Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
533. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a student (details supplied) will qualify for a reduction in fees in line with announcement made under Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53321/22]
View answerAs part of Budget 2023, in recognition of the cost of living financial challenges facing full time third level students funded through my Department, 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. This once off support relates specifically to the student contribution payable by students eligible for free tuition fees under my Department's free fees schemes in academic year 22/23.
Free fees schemes funding is available for undergraduate awards only (up to and including level 8). In practice, this means that only the undergraduate portion of an integrated masters programme would be eligible for free fees funding. A full tuition fee is payable by all students for any postgraduate/Level 9 award portion of the course of study.
Higher Education Institutions determine the fee rates payable by individual students and in this regard where a student wishes to confirm if they are eligible for free fees in academic year 22/23 they should contact the institution attended.
Separately, SUSI grant support is available for those students who meet the qualifying criteria such as means, residency, nationality and progression. Different supports are available to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Qualifying students attending integrated/intercalated courses, will be initially assessed in respect of the undergraduate portion of the course. A separate application will be required in respect of the portion of the course deemed to be the postgraduate element.
I am conscious that not all students are eligible for free fees or student grants and so, as part of the cost-of-living measures, I have allocated a further €8 million of funding for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for the current academic year. This Fund provides financial support to students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. 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. Applications can be made under the SAF through the Access Office in a student’s third level institution.
