Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today announced the opening of a new scheme for Ukrainian refugees to enter further education.
In June, the Cabinet approved a range of new measures to provide access to further and higher education in the academic year 2022/2023 to Ukrainian students living in Ireland who have been granted Section 60 Protection under the International Protection Act 2015.
In line with this decision, Minister Harris has today confirmed qualified persons will be able to attend Solas approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses free of charge and will be offered financial assistance to help them with their course.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “Over 45,000 people have fled Ukraine and come to Ireland. The generosity of the Irish people has been extraordinary.
“As Ukrainian families continue to embed in our communities, it is really important we offer opportunities to access education and employment.
“This scheme will allow any person under the Temporary Directive access to post-leaving cert courses. PLC courses are delivered in a wide range of disciplines including agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary Education, ICT etc. There are countless opportunities across the country.
“In addition to this, we will be offering financial assistance to people undertaking courses. This will be administered by the awarding authority, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation and Science.
“This financial support is a limited period of one year, in the form of a bursary of circa €6,115 to be paid in monthly instalments to qualified persons who attend a SOLAS approved PLC course in the 2022/23 academic year.”
Potential applicants who are eligible can find a list of PLC courses through cao.ie/options under the Further Education and Training tab.
They apply to their local ETB first and once accepted on a course they can fill out the simple application form for financial assistance. This will be paid monthly to students who continue in the course.
Fees for all post-leaving cert courses have been abolished for asylum seekers and Irish students from September.
