bursary payments.
Yes, you are eligible to apply.
Yes, if you are fully registered and attending your course you can apply.
No, funding is not available to assist students with the costs of tuition fees, registration fees, student loans or any costs that are borne by the HEI.
No, you will need to reapply to the fund each academic year and prove that you meet the eligibility criteria.
Yes, you may apply again the following year. However, you will again need to prove that you meet the eligibility criteria in order to be awarded the SAF.
If you have any further questions, please email saf.midwest@tus.ie