Permanent €500 cut to third-level student fees set to be included in Budget 2026

A permanent €500 cut to third-level student fees is set to be included in Budget 2026.

The Irish Times reported that last-ditch negotiations over allocations for various Government departments are set to continue on Monday.

The Coalition has long signalled that the once-off cost-of-living measures seen in recent budgets – such as a previous €1,000 cut to the €3,000 student contribution fee – would be dropped as part of efforts to rein in spending.

There was a backlash from parents and students when Minister for Higher Education James Lawless indicated in June that the temporary fee reduction would not be repeated this year.

He said at the time he intended to wind down college fees over the lifetime of the Government.

It is understood Tuesday’s Budget will include a €500 reduction, which is likely to be billed as the first permanent cut in the fee in decades, The Irish Times reported.

A Government source said that, unlike past temporary reductions, this is permanent.

"Students and their families can now plan ahead with confidence."