This is separate from Student Finance NI, which funds university courses. Apply to the Education Authority's Further Education team. Under-19s and under-20 parents may get EMA or Care to Learn instead.
Quick facts
- Age
- 19 or over on 1 July 2026
- Fees, full-time NI college
- None charged
- Maintenance grant, at home
- Up to £1,674 a year
- Maintenance grant, away from home
- Up to £2,092 a year
- No grant above
- £38,806 household income
- Part-time fee help
- Up to £465, plus £265 for books
Who can get it
Students must be 19 years of age or over on 1 July 2026. Students who are under 19 years of age on 1 July 2026 and who wish to study a full-time course will be considered only if they have to live away from home in order to undertake the course. You must be ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland and have lived in the UK for the three years before the course.
The course must be at least one academic year in duration, on the Register of Regulated Qualifications or a university Access course, at a publicly funded FE college in the British Islands or the Republic of Ireland. Grants will only be offered where the Education Authority is satisfied that there is clear evidence that the applicant is progressing to a more advanced level of study.
Full-time courses
FE College in NI: No fees are charged for full time courses. At a college in England, Scotland, Wales or the Republic, the maximum we can consider for the 2026/27 academic year is £930 towards fees.
Maintenance Grants are available for students living in Northern Ireland and provide financial support towards living costs. They are assessed on household income:
| Household income | Living at your parents' home | Living away from home |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £21,330 | £1,674 | £2,092 |
| £21,331 to £26,160 | £1,490 | £1,863 |
| £26,161 to £31,580 | £1,306 | £1,633 |
| £31,581 to £38,805 | £1,122 | £1,402 |
| £38,806 and over | No grant | No grant |
The grant is paid in three instalments, one at the start of each term, and your attendance may affect it.
Part-time courses
Part-time students can get a grant for fees, paid to the college, and a one-off grant for books and stationery, paid to you. With household income up to £15,000 it is up to £465 for fees and £265 for books, falling to nothing at £25,001 and over. A part-time course must take no longer than twice the full-time equivalent, or be at least 8 hours a week.
Childcare grant
You can claim a childcare grant if you are using registered or approved childcare. The amount depends on your household income and how many children you have. The grant is paid straight to your childcare provider, and if your costs are more than the grant you pay the rest.
If you are under 20 years of age at the start of your course you should apply to Care to Learn Scheme. You will not have to repay this help unless you withdraw from the course or give inaccurate information.
How to apply
Apply online to the Education Authority's Further Education team, or email fegrants@eani.org.uk or phone 028 9047 0155. A full-time student claiming the childcare grant must return the childcare application during Term 1. If the application is received after Term 1 the grant WILL NOT be backdated.
Common questions
Do I pay fees for a full-time course at an NI college?
No. No fees are charged for full time courses at FE colleges in Northern Ireland.
Is the maintenance grant a loan?
No. It is a grant towards living costs, based on household income.