THE Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) in Clare has launched its third level Education and Training Bursary for 2022/23.
The Bursary will support Clare students of all ages who may be struggling financially to access or stay in third-level education and training programmes
Denis Carty, SVP Clare Area Council President said, “SVP recognises the importance of education at all levels. However, for many people accessibility and affordability are real barriers to obtaining a third level education and training.
“In the last few years, Clare SVP has dealt will many students from different backgrounds whose grant payments are simply not enough to cover accommodation costs, let alone the addition costs of food, travel and books. This had been made worse by the current rental and cost of living crises.”
Last year Clare SVP spent almost €60,000 on helping individuals and families realise their potential.
Mr Carty gave a number of examples of how students, both first time and mature, were helped through the SVP Bursary.
Students needing to pay for accommodation, food, books and IT where the students grant did not cover their full costs. Their families did not have any savings or spare resources to help them.
People who needed to pay for equipment and exam fees to participate on training courses, that would lead to better employment opportunities.
A lone parent who was undertaking a part time degree course that allowed them to balance their family commitments and seek out new employment opportunities. There is no SUSI grant for this type of course.
Transport costs for a student in direct provision. The person had to undertake three separate bus journeys to do an access course.
They have since gone on to a third level course full time.
Recent research by TU Dublin has shown that Clare Students looking to study in Dublin could face costs of at least €13,305. Yet, the maximum SUSI grant is €6,115.
Even in nearby locations such as Limerick and Galway the cost can be between €800 – €1,100 per month.
The Clare SVP Bursary will consider all recognised undergraduate third level education and training programmes for funding. However, postgraduate studies (Master or PhD) or private colleges are not eligible.
Mr Carty said, “In addition, our local branches have supported individuals with transport costs, food, fuel and childcare while they undertook training or education courses.”
Students must demonstrate that they have applied for all available state funding or other grants. Information on other sources of funding is available on the Student Finance website. Bursary awards are dependent on funding availability.
For more information on how you can apply to the Clare SVP Education and Training Bursary Programme, contact the SVP shop at 065 682 4188 or by email at StJosephs.Ennis@Svp.ie
An application form will be supplied, and applicants can expect to be interviewed by in person or by phone.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.