FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Attending third-level education can be expensive - from accommodation right through to your annual fees. There are supports available for those instances where you are struggling to cope financially. As always, you can get in contact with sarah@dcusu.ie if the below information doesn’t answer any of your questions. All of DCU’s information on financial assistance can be found here.
Student Assistance Fund (SAF)
The SAF is a financial fund which opens at the beginning of the Academic Term. Funding for the SAF is provided through the EU and each Higher Education Institution has its own qualifying criteria for the SAF. You can find all the information on how to qualify for the SAF here.
All queries on applying for the SAF should be directed to: studentassistancefund@dcu.ie
Can you briefly summarise the SAF qualifying criteria?
In short, if your expenses are more than your income, you may qualify for the SAF. The SAF is open for Irish Students & students paying EU fees. There may be some exceptions to this depending on your circumstances.
What level of financial support does the SAF provide?
Typically, the SAF provides a one-time lump sum of money that can range in value. Most sums of money fall around €500. However, it really depends on your individual circumstance.
What does the SAF contribute to?
The SAF can contribute to costs of living including childcare costs, rent, books, and food. The full list can be found in the eligibility criteria. The SAF cannot go towards your fees. However, it can cover your other expenses which may free up your own income to pay for fees.
Can I access the SAF more than once?
Typically, you can only access the SAF once per year. However, depending on your circumstances, you may apply for financial assistance once per semester. All queries should go to studentassistancefund@dcu.ie.
What do I do if I need financial assistance outside of term time / after the deadline for the SAF?
There are instances where assistance can be provided outside of regular term time. The SAF is operating during COVID-19 to provide students support where possible. Queries should be sent to studentassistancefund@dcu.ie
Budgeting & Financial Advice
If you are struggling with financial decisions and budgeting and require advice, feel free to get in contact with celine.geraghty@dcu.ie or sarah@dcusu.ie who can provide you assistance.
Projections of costs you may encounter and information on food banks are available here.
COVID-19 Laptop & Connectivity Fund
Information on how to apply for a laptop through the Government’s COVID-19 response fund can be found here.
SUSI
The most up-to-date information on applying for SUSI grants can be found here. If you are struggling with your SUSI application and need advice, please get in contact with sarah@dcusu.ie. Students’ Unions have specific internal contacts with SUSI who will be able to provide all the information you need.
Can I qualify for SUSI if I’m a repeat student?
In cases of deferrals on medical grounds, you can apply for repeat SUSI funding. Please get in contact with sarah@dcusu.ie for more information.
HEAR/DARE Scholarships
If you come into DCU under the HEAR/DARE programme, you will be eligible for a twice a year scholarship payment. The rate of scholarship per semester as per 2019/20 is €400. You can contact cathy.mcloughlin@dcu.ie from the Access Office for more information.
SVP Scholarships
If you do not qualify for SUSI and other financial scholarships yet still require support, you may qualify for a St. Vincent de Paul grant. Information on the SVP grants can be found here: https://www.svp.ie/what-we-do/education-grants.aspx
Emergency Short-Term / Immediate / Small Expenses
If you are in need of immediate short-term expenses (e.g., Leap Card top-up, taxis home, food) please get in contact with sarah@dcusu.ie.
Student Fees
Student fees currently stand at €3000 for Irish students. An additional €43 year is charged upon registration. DCUSU is seeking greater investment in Higher Education so DCU can be empowered to reduce fees.