What further education funding is available?
If you’re eligible to get funding from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development you don’t need to pay tuition fees for your further education course, and you also get a Living Expenses Grant. The amount you get depends on your household income (your parents’ or partner’s income plus yours) – up to £2,362 a year if you live in halls of residence or lodgings while you study, or up to £1,659 a year if you live at home with your parents (these figures are for 2012/2013).
You can also get extra help if you’re disabled, and/or have children or adult dependants.
In order to get funding to study for a further education course at CAFRE, you must live in Northern Ireland and have done so for the last three years.
For more information, including details of how to apply, see DARD Further Education Awards for CAFRE Students.
Can I get this funding to take a higher education course?
If you want to study for a higher education qualification at CAFRE (eg a degree) you can’t get the same funding that’s available to further education students. Apply for your funding through Student Finance NI instead.
For more information, see Higher Education Awards for CAFRE Students and What higher education funding is available in Northern Ireland?
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What further education funding is available in Northern Ireland?
This information was updated in March 2013. NUS provides this information in good faith and has taken care to make sure it’s accurate. However, student finance issues can be complicated, and rules change frequently. You should contact the advice centre in your students' union, college or university for support if you’re uncertain or need more help.