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31 July
Study Grants Confusion Causing Student Finance Headache.
Massive increase in grant applications.
by
SoftwareGuru
29th July 2009
In Ireland there are many issues which concern students from
course selection to student accommodation. However, one topic
remains at the forefront - student finance.
This Summer amid Ireland's weakened economic position, student
finance is the hot topic among students and industry
commentators alike.
Already the likes of the
Irish Independent newspaper predicts that "Numbers
applying for study grants will soar" as the jobs' crisis
worsens.
Job losses have changed the financial outlook for many
families around the country and it is hoped that this will be
taken into account during grant processing.
Over at
boards.ie, Ireland's most popular messageboard for young
people, the questions and confusion continue around the study
grants issue.
To clarify this, know that the value of the maintenance grant itself has not been cut,
ranging from €855 to €3,420 maximum.
At a cost of over €300 million a year, the Government will
be keeping a close eye on the grants scheme as it continues to make
cuts wherever possible.
Thankfully, the new income bands for the 2009/2010 grant have gone up in
line with wage and social welfare increases.
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Financial Pressure On Students
For many students, taking responsibility for their own budgeting
can cause a huge amount of stress. This is in addition to the
stress of exams and even relationships during college and
university years can take its toll.
No matter where you seek advice from the most important thing is
to realise that you are not alone. It may sound like a cliché
but that's because it's true.
Student Associations will usually have student finance advice
and information readily available for those who seek it out.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Websites such as
studentfinance.ie can provide even more in-depth guidance.
At studentfinance.ie, Irish students learn of other sources of assistance for
students, such as the Fund for Students with Disabilities, the
Back to Education Allowance, the Student Assistance Fund and the
Millennium Partnership Fund.
The site also has a
Student Finance FAQ which should answer a lot of your
initial questions and concerns.
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Focus On The Bigger Picture
Leaving Cert results are due in two weeks time and both students
and parents alike are waiting anxiously for results that will
begin to shape their future.
As difficult as it might seem, try to retain some sense of the
bigger picture. This Summer is a significant crossroads but
there will be others in your life.
We are not bound forever to the choices we have made in the
past. Each day we can choose to do things differently.
As we say all the time here at Software4Students, the digital
era has put the emphasis firmly on our skill-set and how
open-minded we are towards learning new skills. We believe
we play a small but vital role in
helping the next generation of Irish students fulfil their
potential in this new global village.
The creation of the internet and broadband, combined with lower
priced computers and affordable software means that we have
access to a previously unimaginable wealth of information.
The things that matter most to the students of Ireland today may
well matter less as the years go by. After all, expectations and
ambitions change over time.
Stay positive and focus on what you really want. |
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Posted by
admin
at
12:25
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Learn more about student issues in Ireland at Software4Students.