Alternative courses, grants and deferrals prove a worry

ALTERNATIVE course options, grant applications and deferring college places are among the biggest concerns for students and their families checking third-level offers this morning.

Rose Tully, co-ordinator of the National Parents Council Primary helpline which took more than 1,000 queries after last week’s Leaving Certificate results, said it is important for all CAO applicants to think carefully about the next step regardless of whether they have received an offer or not.

“Those who did not get their first choice should look, maybe, at the Post-Leaving Certificate course options, many of these offer a backdoor entry to some third-level courses after a year, or, if they are just five or 10 points short, they might want to think about appealing a grade and arranging to view a script, which has to be applied for by tomorrow,” she said.

“Even if you have been offered the course you want, be sure and check all the procedures carefully and don’t leave it to the last minute if you are going away. Many people who have done the Leaving Cert might think they would be more mature next year, but be sure to contact the college and follow the correct moves if you want to defer a place.”

The level of calls to the helpline last week about grants also leads Ms Tully to believe there will be a lot of financial trouble for families who no longer qualify for higher levels of maintenance.

Thousands of students could be affected by the increase in the distance they must live from their college to qualify for the non-adjacent grant rate. It has risen from 25km to 45km.

The reduced eligibility will mean students who would previously have qualified for the higher amount will qualify for 40% less support, saving the Department of Education about €30 million a year.

* The NPCpp helpline (1800 265 165) is open from 8am to 7pm today and tomorrow, staffed by members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.

The Cork Youth Information Centre (021 4270187 or 4274726) is also offering advice on the CAO system, PLC courses independent colleges, grants and accommodation. Further information is available on notalone.ie.