Back to School Loans
Apply for a Back to School Loan today or work out an affordable repayment plan based on your budget, using our handy Loan Calculator.
Back to School Loans
If you think children drain your cash in the summer holidays, it’s nothing compared to the financial hit when they go back to school! Getting your kids ready for a new school year can be costly. From school books and uniforms to supplies and other back-to-school expenses, the costs can add up quickly. That’s why we’re here to help with our Back to School Loan—designed to make managing these expenses easier and stress-free.
Whether you need a loan for school books, uniforms, or any other back-to-school essentials, we’ve got you covered. Use our flexible loan options to create an affordable repayment plan that fits your budget. Plus, our handy Loan Calculator lets you see how much you can borrow and what your repayments will look like.
Back to School Loans
- No set-up fees or hidden charges
- Join and borrow instantly - no waiting period required for members!
- Affordable loans tailored to your repayment ability
- Free Loan Protection Insurance (T&C apply)
- Interest calculated only on the outstanding balance of the loan
- Fair and transparent lending process
Low-Cost Loans
Over €52 million
High Approval
Fair Lending
Ready to apply for a Back To School Loan? Use our loan calculator to check your repayments and apply – not a member yet? You can join and apply in one go!
loan calculator
- Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. If you are experiencing difficulty repaying your loan, or believe you may in the future, please click here.
Apply for a Credit Union Loan Today
Similar Loans
Why choose a back to school loan?
Back-to-school costs can be expensive and they tend to come at the same time, and the reality is that they are unavoidable. In a recent Credit Union survey, over a third of parents said that they get into debt funding their kids going back to school. This is not surprising when parents are spending approximately €1,399 per child attending second-level education.
At primary school, parents are on average spending €949 per child. Thankfully, the Free Primary Schoolbooks Scheme in primary schools will remove the cost of funding schoolbooks for children and young people enrolled in recognised primary schools and special schools. However, this has not been extended to secondary schools yet.
On top of books, there are also uniforms, voluntary contributions, and the cost of consumables and stationery. It all adds up. At Croí Laighean Credit Union, we understand that this is a difficult time and that’s why we offer simple back-to-school loans to help spread the cost over the year.
Can I pay off a lump sum or clear the back to school loan?
Yes, you need to be a member to apply for a loan. However, you can join and apply at the same time—it’s a simple and straightforward process. You don’t need to be a member for a specific length of time or have savings with us to apply.
Do I need to be a Credit Union member to apply?
You can borrow up to €50,000 and it depends on your individual circumstances, such as your ability to repay the loan. We’ll work with you to find a loan amount that suits your needs and budget.
How much can I borrow with a Back to School Loan?
You can apply in person, over the phone, or online through our website. If you’re unsure about the process, our team is here to help every step of the way.
Back to School Loan Repayment Example:
A school loan of €1,000 over a 12-month loan term at a rate of 9.99% (10.46% APR) equates to weekly repayments of €20 and a total loan cost of €1,052 (representative example as of 1 October 2020). Terms and conditions apply.
While every care has been taken in the production of this web page, the Credit Union, or any of its staff, cannot be held responsible for any omissions, errors, or other mistakes on the site. This calculator is for illustrative purposes only, to give you, the borrower, an overview of the potential cost of borrowing.
Rates are correct as of 1/07/2026 and are subject to change. Croí Laighean Credit Union is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
where we serve
Everyone at Croí Laighean Credit Union is united by a Common Bond. If you live or work in any of the towns and communities below, you’re eligible to join — it’s common sense to keep it local.
Not sure if you’re eligible to join? If you don’t see your town listed, use the eligibility checker below
Towns & Communities We Serve
- Allen
- Allenwood
- Ballinabrackey
- Ballyfore
- Broadford
- Caragh
- Carbury
- Castlejordan
- Celbridge
- Clane
- Clogharinka / Clogherinkoe
- Clonbullogue
- Coill Dubh
- Confey
- Croghan
- Daingean
- Derrinturn
- Donadea
- Donore
- Drehid
- Dunbyrne
- Edenderry
- Johnstown Bridge
- Kilcock
- Killina
- Kilmeague
- Kilshanroe
- Leixlip
- Longwood
- Lullymore
- Milltown
- Mount Lucas
- Moyvalley
- Prosperous
- Rathcoffey
- Rhode
- Robertstown
- Sallins
- Staplestown
- Straffan
- Ticknevin
- Timahoe
Not sure if your address qualifies? Use the eligibility checker above — if you don’t see your town listed, get in touch and we’ll confirm.
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