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• Education grants
• Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
• School meals
• School uniform

Education grants

Full time places in primary and post primary schools are funded by the Department of Education (DENI). This covers the cost of tuition, stationery and examination fees. Preparatory schools charge additional fees which DENI does not pay. DENI permits grammar schools to charge each pupil an annual capital fee and sets the maximum fee.

If you are an adult learner, studying GCSE, A-Level or an access course at a college, course fees are reduced or waived if you earn a low income or receive some welfare benefits.

If you are a parent on a low income or receive welfare benefits, grants are available to pay for a child’s school uniform. Your child might also qualify for free school meals and transport to school.

Full grants at university are only available to students where parental annual income is less than £17500. Reduced grants on a sliding scale are paid to students if parents earn less than £37425.

Third level grants are awarded by the Department for Employment and Learning (DELNI). Once you complete your course application through UCAS, contact BELB for advice on obtaining a grant.

Universities award course scholarships to students who obtain top A-Level marks. There are university bursaries for students who meet hardship rules.