West Belfast Partnership: Aisling Bursaries

Overview

The Aisling Bursaries are designed to help students defray their education and training costs. All applications are considered, with special consideration given to candidates who have significant barriers preventing them from realising their full potential through education, for example economic or family circumstances.

Providing financial assistance to students from West Belfast is the main aim of this bursary programme. Some bursaries are specifically for those participating in vocational training

If you’re over 18, studying, and live in the West Belfast Westminster Parliamentary Electoral Constituency area; you could be eligible for a bursary of £500 up to £1,000.

Criteria

• Applicants must be resident in the West Belfast Westminster Parliamentary Electoral Constituency (Use the following website to check your postcode to confirm parliamentary constituency: http://www.parliament.uk/about/how/elections-and-voting/constituencies/)
• Applicants must be preparing to study or be currently studying on a full-time or part-time further education, higher education or vocational training course.
• The Bursary is not available to students who are currently studying or preparing to study at Masters or Doctorate level.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on 1st July 2021
• Chosen course and award should contribute to the regeneration of West Belfast

Additional Criteria

Please note that the additional criteria listed below is not exhaustive. Applicants are not required to meet all additional criteria listed below but it is preferable to meet at least two.

• Lone Parent - Disability
• Carer responsibility - Additional Educational Needs e.g. dyslexia
• Low income family - First in family to study at 3rd level education
• Mature Student - Health Issues – Physical/Mental/Emotional
• Conflict related issue - Other

Additional Information

• Applications are assessed by an independent panel in line with GDPR regulations
• The bursary is not available to current students who are repeating part or all of an academic year unless this has been formally agreed on the basis of personal or medical circumstances.
• Award recipients are required to attend the Aisling Bursary Award presentation ceremony. Date of ceremony to be confirmed.
• Recipients who fail to complete a course of study will be required to pay back all or part of the award.
• Recipients are asked to complete a six monthly report for organisers and sponsors.
• Recipients are requested as far as possible to participate in the publicity surrounding the programme.
• Previous recipients of a bursary/bursaries totalling £1000 cannot re-apply.
• Previous unsuccessful Aisling Bursary applicants are welcome to re-apply.