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/International rate of fee. Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and the level of tuition fee payable by students is a matter for the relevant institution to determine. This includes setting the criteria a person must meet to be regarded as an EU or a Non-EU tuition fee student.
It is not possible for my Department to advise individual students on eligibility for the EU rate of fee or to intervene in the fee policy of the institutions. It is therefore necessary for students to contact the institution attended for guidance on the fees applicable to a course of study and advice appropriate to their own individual circumstances
Direct engagement will offer students an opportunity to understand the determination of the institution and provide a basis for the student to provide additional information to the institution as appropriate to assist the institution in determining the appropriate fee rate.
In considering the matters raised, it is important to note that the Department of Justice adjudicates on a person's entitlement to remain in the State and has responsibility for naturalisation. Where a person has a query on their current permission or the naturalisation process they can contact the Irish Immigration Service.
