The Student Assistance Fund provides financial support to full or part time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. 

The Student Assistance Fund is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Students who are EU citizens or have been deemed eligible for the Free Fees Initiative can apply for the Student Assistance Fund. 

The fund is open to registered students on courses of no less than one year in duration. 

• Full-time registered students on courses that lead to a higher education award at Level 6-10 of the national framework of qualifications can apply. 
• Part-time registered students on courses that lead to a higher education award at Level 6-10 of the national framework of qualifications can apply. Part-time eligible applicants must also be on a means-tested social welfare payment.

Meeting the above criteria does not automatically deem you eligible, your financial situation will be considered upon receipt of your application.

Please note: international students are not eligible to apply for the SAF.

The Student Assistance Fund assists with costs such as: 

• Rent 
• Books, materials for your course
• Living expenses: food, heating, lighting 
• Essential transport to/from university
• Medical expenses: doctor, dentist, other 
• Emergency: this includes bereavement, accidents, family breakdown, or other unforeseen circumstances
• Childcare 

Funding is NOT available to cover: 

• Tuition fees 
• Registration fees 
• Student loan repayments

You will be asked to provide supporting documentation along with the online application form. Without these, your case will not be assessed.

Students who are living with their parent(s)/guardian(s) and under 23 years of age (dependent) will need to provide the below in both their parent/guardian's name and their own. Students who are over 23 years of age (independent) can submit their own. 

Full-time students: 

• Proof of the financial emergency
• Proof of European citizenship for the student applying only: copy of your passport or birth certificate
• Full statements for the last three months from all bank, Revolut, Credit Union, and An Post accounts in your name: these must be sent in PDF format, and must show all transactions during the period
• Payslips if you are working, proof of seasonal work, or proof that you are not working currently
• SUSI grant letter or back to Education allowance (if applicable)
• 2023 P21
• Social welfare receipt (if applicable)
• Rent or mortgage receipt
• Bills: electricity, heating bills or any other you think are relevant
• Statements of any loans held

Part-time students: 

• Proof of the financial emergency
• Proof of European citizenship for the student applying only: copy of your passport or birth certificate
• Proof of being on means-tested social welfare
• Full statements for the last three months from all bank, Revolut, Credit Union, and An Post accounts in your name: these must be sent in PDF format, not screenshots, and must show all transactions during the period
• Payslips if you are working, proof of seasonal work, or proof that you are not working currently
• 2020 P21 
• Rent or mortgage receipt
• Bills: electricity, heating bills or any other you think are relevant
• Statements of any loans held

The Student Assistance Fund application process is currently closed and will open again in late January.

• Students who are not satisfied with the outcome of their application can appeal the decision with additional information and documents so that their case can be reassessed. 
• Students will be informed of the outcome of their appeal by email. 

For all other queries relating to the Student Assistance Fund please contact studentassistancefund@ncirl.ie.

Who can apply for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF)?

All registered NCI students who meet the qualifying criteria can avail of the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). 

I am worried about having enough money while in college – can this service help me?

The SAF is a one-time payment that can help if you find yourself in financial difficulty while in college. If you are thinking about coming to NCI or are about to start, it can really help to check out fees for your programme and general college costs. You can also review third-level student fees and charges on the Citizens Information website to ensure you can afford the ongoing costs of college. Contact MABS for free budgeting advice. 

What financial assistance is there to help me pay for college? 

You may qualify for the SUSI grant or Back to Education Allowance (BETA) which can help pay for your course fees. NCI also offers a number of scholarships and discounts.

Note: The SAF cannot be used to pay fees and is a one-time payment to help with financial emergencies.

What is the SAF Student Emergency application?

The SAF Student Emergency application is available to assist full-time students who are experiencing unforeseen and immediate financial difficulties as a result of a once-off emergency event. Some of these may be homelessness, family bereavement or sudden loss of income.

Is there any financial help available for part-time students? 

Part-time students can apply for the Student Assistance Fund if they meet the criteria.

I am a HEAR student, can I apply for the SAF? 

All HEAR students will be asked to fill out a form and upload their HEAR letter as proof. If you meet the criteria, you will receive a once-off SAF payment. This payment is determined by the amount of HEAR students and funding NCI receives, therefore it is subject to change. 

HEAR students who experience a financial emergency during the academic year can apply to SAF again.

Is there any financial help available for students with disabilities?

All registered NCI students who are struggling financially can apply for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). 

My circumstances have changed suddenly, what can I do? 

You can contact saf@ncirl.ie for advice on the SAF or apply directly to the SAF for financial assistance. 

I have reduced earnings due to COVID-19, can I apply for the SAF? 

Students must meet the qualifying criteria; however the application process will take into account if there has been loss of earnings due to COVID-19.

Can I get help with my living expenses? 

This may be possible. Please email saf@ncirl.ie for further information on the funding options and for advice.

Can I get help with my travel expenses? 

The Student LEAP card is available which reduces travel costs. Other assistance may be possible from SAF. 

Can I get help to pay for childcare? 

All college related expenses can be considered for SAF (including childcare) so if you think you are eligible, you can apply to the SAF (read above for instructions on how to apply). You can also email saf@ncirl.ie for advice. 

Can I get financial help for repeat exams? 

None of the funding provided by the SAF can be used for the payment of fees. We may be able to help with the extra expenses related to repeat exams (i.e. loss of earnings, travel costs), you can also email saf@ncirl.ie for advice. 

Can I get funding for a repeat year? 

You may be able to apply to SUSI under Exceptional Circumstances for a repeat year, e.g. medical circumstances. You may be eligible for financial assistance during your repeat year if you meet the criteria.

How do I make an appointment to see the Student Engagement and Retention Officer? 

To make an appointment, please email studentassistancefund@ncirl.ie and a team member can organise an appointment with you on Microsoft Teams. 

Why might I need an appointment with the Student Engagement and Retention Officer? 

To talk about money concerns, attendance and withdrawals. 

What can I expect at a meeting? 

A 10-15 minute chat giving guidance and advice. Please note that for the SAF, this will not be suitable for a full assessment for financial assistance. 

Can I apply for the SAF without meeting with the Student Engagement and Retention officer? 

You do not need to meet with the Student Engagement and Retention officer to apply for the SAF. You can meet if you need clarification or advice only.