The Higher Education Authority runs the fund for universities and colleges. For PLC courses, SOLAS and your local Education and Training Board run it. It is separate from the SUSI grant and from the Student Assistance Fund, and you can get it alongside both.
Quick facts
- Who runs it
- HEA (higher education), SOLAS (PLC courses)
- Levels
- PLC to doctoral, any year
- Covers
- Assistive technology, note-takers, personal assistants, learning support
- Residency
- 3 of the last 5 years in Ireland
- Apply through
- Your college's disability or access office
Who is eligible
"Eligible students on an approved course can receive assistance from post-leaving certificate to doctoral level during any year of study." You need a verifiable disability in one of the listed categories, a verified need for specific supports, and to be on a full-time course (or part-time in the Republic). The categories include autism, ADHD, vision or hearing loss, dyspraxia, mental health conditions, neurological and physical conditions, significant ongoing illness, specific learning difficulties and speech and language disorders.
You must be an Irish, EU, EEA, UK or Swiss national, and "a student must be legally resident in Ireland for at least three of the five years up to the day before her/his approved course commences in an approved institution."
Studying abroad or in Northern Ireland
"It also supports students from Ireland to study on approved courses in other EU countries and in the UK, including Northern Ireland." Full-time undergraduate courses must last at least two years, and postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland at least one.
How to get it
Contact your college's disability or access office as early as you can, ideally before term starts. They assess your needs and apply to the fund on your behalf. PLC students ask their college or local Education and Training Board.
Common questions
What does the Fund for Students with Disabilities pay for?
Assistive technology and software, non-medical helpers such as personal assistants and note-takers, and academic or learning support.
How do I apply for the FSD?
Through your college's disability or access office, not directly. PLC students go through their college or ETB.
Can I get the FSD and a SUSI grant?
Yes. They are separate, and the FSD pays for supports rather than living costs.