This article is from page 29 of the 2008-08-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 29 JPG
THE Citizens Information Service are advising anyone who want to know about grants in relation to go- ing back to education that there is a new online resource www.studentfi- nance.ie offering a comprehensive, user friendly guide to student grants and supports in further and higher education. According to Paul Woulfe manager with the network of advices centres, “More and more mature students and parents are seeking advice in relation to support available in persuing third level courses. There is a lot of confusion around the crite- ria for applying, the means test and who administers what grant. This site provides information on the full range of student supports, including maintenance grants, the Fund for Students with Disabilities, the Back to Education Allowance and the Stu- dent Assistance Fund.” Studentfinance.ie has been designed to help users to quickly and conven- iently identify the various sources of financial support for which they are eligible and how they can apply this online resource. ‘Every year in dealing with queries
at our information offices around the county it is obvious that there is sig- nificant knowledge deficits for many students, prospective students and their families in relation to the main- tenance grant schemes and associ- ated financial support programmes. Studentfinance.ie is designed to fill this gap in a clear and accessible for- mat.
‘The maintenance grant is the main source of financial assistance and any- one who is think- ing of embarking on further study should investigate whether they are eligible, and, if so, submit an application,’ said NZ Daa oltd bree
“The maintenance grant section of stu- dentfinance.ie is the most comprehen- sive source of infor-
mation on the available schemes that you will find anywhere in Ireland. It provides a handy step-by-step guide to eligibility in clear, plain English,” he said.
The Citizens Information Service through its network of offices offers a free and confidential information and advice service to members of the public on their rights and entitle- ments.