Bursary Scheme for young people with care experience

Application Information 2026

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 Section 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 €5,000 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 Section 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 and can evidence this.
5. You are available to engage with the relevant Tusla personnel on the application process.
6. Your Tusla referee (Aftercare Worker or Tusla Support Worker) 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. The Tusla Education Champions panel will consider all complete applications.
2. The amount of funding issued will be determined by the panel, taking into consideration the number of valid applications received.
3. While the panel will endeavour to award the amount applied for, consideration will be given to the number of eligible applications to disburse the fund fairly.
4. Where an application is approved under the scheme, an invoice from the college/centre/institution must be provided by the applicant to progress the award.
5. Payment will only be made to the college or training institution on receipt of a valid and up to date invoice.
6. All payments will be made directly to the college or training institution. No payments will be made directly to the applicants.
7. No reimbursements for fees paid to colleges will be made to applicants.
8. 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; Tusla Support 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.
• State the amount of funding applied for.
• The opening and closing date for applications is Monday 31st of August 2026 to Friday 02nd of October 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:

educationbursary2026@tusla.ie

Confirmation of receipt of applications will be made to the email address provided in the application form.