€1,000 Fee Reduction FAQ

In recognition of the cost of living and financial challenges facing third-level students, the Government have made a once-off contribution of €1,000 towards the Student Contribution payable by eligible Free Fee Schemes students in the academic year 2022/23.

This will reduce the amount payable by free fees eligible students to their institution from €3,000 to €2,000 in the academic year 2022/23.

• Who is eligible?:
  This once-off measure is available to full-time undergraduate students eligible for the Department’s free fees schemes in the academic year 22/23. 

• Does this reduction also apply to undergraduate students not eligible for free fees, postgraduate, part-time, Non-EU fees or repeat-year fees?:
  No, it does not include students not eligible for free fees; postgraduate, part-time, non-EU fees or repeat year fees per criteria on hea.ie 
• If I get SUSI, do I still benefit from this reduction?:
  Students eligible for a 50% student contribution support as paid by SUSI will benefit proportionally and will receive a €500 credit (from €1,500 to €1,000) in the value of the student contribution they are due to pay. If you receive full student contribution support through SUSI you are not impacted by this measure. 

• Do I need to apply to receive the funding?:
  If you paid your student contribution IN FULL, you should have received an email from UCC asking for account details to process the refund. You need to provide the relevant details by the 30th of November 2022.
  If you have not paid the student contribution in full, the €1,000 will be removed from your outstanding balance. If you receive 50% SUSI and have not paid your contribution in full, €500 will be removed from your outstanding balance.