The Back to Education Allowance Scheme (BTEA) enables eligible persons to pursue approved education courses and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study, subject to meeting certain conditions. Other than the Professional Masters in Education, which is a pre-requisite to taking up a teaching post, BTEA does not provide income support to those seeking to pursue a qualification at Masters Level. The BTEA is designed primarily to support second chance education.
The student grant payable by the Department of Education and Skills represents the primary support for persons pursuing education. This is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills.