Finacial advice wanted from Current GEM students

[katie1980]

I am just wondering how you guys are finding it.. what kinda deals you got with the banks, are they willing to lend more than the prearranged, existing package... what you think the minimum amount is that can be survived on...

In your replies can you let me know if you based in Dublin or Limerick or Cork for that matter as I think there will probably be significant differences...

Thanks in advance...

[etymon]

Katie - meant to say- did you apply for the UL scholarship? I did... obviously at early stages now but if you were eligible that would solve a lot of problems - maybe someone who got the scholarship could give some input if they're reading?

[katie1980]

I didnt apply just cos it stated that it was based on your situation when you first entered college... back in the day I was supported by my parents and thus don't fit the criteria... sickened... those scholarships are brilliant.. would have loved one..

[liberal]

are gems eligable for a maintance grant??? I'm applying for everything this time round

[etymon]

not entitled to maintenance grant, Back to Education allowance, nothing. Only whatever loan you can get from the banks - but in fairness the Govt are paying half our fees - wouldn't fancy paying the 45k the Canadians have to pay each year.
That's why the UL scholarship would make going down the country very handy indeed, though not sure why it's based on your old financial situation and not present one.

[katie1980]

not entitled to maintenance grant, Back to Education allowance, nothing. Only whatever loan you can get from the banks - but in fairness the Govt are paying half our fees - wouldn't fancy paying the 45k the Canadians have to pay each year.
That's why the UL scholarship would make going down the country very handy indeed, though not sure why it's based on your old financial situation and not present one.

I think, and I may be wrong, but the idea of the scholarship is to get genuinely disadvantaged people into medicine.. Or those who left school and went back and did their leaving cert a number of years later, that got into college first time around via Access courses... I think its kinda crap.. I could so do with it.. I have barely worked for the past 12 months and already have a loan from the bank.. but I didn't apply as I didn't feel I had any hope considering their criteria..

[MentalNote]

I think, and I may be wrong, but the idea of the scholarship is to get genuinely disadvantaged people into medicine.. Or those who left school and went back and did their leaving cert a number of years later, that got into college first time around via Access courses... I think its kinda crap.. I could so do with it.. I have barely worked for the past 12 months and already have a loan from the bank.. but I didn't apply as I didn't feel I had any hope considering their criteria..

Well as the lady at Limerick said to me if you are not in you can't win!

[etymon]

exactly, and everyone applying for the scholarship necessarily got a Level 8 degree so there's only so much 'disadvantage' we are all at. I'm not from a disadvantaged area or anything but I was entitled to a County Council maintenance grant during my first degree, (for what little it was worth given I lived very close to UCD), and had a part-time job to pay for my keep. On the financial info I gave to UL I got through to the Phase 2 part of the process. There are a good few scholarships anyway, 8 or so is it? Not bad odds. Think if you get through to the last phase they are awarded on basis of Gamsat score.

[katie1980]

well done etymon thats great... One point though.. the impression I was given was there are 7/8 scholarships available.. but if there's no one they deem suitable, then there are none given.. it's not a case that they have to get used up... still its great that UL are even offering them.. it's a pity they all don't.. And I don't quite see the relevance of one's financial position when they first entered college.. surely it should be based on their position now... no??

[Grant Stevens]

...but in fairness the Govt are paying half our fees - wouldn't fancy paying the 45k the Canadians have to pay each year...

I think it's a disgrace that Universities here can charge such extortionate fees for these courses, how can the Brits offer them for £3,000 per annum in comparison to nearly €13,000/year here?!! I've often wondered if the Government actually pay the other half or does the other half of these fees even exist? Basically pretend like your paying half the course and those annoying wannabe doctors won't come looking for maintenance grants, back to education allowance, etc. It's a joke but unfortunately we've got to work with what we have.