An excellent source of information on all matters relating to third-level fees and sources of funding is www.studentfinance.ie. Please see other financial services available below:

For eligible applicants, the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for persons in receipt of certain social welfare payments wish to pursue second or third level courses of education subject to meeting the qualifying conditions. Full information on the BTEA, and on how to apply, can be obtained from your local Department of Social Protection Office.

The student grant scheme is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). The grant is divided into two components – maintenance grant and fee grant. You cannot get the Back to Education (BTEA) and the maintenance component of a student grant together. You can however apply for a fee grant to cover the student contribution (2018/19 €3,000) and any course tuition fees not already covered by the free fees scheme.

If you think you are eligible for the student grant, you do not have to wait until you receive an offer of a place or enrol in college to apply. You are advised to make your application as soon as possible as only when your application has been completed in full and submitted to SUSI can your eligibility for funding be determined. The student grant scheme is means-tested. The deadline for applying for a higher education grant is 1 August in any year.

The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to full-time undergraduate or postgraduate students in need of such support. For full details please visit the Access Office website or contact them directly on T: 061-213104 or E: SAF@ul.ie

In conjunction with the University of Limerick Students’ Union and the Postgraduate Students’ Union, the University administers two types of financial aid.

  • The Financial Aid Hardship Fund is an interest free loan to students. This scheme is designed to help students who experience short-term financial problems. If the student qualifies for assistance, she/he will receive an interest free loan that is capped at €500. This loan is repayable in full prior to graduation.
  • Additionally, student parents who are experiencing financial difficulties can apply for a Childcare Bursary to support them with their childcare/child-minder costs. For those student parents who qualify for the bursary, 20%-50% of their childcare costs will be covered by the bursary.

If a student is experiencing financial difficulty and wishes to apply for either type of funding, she/he is encouraged to call to Teach Fáilte or Room CM071 to meet with the chaplain, Alternatively, the student can email john.campion@ul.ie to make an appointment.

The Fund aims to ensure that full-time students with disabilities can participate fully in their academic programmes and are not disadvantaged by reason of a disability. A claim under this Fund is made on behalf of an eligible student by their college following an assessment of need. Applications cannot be made directly to the Fund by students. Students with disabilities enrolled in part-time courses, access or foundation courses in higher education institutions or short courses are not eligible for consideration under the Fund.

Further information on funding for study related support for students with a disability is available from the UL Disability Support Service. T: 061-213478 or E: Caoilinn.Kennedy@ul.ie.

The 1916 Bursary Fund, funded by the Department of Education and Skills, commemorates the centenary of 1916 as part of an overall series of measures to encourage participation and success by students from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education. Bursaries worth €5,000 per annum for the duration of studies are available. Applicants must be assessed as socio-economically disadvantaged to be eligible. Further information, link to application portal and FAQs are AVAILABLE HERE,  any inquiries/ queries can be directed to 1916BursaryFund@ul.ie.

The University of Sanctuary Scholarships offer opportunities for those from refugee and asylum-seeking communities to study at the University of Limerick, including new mature students. The scholarship offers support towards the costs of higher education, including fee waivers, if applicable. If you are a new entrant to first year on either the BA Arts (LM002) or BBS Business Studies (LM050) and meet the eligibility criteria (international protection applicant or have been granted international protection) please see full details on www.ul.ie/ul-university-sanctuary. 

Uversity scholarships offer Higher Education Scholarships for Adult Learners that are intended to remove financial barriers so that adult learners can unlock their potential and realise their ambitions.  Uversity’s scholarships will provide multi-annual financial support for recipients to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree for the first time in participating third level institutions in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.  Scholarships can be any subject area and will be tailored to recipients’ financial circumstances to cover some or all of the direct and indirect costs associated with higher education. Eligible candidates must submit an application via an online system.  All applications will be reviewed by Uversity for eligibility and may be shortlisted for interview.  See www.uversity.org for further details.