If you missed out on educational opportunities when you were younger or if you need to update your skills to compete more successfully for a job, the Department of Social and Family Affairs may be able to help.
We run a range of second chance education programmes to help unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities improve their skills and qualifications.
This booklet outlines a number of ways that you can return to full-time or part-time education while continuing to get income support. The programmes range from basic foundation courses through to third level postgraduate courses.
If you wish to take a full-time second or third level course, you may qualify for a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). Or, you may continue to get your current social welfare payment if you wish to participate in other education, training or development courses.
The Back to Education Programme covers the following study options:
- Second level education courses
- Third level education courses
- Education, training and development courses
- Part-time education courses.
Also, the Department of Education and Science runs the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) which is particularly suitable if you have been out of school for some time.