Border People provides case studies and frequently asked questions (FAQs) illustrating the dilemmas facing people who cross the border and suggest ways to resolve these.

These are genuine problems identified by users of the website coupled with advice from staff of North Connaught & Ulster CIS & The Border People Project, a cross-border initiative developed in partnership between Border People (Northern Ireland) and Citizens Information Board (Ireland).

Q1:  I live in Donegal and I am going to do a degree link year in Omagh College.  Is there any financial support?

A:  A  Republic of Ireland resident can, subject to a means test, qualify for a higher education grant toward their maintenance via Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). For further information see: Students Studying Outside the State – SUSI : SUSI

Also, depending on your personal circumstances you may well qualify for Back to Education Allowance from Social Welfare, for details of the scheme and how to apply see Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) (citizensinformation.ie) If your course is one that is eligible for student finance in N. Ireland you would, as a non-UK resident, generally only be entitled to a student loan in respect of the course fees. See Student Finance | nidirect for further information.

Q2:  I am from the Republic of Ireland and moved to Northern Ireland after I got married. I am going to London as a mature student. Am I entitled to any funding/grants?

A:  Access to the full range of student finance usually requires 3 years prior residence in the UK. However, it is possible that you may qualify for a teacher training bursary of up to £4,000 on the basis that you are an EU graduate training to be a primary teacher in England. I would suggest you contact the Teacher Information line on: 0800 389 2500 Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5:30pm.

Further information is also available at:

• Financial help for EU students | nidirect
• Inspire the next generation | Get Into Teaching (education.gov.uk)

Q3: What financial supports are available for a student from the Republic of Ireland attending university in Northern Ireland?

A: Generally, a non-UK resident student is only entitled to a student loan towards fees from the UK, not maintenance support whether this is a grant or a loan. Student Loans Company

(SLC) administers such claims, see Student finance: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

A  Republic of Ireland resident can, subject to a means test, qualify for a higher education grant toward their maintenance via Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). For further information see: Students Studying Outside the State – SUSI : SUSI

In addition, if they are employed in Northern Ireland/UK they can ask to be treated as a ‘migrant worker’ and to be considered for the above additional forms of student finance (loan and/or grant toward maintenance). See Student Finance | nidirect for further information.

Q4:  In Ireland is it the same eligibility for full financial support for a PhD studentship as in England, that is, 3 years of residency?

A: To qualify for Postgraduate student financial support from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) you must be:

1. An Irish, EU, EEA, UK or Swiss National or have specific leave to remain in the State.

2. Ordinarily resident in Ireland, the EU, EEA, UK or Switzerland for 3 of the last 5 years. If you were resident outside the State, it could affect the type of funding you could receive. For further information see:

Postgraduate student : SUSI

Nationality criteria – SUSI : SUSI

Residency criteria – SUSI : SUSI

Q5:  I am living in Ireland and wish to apply for university in Northern Ireland.  What student benefits can I get for accommodation and help with living costs, fees, books etc?

A: Republic of Ireland resident can, subject to a means test, qualify for a higher education grant toward their maintenance via Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). For further information see: Students Studying Outside the State – SUSI : SUSI

Q6:  I am living in Northern Ireland and have been accepted on a course at university in Ireland.  Will this affect whether or not I can get fees paid and a student loan?

A: Students from Northern Ireland who study at colleges in the Republic of Ireland are not required to pay tuition fees. Under the present arrangements Northern Ireland students attending courses at publicly funded colleges in the Republic of Ireland have their tuition fees paid by the Irish Government.  All students pay a contribution charge. For the academic year 2021-2022 this is €3,000. Students will receive sterling value of £2,645.10

For further information visit: 

Tuition fees | nidirect

Studying in Ireland – Border People

Q7:  We are moving from NI to RoI– we have 2 Children at GCSE level – we are worried about transferring children to Ireland – do they have to move schools – will my children still have entitlement to stay in school in NI?

A: Your child will be able to continue to attend the same course in NI, there are many children resident in the Republic who attend school in N.Ireland.  Whilst places at public funded schools in NI should first be offered to N. Ireland resident children a place on a course he began when resident in NI should not be at risk.

Q8: I want to apply for I.T. Tutoring jobs in Ireland.  I am qualified to teach adults in NI – I have JEB Teaching Diplomas.

A: The recognition of academic qualifications is dealt with by National Academic Recognition Information Centres (NARIC) in each European state and in the UK by the ENIC – the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills : Home Page (enic.org.uk)

More information on recognition of professional qualifications is available on the European Commission website at: Recognition of academic diplomas – Your Europe (europa.eu). Further useful information may also be found at:

Recognition of foreign qualifications | Quality and Qualifications Ireland (qqi.ie)

EU – Regulated professions – Your Europe (europa.eu)

EU – Professional qualifications – Your Europe (europa.eu)

You may also wish to contact the Irish National Teacher’s Organisation, which is an all-island body. to check your position. Telephone: (01) 804 7700

Telephone queries are taken from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Page last checked March 2022