The ESF is one of the four European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds in Ireland. The ESF is the longest established ESI Fund. The other Funds are the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). For further information on the ESI Funds in Ireland visit their dedicated website http://eufunds.gov.ie/.
The European Social Fund created in 1957, is the European Union’s main financial instrument for investing in people. The specific objectives of the ESF are to help prevent and fight unemployment; to make Europe's workforce and companies better equipped to face new challenges and to prevent people losing touch with the labour market through investment in education, skills and employment support. By the end of the current round Ireland will have received over €7 billion from the ESF since joining the EU in 1973.
Third Level Access addresses the need to ensure attainment of skills at higher education level for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and students with disabilities through the Student Assistance Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities. Supports include financial assistance to those facing economic barriers to participation and the provision of tailored accommodation and services. Information regarding the Fund for Students with a Disability (FSD) can be found at the Higher Education Authority website http://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/fund-for-students-with-disabilities/
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) provides funding to higher and further education institutions to provide supports and services to ensure that eligible students with disabilities can participate on an equal basis with their peers. The Fund operates in addition to the legal framework supporting the rights of students with disabilities to access further and higher education. The FSD also operates in addition to mainstream resources and services already in place in higher education institutions. The University makes the application for the funding to ensure that reasonable accommodations or/and supports are put in place for students for the duration of their programme of study..
Have a verifiable disability
Be on a full time course
