Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
549. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of tuition fees; if these fees have been finalised for Irish students considering their options to take up third level education in a UK university for the 2021-22 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5967/21]
View answerIn accordance with Memorandum of Understanding on the Common Travel Area, which was signed in 2019 by the Irish and UK Governments, Irish students will not be liable for international fees should they choose to study in the UK.
The fees charged will be in line with the 'home' fees paid by UK nationals, which is up to £4,375 in the case of those studying in Northern Ireland and up to £9,250 in the case of all other Devolved Administrations.
It is also noted that the Scottish Government has confirmed it will be changing its current fee structure for Irish higher education students following the UK’s exit from the EU.
Irish undergraduate students registering with Scottish higher education institutions will be liable for fees from August 2021.
This does not affect Irish students who are currently registered on Higher Education programmes in Scotland.
This decision is disappointing but I appreciate that this decision is as a result of legal advice given to the Scottish Government.
Students who are considering commencing study in Scotland in 2021 should contact their chosen higher education institution to establish the fees which will apply.
I will continue to work with my Scottish counterpart to develop co-operation between Ireland and Scotland in the areas of further and higher education and research, including through the new Ireland-Scotland Review.
I also wish to advise that as part of the Brexit Omnibus Act 2020, eligible Irish students will maintain access to SUSI grants should they decide to study in UK higher education institutions. In addition, students seeking to pursue their studies in Scotland should contact the Student Awards Agency Scotland to explore further finance options.
