Maintenance Costs

The information on fees and grants is the latest available at the time of going to press but is subject to change by the Department of Education, the Examining Bodies and the Governing Body.

Transport Costs

Learners can avail of special travel rates from the national transport companies and chartered buses. Season tickets are available on some routes. Iarnróid Eireann and Bus Éireann offer special train and bus fares to learners (subject to certain conditions).

Third Level Training Grants

Since 1975, the Institute has been offering a number of programmes as part of the Special Training Programme sponsored by the European Social Fund. Currently, this covers most Higher Certificate (Level 6) and Bachelor (Level 7) programmes. Learners pursuing these programmes have tuition fees paid and a maintenance grant may be payable, subject to a means test. Payment of tuition fees is automatic on receiving a place on a designated TLT programme, provided that a candidate has not already completed a TLT programme (other than progression to a Post Higher Certificate) or is not repeating a year. There is no upper age limit, thereby enabling mature learners to receive grant-aid. Learners should apply to their local VEC/Local Authority regarding the maintenance portion of their grant, which is means-tested.

Institute Regulations

Institute Regulations are contained in the Student Handbook which is given to all learners on registration. These cover areas such as Discipline, Misconduct, Attendance at classes, No Smoking policy, Injury to learners, use of ID Card, Library and IT facilities, Academic Calendar, Examination Regulations and a Diary.

Learners are strongly advised to read this handbook and keep it with them throughout the year for reference purposes.

Information on Fees

All full-time students pay the Student Contribution Fee of €3,000. Most full time students are covered by the Irish Government Free Fees Scheme and therefore only have to pay this fee. Students who qualify for the Government Free Fees Scheme are students who are citizens of member states of the European Union who are undertaking full-time undergraduate courses at Certificate, Diploma and Degree level for the first time. Some non-EU students may qualify, depending on their legal status. In addition, there is currently a Class Materials Fee for learners in Art & Design and Science programmes. All of these payments must be paid at time of Registration, and are subject to change without prior notice and are outside the control of the Institute.

Learners who qualify for the Third Level Trainee Maintenance Grant will be refunded their Student Services Fee subsequent to receiving first instalment of their grant payment. Class Materials Fees are non-refundable.