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Student Assistant Fund (SAF)

In general, the SAF is designed to support students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds with ongoing needs for financial support and provide emergency financial assistance for other students. 

The SAF is available to assist students who are unable to meet costs associated with day-to-day participation in higher education throughout the duration of the academic year, such as rent, college materials, childcare.  A student does not have to be in receipt of a SUSI grant to be eligible to receive funding from SAF.

More on the Student Assistant Fund

The SAF is offered through the Access & Disability Office and more information is avaible on the MIC Student SharePoint Site. Click here to view the Student SharePoint Site.

The Student Assistance Fund application forms for Spring Semester will open on Monday, 26th January 2026 and close on Tuesday, 17th February 2026 at 4pm. Click here for the SAF Application. 

 

Student Welfare Fund

The MISU Student Welfare Fund is available for application where a student is experiencing a financial emergency that requires short-term aid.

More on the Student Welfare Fund

Students can apply to the fund once per academic year and there is no requirement to submit documentation. All that is required is completion of the application form.

MISU will continue to work with the Access Office to support any students who may need to utilise this fund.

For more details on the MISU Student Welfare Fund contact your Wellbeing Champion, Nat Horan on misuvpsew@mic.ul.ie 

 

Grants, Assistance Funds, Scholarships & Awards

There are a number of grants, funds, scholarships and awards available to students in Ireland which each carry their own eligibility criteria and offer a number of financial and academic supports depending on the level of study and course being undertaken (e.g. PLC, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Study Abroad). For more information and to view eligibility, please visit the sites below:

More on Grants, Assistance Funds, Scholarships & Awards
  • Free Fees Initiative - Tuition fees may be paid in respect of full-time undergraduate students undertaking approved courses in eligible institutions
  • SUSI - The main source of financial support available to students from the Irish State.
  • Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) - One of the main funding sources for students with disabilities undertaking further studies.
  • The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) - provides financial support in addition to a SUSI grant to full or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college.
  • Back to Education Allowance - is designed for anyone who is receiving a state payment and is unemployed, parenting alone or has a disability and wishing to return to education.
  • The 1916 Bursary Fund - was created to encourage participation and success by students from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education.
  • MIC Scholarships & Awards - MIC also offers a number of scholarships and awards which students can apply for from Entrance Scholarships, Sports Scholarships to the President’s Scholarship Award. 
  • Other bursaries and scholarships - More information on all other bursaries and scholarships available in Ireland from the All Ireland Scholarship Scheme, The Society of St Vincent de Paul Education and Training Bursary Fund and the Irish Refugee Education Fund.

MIC Contacts:

 

Help and Advice

For more help and advice on budgeting, money management and all forms of grants, funds, scholarships and awards available, please visit the following links or contact via email or telephone:

SUSI  T. 0818 888 777 / E. support@susi.ie 

The Higher Education Authority T. (01) 231 7100 / E. info@hea.ie

Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science T. (01) 889 6400 / E. minister_fheris@dfheris.gov.ie

Citizens Information T: 0818 07 5780 (Limerick City) or 0818 07 6510 (Thurles) or 0818 07 4000

MABS T. 0818 07 2210 (Limerick Office) or 0818 07 2740 (Thurles) / E. limerick@mabs.ie or thurles@mabs.ie/ WhatsApp 086 035 3141 / Online Chat

Spunout E. hello@spunout.ie / Online Chat

MISU T. 061-400013 / E. studentsunion@mic.ul.ie

 

Severe Financial Hardship

If you experience severe financial hardship while in college, we encourage you to make contact with:

Your Full-Time Officers in the SU (misupres@mic.ul.ie or misuvpsew@mic.ul.ie) or any other SU staff member (StudentsUnion@mic.ul.ie).

The Access & Disability Office on the Limerick Campus -  T.061 204 510 / E.AccessOffice@mic.ul.ie / Room. G04

Thurles Academic Administrator on the Thurles Campus - T. 0504 20530 / E. ThurlesAdmin@mic.ul.ie

We cannot perform miracles but it doesn’t mean we won’t try!

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