Lifeline for 1,000s of 3rd level students

Fund seeks donations due to soaring demand

- KEITH FALKINER

THOUSANDS of students are flocking to one of the country's biggest charities to get financial help paying for their costly college life.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is now seeking donations for its Education and Training Bursary Fund to ensure it can meet the demand to help thirdlevel students into universities and colleges.

Grants of between €1,000 and €3,000 can provide a lifeline for those struggling to meet the cost of books, materials, travel, course fees and other expenses that can make a degree out of reach.

Last year, SVP received over 4,000 requests for help with thirdlevel costs.

Its Education and Training Bursary Fund was established to support students of all ages who may financially struggle to access or stay in third-level education and training programmes.

The Bursary Programme will consider all recognised third-level education and training programmes for funding.

However, postgraduate studies or private colleges are not eligible.

Rose McGowan, SVP's national president, said: "With Leaving Cert exams in full swing, most students will be turning their attention to moving on to college or university.

"For most, the transition will go smoothly.

BURDEN