Just because there was no mention of changes to third level fees in Budget 2014 – it doesn’t mean thay won’t be going up. The government already had that covered in Budget 2013!
In Budget 2013 they announced that the Student contribution (or registration fee ) would be rising by €250 in 2014 and again in 2015 . It is currently €2500 – so in 2014 it will increase to €2750 . This will cost students an extra €18.5 million next year and €37 million in 2015.
All students who are eligible for student grants will continue to have the student contribution paid on their behalf. (40% of students are in receipt of some form of student grant. )