Bursary Scheme for young people with care experience

Tusla in conjunction with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Dormant Accounts makes available limited financial support to young people who have had a care experience to assist with third level course fees.

Application Information 2024

Application Information 2024 All applicants must have had care experience within the Republic of Ireland prior to their 18th birthday of at least 6 months in line with Sections 4 (Voluntary Care), Section 17 (Interim Care Order) and Section 18 (Full Care Order) of the Childcare Act 1991.

The scheme provides financial support towards the cost of tuition fees to access further education and training to a maximum of €2,000 per applicant. 

The following criteria for eligibility apply:

1. You are currently aged 18 or over.
2. You have had care experience within the Republic of Ireland of at least 6 months in line with Sections 4 (Voluntary Care), Section 17 (Interim Care Order) and Section 18 (Full Care Order) of the Childcare Act 1991.
3. You are seeking financial support towards the cost of tuition fees to access further education or training. (This can be a new course/training or continuation on an existing course/training)
4. You are not eligible for, or are not in receipt of, a SUSI grant for fees.
5. You are available to engage with the relevant Tusla personnel on the application process.
6. Your Tusla referee (Aftercare Worker or Aftercare Manager1 ) confirms that you meet the requirements outlined in point 1 and 2 above.
7. You provide a letter from the relevant college or training centre confirming that you have been accepted on a course or training programme.

Please note: Applications cannot be made for course equipment, ICT equipment, driving lessons or accommodation costs.

Application, approval and payment.

1. Tusla Education Champions panel will consider all complete applications.
2. Amount of funding issued, will be determined by the panel, considering the number of valid and complete applications received.
3. Where an application is approved under the scheme, an invoice from the college/centre/institution will be requested.
4. Payment will only be made to the college or other third level education institution on receipt of a valid and up to date invoice.
5. All payments will be made directly to the college or other educational institution. No payments will be made directly to the applicants.
6. No reimbursements for fees paid to colleges will be made to applicants.
7. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered by the TUSLA Education Champions panel.

Applicant Checklist

• Ensure you have completed all sections of the Application Form.
• Consult with your Aftercare Worker or Aftercare Drop-in Service for sign off.
• Attach a letter with confirmation of course place from the college or training centre.
• If you are not eligible for a SUSI grant attach evidence of the reason why.
• The opening and closing date for applications is Monday the 9th of September 2024 to Friday 11th October 2024 at 5pm- no applications will be considered that are received before or after these dates.

Submitting your application

Applications should be submitted by email to: educationbursary2024@tusla.ie Confirmation of receipt of applications will be made to the email address provided in the Application Form