Department of Social Protection - Back to Education Allowance

What the Back to Education Allowance gives you

Whilst you are studying full-time, you will continue to receive income support. This is paid at the same weekly rate as the social security benefit you were already receiving. If you have a dependent child, you will also receive an additional Cost of Education Allowance of 500 EUR per year. Jobseekers receiving benefits under 26 are paid the age-related rate, which is capped at 203 euros per week and reduced by any income you may have. The support is granted for the duration of your studies. It is provided by the Irish Department of Social Protection and is intended to help social welfare recipients gain qualifications and find permanent employment.

Who can apply

• Your situation: You are unemployed, parenting on your own, or have a disability. You are currently getting a qualifying payment such as Jobseeker's Allowance or Benefit, One-Parent Family Payment, Carer's Allowance, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit.
• How long on that payment: You must have been receiving this for a certain period of time before the course begins: 3 months for a continuing education course, 9 months for a university degree programme, 12 months for a postgraduate programme.
• Age: On a jobseeker payment you are over 21, or 18 to 20 and out of formal education for at least 2 years. On other qualifying payments you are 18 or over. For postgraduate courses you are at least 24.
• Course: You are enrolled on a full-time day course leading to a recognised qualification, ranging from the Junior Certificate to an Honours Degree (QQI Level 8), as well as, in limited cases, a postgraduate course. You must start in the first year and enter at a level higher than your current qualification.
• Where you study: The degree programme usually begins in Ireland or Northern Ireland. You can spend up to 2 years abroad (for example, as part of the Erasmus+ programme), provided that these years form a compulsory part of your degree programme.
• Student Grant: You cannot receive the maintenance portion of the student grant at the same time. However, you can still apply for a tuition fee grant to cover your tuition fees.
• Springboard+ courses: Separate rules apply to these state-funded courses in sectors facing a shortage of skilled workers: there is no minimum age, a waiting period of 9 months, and the course may be at the same level or a higher level than a qualification you already hold.

How to apply

Submit your application as soon as you have chosen a course and before it begins, but no later than 30 days after the course starts. If you are a registered customer, submit your application online via MyWelfare; otherwise, use the paper version of form BTE1 and submit it to your local Intreo office or the relevant department of the Ministry of Social Protection.

You can find more scholarships in our guide Scholarships in Ireland.