Applications for the Fórsa third-level grant support scheme for union representatives for the 2026/27 academic year will close next week on Thursday 10th September 2026 at 5.30pm.
Reps who are considering applying for the scheme should ensure their application is made before the deadline and submitted via email to bursaries@forsa.ie, as late applications may not be considered.
Grants of up to €3,000 are available to help reps take part in a certified educational course. The course must provide qualifications and skills which will benefit a member in their union role. It must be a third-level course, at either post-leaving cert or undergraduate level. Postgraduate qualifications are not covered.
The scheme is open to all reps, which includes any member performing a role on behalf of their union colleagues at workplace, branch, vocational group, or other representative level.
To qualify for the scheme a member must:
- Be a current paid-up member of Fórsa in good standing.
- Be able to provide details of their role, current or past, as a union rep.
- Have the support of their own union branch (an authorised branch officer will need to sign the form before submission.)
- Explain how the course content will assist them to better carry out their role as a union representative.
- Be able to provide details of the course and verification of course fees from the course provider.
- Be able to provide evidence of having applied to their employer seeking funding for their course.
- Submit their application via email to bursaries@forsa.ie before the deadline.
Grants are based on the gross cost of the course up to a maximum of €3,000 per year. The amount awarded to successful applicants will be decided by the Membership Services Committee.
The application form is available here. Please read the grant scheme information note to ensure your application meets the requirements needed to be considered.
Applications must be submitted via email to bursaries@forsa.ie before the deadline on Thursday 10th September 2026 at 5.30pm.
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