Further Education Grants - Part Time

Students aged 19 or over on 1 July 2024 studying a part time further education course can apply for a means tested grant from FE Grants if their course meets the following criteria:

Be completed in no longer than twice the time it would take to complete the full time equivalent.
If no full time equivalent course exists, then the part time course must be for at least 8 hours per week in duration with the 8 hours being made up of taught hours plus compulsory placement hours.
Previous study, residency and course choice will all be checked to determine eligibility for this award.

Tuition Fee liability

The College requires all students to pay appropriate course fees at the point of enrolment. Students who have received their award letter from Education Authority/Student Finance NI must present this to Customer Services at the point of enrolment. The amount of the award will be deducted from the total fee and if a balance remains this must be paid by the student at the point of enrolment (unless the criteria for payment by instalment is satisfied).

Students who have not received their award letter from Education Authority/Student Finance NI at the point of enrolment must pay the appropriate course fees at enrolment. Students may avail of concessionary fees and/or payment by instalment if the appropriate criteria is met. Once funding has been approved the student must submit their award letter from Student Finance NI to Customer Services.

If the award covers the total fee, the College will refund the amount already paid by the student. The College will cancel the direct debit agreement and issue the refund prior to 1 December 2024. If the award does not cover the total fee, the student will remain liable for any balance remaining. If paying by instalments, the College will continue to proceed with the direct debit on the due dates.

In all circumstances, the student is responsible for the payment of the total fee whether they complete the course or not. In the event of Student Finance NI not releasing the full amount of the award the student will be required to pay the remaining balance of the total fee.

When to Apply

Students should apply for a Further Education Grant at the same time as they apply for their course. The closing date for applications is 31 October 2024. Apply online at www.eani.org.uk/feapplication.

Contact Information

Telephone: 028 9598 6000, and select option 2
Website: www.eani.org.uk/fegrants
Email: fegrants@eani.org.uk

Grant for Fees, Books & Stationery

Part time students can receive a grant towards tuition fee costs.

Part time students can also receive a grant towards books & stationery costs. This will be paid directly to the student once the confirmation of your enrolment form, included with your award letter, is completed and returned to the Education Authority.

The table below will give you an idea of the amount of grant you may receive.

Household Income	Grant for Fee Support	Grant for Books & Stationery
Up to £15,000	£465	£265
£15,001-£20,000	£275	£157
£20,001-£25,000	£185	£105
£25,001 and over	No Funding	No Funding

Tuition Fees will be released directly to the College by Student Finance NI in Feb 2025.

Childcare Grant

Students can claim a childcare grant if using registered or approved childcare. Students aged under 20 years of age on 1 September 2024 should apply to the Care to Learn Scheme instead.

The Childcare grant is dependent upon household income. The table below will give you an idea of the support available.

Household Income	1 child 1-7 hours per week	1 child 8-14 hours per week	2 or more children 1-7 hours per week	2 or more children 8-14 hours per week
Up to £21,330	£33	£65	£56	£110
£21,331 - £26,160	£28	£56	£48	£95
£26,161 - £31,580	£20	£39	£34	£67
£31,581 - £38,805	£10	£20	£17	£34
£38,806 and over	No Funding	No Funding	No Funding	No Funding

You will be asked in the online FE Grant application if you wish to apply for the Childcare Grant. If you select yes, the Education Authority will contact you and ask you to complete a separate Childcare Application CG2 or you can contact the FE Team at fegrants@eani.org.uk or 028 9598 6000 and select option 2 to request an application.

Childcare costs are paid directly to your Childcare Provider by the Education Authority. If your childcare costs are more than the grant covers you are responsible for the balance.