Third Level Fees

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Ceisteanna (1254)

John Paul O'Shea

Ceist:

1254. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of cases where Irish citizens who have lived abroad for a period are being classified as non-EU students for fee purposes on returning to Ireland for postgraduate study; the rationale for the residency requirement that results in such classifications; if any flexibility, review mechanism, or exemption exists for Irish citizens who were abroad for education or employment purposes, including those who contributed to essential services during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will consider reviewing this policy in order to facilitate Irish citizens wishing to return home to further their education and contribute to the Irish workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11935/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Higher education institutions are autonomous entities vested with statutory authority over their own governance and operational affairs, including the discretion to set their own postgraduate tuition fees.

I understand that the higher education tuition fee payable by a postgraduate student can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the fee rates of a particular institution. Typically, there are two rates of postgraduate fee, an ‘EU’ or a ‘Non-EU’ (sometimes referred to as an international rate) rate of fee for each course.

Under the residency criterion applied by higher education institutions (HEIs), prospective students must demonstrate that they have been resident in the State for at least three years out of the previous five years prior to commencing a course. Similar, and in some cases more restrictive residency criteria apply in other countries e.g. in the UK, a student must be resident for the three years immediately preceding his/her commencement in college.

Where a prospective student has spent a considerable period of time outside of the State, the UK, the EU or an EEA country, then they will be classified as an international student and will be required to pay the relevant fee set by the HEI.

Where a student requires clarification or guidance on the fee criteria of an individual institution and how this may apply to their individual circumstances, they should make direct contact with the fees office of the relevant institution.