When you can’t afford to take money for granted

FOR many being offered a college place today, the next important step will be to see what financial supports might be available.

A record number of undergraduate students are expected to apply and qualify for maintenance grants this year because of the impact of the recession on employment levels and wages across all economic sectors.

The main grants system is funded by the Department of Education and supports students on higher education courses, mainly in the universities, colleges of education and institutes of technology. Assistance is also available, however, for those opting for further education or post-Leaving Certificate programmes which offer FETAC awards.