Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1843. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if TU Dublin increased student fees for international students and part-time students without Governing Body approval; and if students were reimbursed. [57254/23]
View answerHigher education institutions, like TU Dublin, are autonomous bodies. As such, the tuition fee payable in respect of part-time and international students, and the process for agreeing the fee amounts, are matters for the college to determine in accordance with section 24 of the Technological Universities Act, 2018 and its own internal governance arrangements. In this regard my Department does not have a role in determining such fees or advising on fee arrangements.Notwithstanding the above, my officials have been advised that TU Dublin did not increase any 2023/24 tuition fees without Governing Body approval.TU Dublin can advise students on the tuition fee applicable to a course of study, including any changes in 2023/24. Students with queries regarding the fee costs should contact the Fees Office in TU Dublin. The Contact details for the Fees Offices in TU Dublin and details of the various fees charged are available via the following link: www.tudublin.ie/for-students/student-services-and-support/fees-grants/contact-us/The Deputy may also wish to note that I have recently announced details of an additional €1.476m for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF), bringing the total amount available for the 2023/24 up to €19m. This Fund assists both full-time and part-time students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in TU Dublin.
