Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
795. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason students undertaking a university degree (details supplied) that is fully delivered online are not receiving the €500 reduction in the student contribution, while students who do the exact same programme on campus do receive the €500 reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35956/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHigher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies responsible for their own academic affairs, including the development of relevant curriculum, determining tuition fees and student numbers on individual courses. Tuition fees can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of course and the method of provision. The level of tuition fee that applies to the course under reference is determined by the higher education institution itself as an autonomous body.
In relation to the student contribution, the position is that first time undergraduate students undertaking a full-time undergraduate course may be eligible to have their tuition fees, exclusive of the student contribution, paid on their behalf via the Free Fees Initiative (FFI). The student contribution applies in circumstances where a student is eligible for free fees; it is the student’s contribution towards their tuition fee within the terms of the FFI.
Where a course is not part of the FFI, including any flexible, part-time or online courses offered outside the scheme, the student contribution towards free fees does not apply and instead students pay the applicable tuition fee to the higher education institution attended. In this regard, the student contribution reduction announced in Budget 2026 does not apply to courses offered outside the Free Fees Initiative.
Higher Education students experiencing exceptional financial need may be eligible to apply for supports under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students in need of support, can apply to the Access Office in their higher education institution. This Fund assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances.
