Q. Who can apply for a Higher Education Grant (H.E.G.)?
Listed below are the categories of students who can apply for a H.E.G.
- Ordinary - Students who are under 23 years of age and their parents/guardians are residing in Donegal since 1st October 2005.
- Mature Candidate Dependent on Parents - student who are at least 23 years of age on 1st January 2006 and who is residing with his/her parents in Donegal since 1st October 2005.
- Independent Mature Candidate - student who is at least 23 years of age on 1st January 2006 and who is maintaining a residence in Donegal since 1st October 2005.
Q. What courses are covered?
- Full time Courses
- Minimum duration one year
- Maximum funding for four years
- Courses leading to the award of Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma, Master, Doctorate*
- Courses in Ireland, including Northern Ireland
* PLEASE NOTE that for the purposes of funding all courses pursued must represent a progression from courses already pursued, i.e., must be of higher academic level, e.g., Higher Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate – Masters – PhD/Doctorate.
Q. What Institutions are Approved?
Normally all of the publicly assisted institutions in Ireland, including Northern Ireland with the exception of private institutions.
Q. What criteria must I fulfill in order to qualify for a H.E.G.
- Age - At least 17 years of age on 1st January 2007
- Residence - In the case of an "ordinary candidate" and a "candidate dependent on parents", parents must be resident in Donegal from 1st October 2005
"Independent Mature Candidate" must be resident in Donegal from 1st October 2005
- Means - In the case of an "ordinary candidate" and a "candidate dependent on parents", eligibility for a grant will be assessed on the basis of parents' income.
In the case of an "Independent Mature Candidate", eligibility for a grant will be assessed on the basis of the candidate's income and spouse's income, if applicable.
Q. What does the H.E.G. consist of?
The Higher Education Grant (H.E.G.) consists of a maintenance grant and the payment of tuition fees.
Q. Does each student receive the same maintenance grant award?
The value of the maintenance grant can vary from quarter, half, three quarters maintenance to full maintenance depending on candidate's/parents' income.
Q. Do I have to pay Tuition Fees?
If you qualify for full fees (i.e. parental income/your income is within the determined income limits), this Council can pay tuition fees subject to a maximum limit. The maximum limit in the forthcoming academic year is €5,730.
Please note that students pursuing approved courses in Northern Ireland may have to pay something towards tuition fees, because of the difference in the exchange rate. Normally the maximum fee limit will cover the full cost of tuition fees payable in the Republic of Ireland.
Students pursuing the Professional Practice Course 1 at the Law Society of Ireland are only eligible to have 2/3 of the maximum fee limit paid on commencement of the professional course. Students pursuing the Professional Practice Course 2, are eligible to have 1/3 of the maximum fee limit paid in respect of tuition fees.
Q. What are the relevant income limits?
The relevant income limits for the 2006/2007 academic year are as follows:
| Number of Dependent Children |
Full Maintenance and Full Fees |
Part Maintenance (75%) and Full Fees |
Part Maintenance (50%) and Full Fees |
Part Maintenance (25%) and Full Fees |
Part Fees (50%) only* |
| < 4 |
€ 37365 |
€ 39695 |
€ 42030 |
€ 44365 |
€ 46700 |
| 4 – 7 |
€ 41055 |
€ 43625 |
€ 46190 |
€ 48760 |
€ 51325 |
| 8 or more |
€ 44580 |
€ 47365 |
€ 50150 |
€ 52930 |
€ 55715 |
* In the 2006/2007 academic year where 2 or more children (or the candidate's parent) are pursuing a course of study listed below the reckonable income limits may be increased by €4,525 where there are 2 such children, €9,050 where there are 3 such children and so on, by increments of €4,525.
(i) attending full-time third level education
(ii) attending a recognised PLC course, student nurse training or student Garda training
(iii) participating in a CERT course of at least one years duration
(iv) attending a full time Teagasc course in an agricultural college
(v) attending a recognised full-time further education course, of at least one year’s duration, in Northern Ireland
Q. What is the value of the maintenance grant?
The value of the H.E.G. in the 2006/2007 academic year is as follows:
|
Non-Adjacent Rate |
Adjacent Rate – Living within 15 miles of College/University |
| Full Maintenance |
€ 3110 |
€ 1245 |
| Part Maintenance (75%) |
€ 2335 |
€ 935 |
| Part Maintenance (50%) |
€ 1555 |
€ 625 |
| Part Maintenance (25%) |
€ 780
|
€ 310 |
Q. How will I know if I have been awarded a grant?
When all information has been received in relation to your application, a decision will be made on your eligibility for a grant - normally in September/October. Delays arise when all information has not been submitted.
Q. Who can I contact if I require further information?
If you require further information or help when completing the application form, you may contact this office (County Secretary's Office) at telephone no: (074) 91 72222 or direct lines: (074) 91 72209/91 72209.
Telephone queries: - Monday-Friday between 9.00am-12.30pm
PERSONAL MEETINGS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY AND CAN BE ARRANGED BY CONTACTING THE ABOVE TELEPHONE NUMBERS.
Application Forms should be returned to:
Donegal County Council,
County House,
Lifford,
Co. Donegal.
Q. What information must I submit with my application?
- Income Details for tax year ended 31st December, 2005
(see below)
PAYE EMPLOYEE
P21 Balancing Statement - submit P60 to the Tax Office, High Road, Letterkenny and request a P21 balancing statement.
If not in receipt of PAYE Income, we require an official letter from the Tax Office stating same.
SELF EMPLOYED
Copy of Financial Accounts and Notice of Assessment - submit Financial Accounts to the Tax Office and once accounts have been verified, the Tax Office will issue a Notice of Assessment.
Adjusted Profit Computation for the tax year 2005.
If exempt from filing a Return of Income for the year ended 31/12/05, it will be necessary to submit a current letter from the Revenue Commissioners confirming same.
SOCIAL WELFARE RECIPIENT
A letter from the Department of Family, Community and Social Affairs, stating the type of payment, the amount and duration of payment received.
- Fully completed Post Graduate Application Form
- Proof of independent residence in Donegal since 1st October 2005 - applicable to Independent Mature Candidates only.
- We require a Rent book or Utility Bill e.g. Eircom bill, ESB Bill OR Gas Bill in your name relating to the 1st October 2005.
If you cannot provide any of the above, we require an Affidavit sworn before a ‘Commissioner of Oaths’, confirming Independent residency in Donegal since 1st October 2005.