Fees
Depending upon the course you choose, you may have to pay fees. For more information contact the Department for Education
Social Welfare
If you have been claiming one of the following for at least 6 months, are over 21 and have not attended a 3rd level course before, then you may qualify for Back to Education Allowance . With the back to education allowance you get a yearly payment of 300 at the start of each academic year, plus your unemployment benefit. You do not have to sign on, and the payments are paid directly into your bank account. Payments continue throughout the summer and are not means-tested. This means you can gain employment through the summer months without it affecting your payments.
Tax
Unlike regular students who pay no tax, you will be taxed on everything you earn as normal. However if you are paying your own fees you may be entitled to tax relief
Grants
All
Local Authority Grants for Mature Students are means tested. Your assessed income shall be that of you and your spouse, if applicable. Below is a table that shows, for example , if you and your spouse have a assessed income of 28,100 euro you would have to have 8 or more children to qualify for the lowest grant of 50% only.
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