Ireland 2013/14 - student fees and grants

National student fee

For the first cycle, full-time EU students are exempt from full tuition fees if they meet the terms of the 'free fees scheme', but pay a 'student contribution' of EUR 2 500 per academic year. Full-time EU students who do not meet the terms of the scheme must pay a consolidated fee covering both tuition fee and student contribution - the average EU consolidated fee is EUR 6 000.

For the second cycle, the majority of students pay tuition fees.

Part-time fees are generally half of full tuition fees for full-time programmes.

International student fees are generally two to three times that of full EU fees and are set by the higher education institutions.

Student grants

Need-based grants are provided by the Department of Education & Skills. Their amounts range from EUR 305 to 5 915 per academic year, depending on means, family size and distance from institutions. Students who qualify for grants also have the student contribution and any tuition fees paid on their behalf.

The same department provides bursaries with a value of EUR 2 000 per academic year. The bursaries require qualification under both merit- and need-based criteria.

Students need to satisfy specific conditions of residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment to be eligible for grants. Students have to be enrolled full-time.

Loans

No loans or family allowances, except where a parent in receipt of a social welfare payment is supporting a dependent aged up to 22 who is in full-time education.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Tax relief is available for the expenses paid for tuition fees at a recognised higher education institution.

Family allowances

No loans or family allowances, except where a parent in receipt of a social welfare payment is supporting a dependent aged up to 22 who is in full-time education.