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For Oral Answer on : 25/06/2024
Question Number(s): 55 Question Reference(s): 27020/24
Department: Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Further and Higher Education; Research; Innovation and Science the current situation with respect to the payment of non-EU third level fees by Irish citizens educated and currently living outside of the EU; if he has considered any changes in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The higher education tuition fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the student’s access route. The assessment of a student’s application and the determination of the appropriate fee rate is a function of the institution attended.
Typically there are two rates of fee, an EU Rate of Fee or a non-EU rate of tuition fee. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs. This includes setting the criteria a person must meet to be regarded as an EU or a Non-EU tuition fee student.
The criteria may vary by institution and I understand that an institution’s criteria will generally include specified Nationality and/or Residency requirements that students would be expected to meet to qualify for the EU rate of fee.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible for my Department to intervene in the fee policy of the institutions or to advise on the specific criteria of individual institutions. Where a student has a query in relation to an institution’s EU or non-EU fee policy they can contact the institution they wish to attend for advice appropriate to their own individual circumstances.
