1916 Bursary Fund

The Bursaries are targeted at students who are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage and are from one or more of the following socio-economic groups that have low participation rates in higher education: 

• Students from communities, groups or areas that are socio-economically disadvantaged or that have low levels of participation in higher education, including those who have experienced homelessness, the care system, survivors of domestic violence, and those who have experience of the criminal justice system.
• Socio-economically disadvantaged mature students (23 or older on 1 January of their year of entry to higher education – and having never previously accessed higher education).
• “Second-chance” socio-economically disadvantaged mature students. Such students may be considered for a bursary where they have:
  • previously attended but not completed a course, 
  • had a five-year break in studies since leaving the course, and 
  • are returning to attend an approved course.
• Students with a disability.
• Students who are carers (confirmed by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) as holding a long-term means-tested carer’s allowance).
• Members of the Irish Traveller community and Roma community.
• Lone parents or teen parents (confirmed by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) as holding a long-term means-tested social welfare payment) – at least 20% of Tier 1 bursaries will be targeted at lone parents.
• Students who are migrants, refugees or who are from ethnic minorities who are lawfully present in the State

What does “Socio-Economically Disadvantaged” mean for the 1916 Bursary Fund?

This term usually means that you live in an area of urban or rural disadvantage where not many people from that area go on to third level education by tradition or for financial reasons. You may have attended a DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) school.  You may be a lone parent or have previously been in the Care of the State/Tusla. Your family income may mean that you are not able to go to college without financial help. You may be from a socio-economic group that is underrepresented in higher education.  All of these factors, either individually or in combination, mean that you may have significant additional social and financial barriers making it difficult to access and succeed in higher education.

Who can apply for a 1916 Bursary? 

• Students applying to Year 1 of an (undergraduate) programme in this academic year (2022/23) or repeating Year 1 due to a significant ‘life event’ which prevented successful completion of that year in a participating HEI.
• Students who entered through advanced entry into second year of their programme.
• Students who are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage and are from one or more of the socio-economic groups that have low participation in higher education listed above.
• Students must be experiencing socio-economic disadvantage regardless of the target group.
• Students must be able to demonstrate that they would qualify for the highest level of SUSI grant, i.e. reckonable income less than €24,500 in 2021. Applicants must be able to provide evidence that shows they are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.
• Students must be applying for a full-time or part-time undergraduate course in a publicly funded institution that:

(a) takes not less than two years to complete,

And

(b) on the successful completion of which a student is awarded a major higher education and training award at level 6 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications.

• There is no restriction on programme of study.

Who cannot apply for a 1916 Bursary? 

• Students who are not first-time entrants to higher education and plan to start study in September/October 2022.
• Students who have already received a qualification at the same level.
• Students on a full-time or part-time undergraduate course in a publicly funded institution that takes less than two years to complete, or on the successful completion of which a student is awarded a major higher education and training award at level 5 or below on the National Framework of Qualifications.
• Students whose reckonable income is assessed as over the maximum income limit, currently €24,500 gross for the family in 2021.
• Postgraduate students.
• Students in years other than 1^st year.

What do I need to do before I start my application form?

Please make sure you have all documents required before you begin your application.

1. You must agree to the data sharing policy in order to proceed with the application'        
2. Locate your 9 digit CAO number.
3. Locate your student email address
4. Provide your phone number. 
5. Find your Eircode. If you do not know it click here    
6. Locate the documents required to support the information provided in your application form.  For a list of these please click here. Save these to your device as you will need to upload them to complete your application.  
7. You must have your PPS number.  It is very important that you insert the correct number. 
8. If you have applied to SUSI you will need the W number or your application number. 

Please note - it is not possible to add documents after you submit your application. 

Please have all documents ready to upload with your application.  

 Apply Here                     

Making an appeal

There are two grounds for appeal:

1. You believe there was an “administrative error in assessment” i.e. that you think a mistake was made when your application was being reviewed that lead to you not being awarded the Bursary. 
2. You believe “insufficient weight was given to an aspect of your application” i.e. that all your circumstances were not taken into account when your application was being reviewed and something important was not considered about your personal situation.

No new information can be included or considered at appeal stage.

What do I need to complete an appeal form?

Before you complete an appeal, we suggest you speak to a member of staff in your HEI.  They can discuss your outcome and other supports available to you.

• Your 9 digit CAO number
• Identify the grounds for your appeal

The link for 'appeals' will open on Monday, 21st of November and close on Monday, 28th of November.

APPLY FOR AN APPEAL