Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme 2023

Overview

Líofa aims to encourage as many people as possible to make a personal
pledge to improve their Irish, and in doing so, to join a community of likeminded people focused on learning and using the language.

Líofa’s Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme provides practical support to Líofa
participants. It offers the opportunity for eligible applicants, irrespective of
tradition and background, to be able to attend an Irish-language summer
college, and experience the Irish language in all aspects of daily life.

• A parent or guardian must make the application on behalf of applicants
under 18 years old.

• A Líofa Bursary application does not secure a place on a course. You must
reserve a place directly with your college of choice or through your child’s school. Colleges will refund deposits directly to unsuccessful applicants.

• Course dates and details are available on www.liofa.eu (Gaeltacht Colleges), directly from participating college websites and from pupils’ Irish teachers.  The bursary covers course fees, travel and accommodation (and activities for children’s courses).

Eligibility Criteria

All three of the below criteria must be satisfied for your application to be considered.

Applications are invited from young people aged (12–18) and adults (18+) who:

1. are already signed up to Líofa (you can do this at www.líofa.eu);

2. reside in Northern Ireland; and

3. receive at least of one of the benefits listed below:

• Free school meals
• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income related Employment & Support Allowance
• The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act
• Child Tax Credit • Universal Credit / Working Tax Credit

Young people who receive Income Support, income based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income related Employment and Support Allowance in their own right are also eligible.