Financial assistance

Funding by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan (NDP), with assistance from the European Social Fund (ESF), the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) is aimed at tackling educational disadvantage by providing financial support to those who require it and enabling them to fully participate in their third-level education.

The SAF provides financial support to full- or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending University.

Part-time students who are lone parents or members of the other access target groups identified in the National Access Plan: A Strategic Action Plan for Equity of Access, Participation and Success in Higher Education 2022 – 2028 are encouraged to apply as additional funding has been made available to support this group.

To be eligible, students must fulfil the following criteria:

• Be fully registered with RCSI
• Be registered in a course that has a duration in excess of one year

Potential expenses which may be covered by the fund include:

• Books
• Class materials
• Rent
• Heating/Lighting bills
• Food
• Travel of an urgent nature
• Medical expenses – i.e doctor or dental visits
• Family breakdown
• Bereavement
• Accidents
• Certain family obligations, particularly in relation to childcare

Potential expenses which are not covered by the fund include:

• Tuition fees
• Registration fees
• Electives – either at home or abroad
• Replacement laptops
• Bursaries
• REACH grants
• Loans
• Funding relating to the provision of access courses/foundation courses
• Funding for students participating on access courses/foundation courses

Please note:

• Applicants may be called for interview in support of their submission.
• Applicants who are unsuccessful have the right of appeal.
• All funds are allocated by the SFAC.
• All applications are assessed on an individual basis and are totally confidential.
• While it is fair to say that all students could benefit from additional financial support, the SAF is limited and allocations can only be made to those considered most in need.
• Funding granted in a specified academic period does not guarantee funding for subsequent years.

The Student Hardship Fund (SHF) aims to assist Non-EU students who may be experiencing unforeseen hardship which could jeopardise their ability to continue their studies. While the fund is open to all Non-EU students, special consideration is given to Undergraduate students with financial difficulties.

The SHF is funded through the Alumni Annual Giving Programme.

Eligibility

To be eligible, students must fulfil the following criteria:

• Be fully registered with RCSI
• Be registered in a course that has a duration in excess of one year
• Circumstances must be unanticipated, unexpected or extraordinary
• Proof of financial hardship must be supplied/supported
• Students must be in good standing with the University

Potential expenses which may be covered by the fund include:

• Emergency accommodation (short-term)
• Travel of an urgent nature
• Emergency medical expenses
• Family breakdown
• Bereavement
• Accidents
• Certain family obligations

Potential expenses which are not covered by the fund include:

• Tuition fees
• Registration fees
• Electives – either at home or abroad
• Replacement laptops
• Personal, student or education loans
• Personal/family tax liability

How to apply

To apply, students must complete the SHF application form and attach supporting documentation. The completed application should be returned to the RCSI Student Services office.

The Student Financial Assistance Committee (SFAC) will then examine each case and make recommendations. These recommendations will be communicated to the applicant in writing.

Please note:

• Applicants may be called for interview in support of their submission.
• Applicants who are unsuccessful have the right of appeal.
• All funds are allocated by the SFAC.
• All applications are assessed on an individual basis and are totally confidential.
• While it is fair to say that all students could benefit from additional financial support, the SAF is limited and allocations can only be made to those considered most in need.
• Funding granted in a specified academic period does not guarantee funding for subsequent years.

The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is a national funding scheme administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The fund supports eligible Irish and EU students with disabilities in higher education by providing disability-related supports that help them access, participate in, and successfully complete their studies.

Funding is allocated directly to RCSI rather than to individual students. Once a student has registered with the Learning Access Service and completed a needs assessment, eligible disability related supports may be funded through the FSD.

The type and level of support available are based on individual need and are subject to the eligibility criteria and guidelines set out by the HEA. Students are encouraged to register with the Learning Access Service as early as possible to ensure that supports can be put in place in a timely manner.

If you have a disability and would like to access support during your studies, please contact the RCSI Learning Access Service as early as possible. You will need to provide documentation of your disability when registering.

The Learning Access Service will work with you to identify any reasonable supports or accommodations you may require.

Email learningsupport@rcsi.ie for more inormation.