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Tertiary universities will be able to collect the € 3,000 in fees from their students even if they severely restrict access to the campus and force them to stay at home, said Education Minister Norma Foley.
The Opposition has asked Ms Foley to clarify that where the circumstances of so-called “blended learning” apply, a reduced fee will apply.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett asked Ms. Foley to tell him if it will be ensured that those who go to tertiary education in September in blended learning settings will not have to pay the current level of enrollment fees.
However, Ms Foley has made it clear that universities will be free to charge whatever they want up to € 3,000 and, with the entire sector in financial crisis, there is no chance of cuts being applied.
Some estimate that the sector could be facing a financial hole of up to 500 million euros due to Covid-19.
“Any determination on the level of fees to be charged is a matter for each institution in accordance with its own particular operating conditions and circumstances to ensure the provision of education for students throughout this pandemic,” said Ms. Foley.
Currently, under the free fee scheme, the treasury provides funds for the tuition costs of eligible college students, and students pay the student’s contribution.
Since the introduction of the free tuition system in the 1990s, universities have been allowed to continue charging a “tuition” or student contribution, which is currently € 3,000. The last change was in the academic year 2014/2015.
Ms Foley has said that planning for blended learning models in universities is taking place in the context of an evolving public health environment and will continue to be monitored and adapted as necessary to ensure the health and safety of all. students and staff.
“The balance between face-to-face and online will vary between programs and will depend on factors such as disciplinary teaching and learning needs and the number of students enrolled in individual programs, as well as the practical / theoretical balance of learning outcomes in the program. “, said.
Mr. Boyd Barrett and other Opposition TDs have called for fees to be lowered in circumstances where students are forced to stay at home.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has also called for a reduction in fees as a result of academic changes in 2020/2021, and a broader debate on fees and third-tier funding.
Currently, Hacienda pays all or part of the contribution on behalf of almost 50% of the students eligible for free fees through the student support scholarship.
“When students do not meet the eligibility criteria of the free fee initiative, for example, full-time undergraduate students who do not qualify for free tuition fees, part-time undergraduate students, or any graduate student It is a matter for the highest educational institution, as an autonomous body, to determine what fee applies to students, ”said Ms. Foley.
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