About The Student Assistance Fund

The Student Assistance Fund is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Student Assistance Fund Logos


The purpose of the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) is to provide financial support to disadvantaged students with ongoing needs for financial support and to provide emergency financial assistance for other students.

Eligibility criteria changes from year to year, therefore, eligibility in previous years does not guarantee that you are eligible in this current academic year. Students' financial status at the time of their application is also taken into account, so being funded in Semester 1 does not guarantee that you will be funded in subsequent semesters.

As this is an EU-funded initiative, only EU citizens or those who have been deemed eligible for the Free Fees Initiative may apply; international students are not eligible.

The Student Assistance Fund is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills. 

Key Information

The main facts about applying for the Student Assistance Fund, including the documentation you need to provide as part of your application, is below.

What is the Student Assistant Fund (SAF)?

The Student Assistance Fund provides once-off (i.e. not continuous) monetary support to full- or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students may apply once per term during their studies, and will need to make a new application with updated documentation if applying more than once per academic year.

The Student Assistance Fund is managed by the Higher Education Authority on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQs provide further information on the Student Assistance Fund at NCI including the types of applications and making an appointment.

Eligibility Information

Who can apply for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF)?

All registered NCI students who are in financial distress and meet the qualifying criteria can avail of the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). 

I am worried about having enough money while in college – can this service help me?

The SAF is a one-time payment that can help if you find yourself in financial difficulty while in college. If you are thinking about coming to NCI or are about to start, it can help to check out fees for your programme and general college costs. You can also review third-level student fees and charges on the Citizens Information website to ensure you can afford the ongoing costs of college. Contact MABS for free budgeting advice. 

What financial assistance is there to help me pay for college? 

You may qualify for the SUSI grant or Back to Education Allowance (BETA) which can help pay for your course fees. NCI also offers a number of scholarships and discounts.

Note: The SAF cannot be used to pay fees nor for college loan repayments. It is a one-time payment to help with financial hardships or emergencies and is not continuous funding.