Third level student contribution fee to be cut by €150
The student contribution fee at third level will be permanently reduced by €150 under a range of measures aimed at the education sector in Budget 2027.
Third level student contribution fees in Ireland are set to decrease by €150, according to a series of measures announced in Budget 2027 to support the education sector. Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Jack Chambers, also revealed a 4.5% increase in the SUSI grant and new grants for families with multiple children pursuing third level education.
Recognizing the potential of AI in shaping the future, the Minister emphasized the importance of equipping Ireland's workforce with future-ready skills. To achieve this, a total of €5.3 billion has been allocated to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, which will fund a three-year National Training Fund skills package. This package aims to enhance skills resilience across the economy, particularly in adapting to an AI-driven work environment.
On the primary and secondary education front, capitation funding for schools will be increased by €17 million, while an additional €2 million will support the DEIS Plus programme. This funding will also allocate €3 million for the recruitment of 100 new Home School Community Liaison coordinators. Furthermore, the Minister announced €2.339 million for 2,339 additional Special Needs Assistants, bringing the total number of SNAs to 28,000. Additionally, 1,353 more teachers in special education will be hired, funded by extra resources.
The Dáil also heard that additional funding will be provided to expand apprenticeship delivery and to accommodate 1,420 extra higher education places in key health and social care professions.
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