Lifeline for 1,000s of 3rd level students

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

- BY KEITH FALKINER

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 third-level 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 third-level 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