Revealed: How students can reclaim €1,000 in fees this year as Simon Harris details further cost-cutting measures

Reductions of up to €1,000 in undergraduate fees are now being applied to all eligible third-level students’ accounts, under new cost of education measures announced in Budget 2024

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD announced further details for students today, with the reduction meaning the cost of college is falling for 96,000 students by 33pc.

Students or their families who have already paid the full student contribution of €3,000 are being refunded and are asked to give their bank details to their higher education institution.

This must be completed before the end of November to facilitate reimbursement of their €1,000 in December. If bank details are not provided by the student, a credit will be applied to their account.

Minister Harris said: “For the majority of students, there will be no action required. Fees will automatically reduce to €2,000 for all undergraduate students eligible for free fees.”

For those paying in instalments, their second instalment will be reduced by up to €1,000 at the start of the second term in 2024.

“If you paid in full, your college will refund you by the end of the year,” Minister Harris outlined.

Minister Harris also confirmed families earning under €100,000 may also be eligible for a €500 student contribution grant.

While applications have closed, students may be eligible to make a late application online through SUSI’s website.

In further measures, maintenance grants for third level students will increase and post-graduate supports will be brought back for the first time since the economic crash.

PhD researchers funded by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council will also receive a €3,000 increase in their stipend from January 2024.

A €17 million allocation for the Student Assistance Fund has also been announced.

This is a package aimed at assisting students with the cost of college, including books and class materials, rent, childcare, and transport.

Mr Harris described the Student Assistance Fund as an “invaluable resource” for third level students who are “finding it difficult to make ends meet.”

Earlier this year €440,000 was also provided to assist with emergency applications.

“The fund is there to assist with additional costs they may face over the coming months. It is completely confidential and accessible through the Access Offices in higher education colleges.

“It can help with the cost of college on a variety of fronts,” he added.

Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.