What are the criteria for application?

Applicants must...

• Demonstrate an interest in returning to education.
• Be aged 23 or over on 1 January of the year of application.
• Be resident in Ireland
• Be eligible for the Free Fees Initiative: Free Fees Initiative | Funding, Governance and Performance | Higher Education Authority
• Have experienced educational disadvantage and meet at least three of the following indicators:
  • In receipt of means tested social welfare supports for a minimum of 6 months.
  • Previous attendance at a DEIS school or living in an area with low participation in higher education.
  • Membership of a socio-economic group under-represented in higher education.
  • Family circumstances that impacted educational opportunities.
  • Childhood illness or disability that affected education.
  • Loss of skills or educational opportunities due to life circumstances.