Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2022
143. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the reduction in fees for third-level students will apply to students attending part-time courses such as the part-time BA in Social Care in Galway University; and the supports that will be provided for part-time students. [50551/22]
View answerAs part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.
Students attending part time courses are not eligible for the free fees schemes and therefore the once off student contribution support of €1,000 in 22/23 cannot apply to students undertaking part time study.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial difficulty can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. As part of the cost-of-living measures announced in Budget 2023 an additional €8 million has been invested in the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year 2022/23. This Fund assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. It is open to both full and part-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis. More information on the SAF is available at www.studentfinance.ie.
Tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending part-time courses. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
