Following the Government’s Budget 2026 announcement last October, examination entry fees will recommence for upcoming State examinations in 2026, at the same level as when they were last charged in 2019:
• €116 per entry for a Senior Cycle/Leaving Certificate candidate; and
• €109 per entry for a Junior Cycle candidate.
In line with the arrangements which applied when fees were last charged, candidates who hold a full medical card, or who are covered for all services on a parent or guardian’s full medical card, are exempt from examination fees. It should be noted that the rate of examination entry fees has not been increased since 2012.
I can advise that the State Examinations Commission (SEC) initially notified schools that fees would be charged for the 2026 State examinations in October 2025. This was reiterated in other circulars which issued in November, January, and February. A further circular was issued to schools earlier this month with details in relation to the SEC's Online Fee Service. Full details of all fee rates are available at https://www.examinations.ie/index.php?l=en&mc=ex&sc=ef.
Please note that the fees portal opened on 19 March. The closing date for the payment of examination fees or making an application for a medical card exemption is 30 April 2026, a period of six weeks.
