If you have a disability and are getting certain payments from the Department of Social Welfare, you may take part in a second-or third-level education course in Ireland or Northern Ireland and get a Back to Education Allowance.

Back to Education Allowance is only paid for courses that start in Ireland or in Northern Ireland. However, you can be paid Back to Education Allowance for a year abroad (for example, under the Erasmus+ Program) if the year is an integral or mandatory part of your course. This must be verified by the registrar or admissions office of your college.

BTEA is available under both second and third level education options, but all courses must lead to a QQI accreditation. You must also progress in educational qualifications, so for example, if you have already achieved a Level 6 in the NFQ, you must apply for courses at Level 7 or above.

Further information on BTEA.

The purpose of the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is to assist higher education institutions in ensuring students with disabilities have the necessary assistance and equipment to enable them access, fully participate in and successfully complete their chosen course of study.

The FSD is one of the main funding sources supporting participation by students with disabilities in approved higher education courses in Ireland. It also supports students from Ireland to study on approved courses in other EU countries and in the UK, including Northern Ireland.

Eligible students on an approved course can receive assistance from post-leaving certificate to doctoral level during any year of study. Full-time undergraduate courses must be not less than two years in duration. Part-time undergraduate courses (Republic of Ireland only) must be not less than one year in duration. Postgraduate courses (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland only) must be not less than one year in duration.

Further information on FSD.