You will need a verified MyGovID account to apply. If you don't have a verified MyGovID account, you can create one here.
What is Back to Education Allowance?
Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is an income support payment for people who want to take up full-time education. The aim of this scheme is to help people improve their qualifications and find sustainable employment.
Who can get Back to Education Allowance?
To qualify for Back to Education Allowance, you must:
- Meet the age requirements
- Be in receipt of or entitled to a qualifying social welfare payment for a specified period of time. You can find a list of qualifying payments and periods of time on gov.ie
- Attend a full-time course, in a recognised college which awards a recognised qualification. Further information on the type of study options for BTEA is available below
- Be commencing the first year of the course
- Be progressing in the level of education (with limited exceptions)
The eligibility criteria are different if you are applying for a full-time Springboard+ course:
- There is no age requirement
- The qualifying period is 9 months
- Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension are not qualifying payments for Springboard+ courses
- The course may be at a similar level or higher to one you already have
- Customers are not entitled to the Cost of Education allowance while on a Springboard+ course
What are the study options?
You can apply for Back to Education Allowance for the following study options:
- Further Education courses of study for an award up to and including QQI level 6. Learn more about further education options on Qualifax
- Higher Education courses of study up to and including Honours Degree (QQI level 8). In limited circumstances, it can also include postgraduate study
- Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative courses
You can learn more about the available study options under BTEA on gov.ie.
What will you be asked for?
Personal details
You will be asked to confirm your current address.
Background details
You will be asked about your most recent education, training or employment schemes and any redundancy you might have received, in the last 12 months.
Education history
You will be asked to confirm the highest qualification you have achieved in Ireland or abroad. You will also be asked to provide details of any courses you have attended but did not complete.
Course details
You will be asked to provide details about the course you wish to attend.
You will need a verified MyGovID account to apply. If you don't have a verified MyGovID account, you can create one here.