Third Level Fees

Tuesday, 21 October 2025

Questions (878)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

878. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine the case of students enrolled in the Bachelor in Science in Education Studies and Bachelor in Science in Early Childhood Education programmes at an institute (details supplied) who are excluded from the “free fees initiative” and therefore not eligible for the recent €500 reduction in the student contribution; if consideration can be given to extending eligibility for this reduction to these students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56603/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The institution to which the Deputy refers is a private higher education institution for which my Department has no governance or oversight role.

I have recently announced the details of a Budget 2026 decision to permanently reduce the student contribution charge from €3,000 to €2,500, starting from this academic year. This reduction applies to courses that are approved for funding under the Free Fees Initiative (FFI).

I understand that the Bachelor in Science in Education Studies and the Bachelor in Science in Early Childhood Education programmes, in the private institution referred to by the Deputy, are not FFI approved courses. As such, the Budget 2026 announcement does not affect the fees charged for these courses.

It remains open to private institutions, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, to review the fees they charge for these courses and adjust their fee schedule where appropriate.