Many Kilkenny students owed €1,000 from Government just before Christmas

The Minister for Higher Education has announced that students who paid the full tuition at the start of the college year will be given a €1000 refund.

The cost of education measures that were outlined in the Budget stipulated that the student contribution for third-level education would be reduced from €3000 to €2000.

This will reduce the cost for 96,000 students across Ireland by 33%.

Students and their families that paid the full contribution at the beginning of the college year have been asked to provide their bank details to their higher education institution by the end of November in order to receive their refund.

If bank details are not supplied, a credit will be applied to the students account.

Minister Simon Harris said:

"I want to put money back in the pockets of students and their parents.

"That's why in the Budget we reduced college fees for 96,000 students.

"This means all eligible full-time undergraduate students will see their fees reduced by at least €1000.

"If you have paid the fees in full, your college will have been in touch or will be in touch by the end of this month to get your back details so they can arrange for you to get a refund."

No other action is necessary by students, fees will automatically reduce for those eligible.

Minister Harris added:

"If you are paying in installments, as many families do, your second installment will be reduced by up to €1000 at the start of the second term in 2024. If you paid in full, your college will refund you by the end of the year."

Families earning under €100,000 are also eligible for a further €500 reduction and must apply through www.susi.ie