Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
1316. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if student fees will be covered or reduced for medical students going into practice upon completion of their undergraduate degrees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30936/26]
View answerHigher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies responsible for their own academic affairs, including the setting of postgraduate tuition fee rates. The higher education tuition fee payable by a postgraduate student can vary depending on a variety factors, including the type of course and the fee rates of a particular institution.
The State provides supports to eligible postgraduate students who qualify for SUSI support. Details of these postgraduate grant supports are available at: [https://www.susi.ie/eligibility-criteria/income/postgraduate-income-thresholds-and-grant-award-rates/]
Graduate medical students who are going into practice should consult with their employers regarding what supports may be available to them to undertake further studies. For example, I understand that undergraduate medicine graduates may progress to become an Intern (medical postgraduate internship) with the HSE. There are various HSE educational funding supports available including the HSE's Training Support Scheme and the Clinical Course and Exam Refund Scheme.
