Government announces €150 fee reduction for third-level students

By Katie Ní Bhaoill

The Government has officially revealed Budget 2027, introducing several key changes for university students, with the most relevant being the permanent €150 reduction, bringing university fees down to €2,350.  

This reduction will come in place effective immediately, and this means that for the students who have already paid fees, refunds will be available from January 2027. 

There have been no changes in annual PhD stipends.

On campus on Tuesday afternoon, many students had strong opinions on the reduction, with one claiming, “€150, what’s that going to do? It’s barely a week’s rent.” 

Others were pleased, with one student stating, “I think that’s a really good thing, as far as I know the government wants to make university free, and universities have been racking up their student contribution fees.”

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers also announced there will be an enhanced student contribution grant for families with more than one child in higher-level education and an increase of the SUSI maintenance grant rate by four point five percent. 

“Overall, these measures will benefit over 150,000 students and their families,” said Chambers.

This grant will become effective from January 2027. 

Additionally, a distribution of €5.3 billion has been allocated to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for 2027. €360 million of the allocation will fund a brand-new three-year national training fund skills package, with €150 million focusing on the development of knowledge on AI.

“As a country, we are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities that AI offers, but only if we equip our people with skills of the future,” the minister stated.

Chambers also announced over 1,420 additional higher education placements in key health care sectors and social care professions.