Welcome to the Fr.Patsy Carolan Education Bursary Application Page

Circle is proud to launch the Fr. Patsy Carolan Education Bursary, designed to support tenants and their household members in starting or continuing their journey in education, training, or personal development.

About the Bursary

Named in honour of Fr. Patsy Carolan, a passionate advocate for tenant wellbeing, this bursary reflects his deep commitment to empowering our communities. Fr. Patsy is a founding member of Circle, the former committee member and patron of our board. You’ll often see him visiting our housing schemes and engaging with tenants at events, always listening and championing their experiences.

Application Dates

Applications open: Friday 29^th August

Applications close: Friday 12^th September at 12 noon

What the Bursary Offers

This bursary offers up to €500 per applicant to help make education and training more accessible by supporting costs such as:

• Tuition or course fees
• Exam or registration fees
• Course materials (books, equipment, etc.)
• Other education-related expenses

The bursary supports:

• Full-time and part-time courses
• Accredited training programmes
• Online or blended learning
• Skills or job-related courses

Who Can Apply

You are eligible under the following criteria:

• You are a Circle tenant or an authorised occupant
• You are aged 18 or over
• You are enrolling in or already studying a recognised course

Note: The course must be accredited or lead to recognised qualifications, skills, or employment opportunities.

How to Apply

If you’re a Circle tenant and meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply.

• Step 1: Read the [Bursary Brochure] and [FAQ Section] for full details.
• Step 2: Read the Terms and Conditions here.
• Step 3: Complete your application in one of the following ways:
  • Fill out the online application form below for faster submission
  • or you can Download and return the application form fill out and scan to the TES@circlevha.ie email
  • Need help? Contact us at TES@circlevha.ie

Education Bursary Application

To apply for the bursary please complete all questions. Before completing your application, please read the information above and also the FAQ’s below.

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 4

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PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name*

First name Surname

Email address*

Phone number*

Occupancy Reference Number*

Your occupancy ID

Your date of birth

E.g. 28/01/2001

Are you the main tenant?*

Yes

No

If “No”, please provide the tenants name and your relationship to them.

Main tenants name

First Last

Your relationship to the main tenant

E.g. Wife, sister, father etc.

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region Eircode

COURSE & COST DETAILS

Course Title*

Course Provider*

Course Type*

E.g. QQI, Degree, Certificate

Amount you would like to apply for*

Max €500

Course start date*

E.g. 28/01/2026

Course end date*

E.g. 28/01/2026

MOTIVATION STATEMENT

Please provide as much information as possible as this will assist the Awarding Panel in grading your application.

Q1. Why is this course important to you? (Max. 200 words)*

In your answer, explain why this course is important to you. Tell us how it relates to your life or experience, why you are interested in it, and how it will help you in the future.

Q2. If you are awarded the Education Bursary, what would you use the funds for? (Max. 100 words)*

Tell us what costs you need help with (like fees, books or equipment). You can also explain how the bursary would help make it easier for you to take part in the course.

Q3. If you are awarded the education bursary, what will it help you achieve (Max. 200 words)*

Tell us what you hope to achieve by doing this course. Explain how it could help you in the future, improve your life, or support your long-term goals.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE EDUCATION BURSARY?

Choose from the options below

Circle VHA Staff Member

SMS From Circle

Newsletter

Poster/Flyer

Website

Word Of Mouth

Email

Other

Other

Please describe further

DECLARATION

Declaration*

Select exactly 6 choices.

1. I declare that all information provided is true and correct

2. I have provided proof of enrolment or acceptance from the course provider

3. I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions

4. I have read and understood the Circle VHA Privacy Policy

5. I understand I may reapply in future years, but approval is not guaranteed

6. I consent to Circle processing this application in line with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

Signature

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions of the Education Bursary.

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