Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2022
144. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a student (details supplied) in a third-level institution can transfer courses while still availing of the free fees' initiative; if there is a certain timeframe in such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50558/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMTU and UCC are autonomous bodies under legislation and the day-to-day operation of the institutions including the procedures related to the withdrawal from courses; the refund of any fees paid or enrollment on courses via transfer are matters for the institution.
In this regard students seeking to transfer will need to follow the procedures of the institutions and any student seeking to transfer courses should contact the admission office of the relevant institutions for advice appropriate to their individual circumstances.It is pertinent for students to consider the impact departing a course may have on their access to free fees as a repeat period of study is not generally allowable under the terms of the scheme. In a scenario where it is possible for the institutions to facilitate the transfer of a year one free fees eligible student during the current academic year 22/23 with the student beginning their new free fees eligible course during 22/23 it would be expected that a student should continue to be regarded as a free fees eligible student.
As referenced above, the actual position will be determined by the institutions capacity to facilitate the transfer in this academic year, and I recommend that any student seeking transfer courses contact the admission office of the relevant institutions for the most appropriate guidance on the options available to them.
Link to criteria: www.hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/course-fees/
