Are you aware of any tax reliefs or otherwise available to students or parents of students who are facing high student fees and accommodation costs? Any guidance would be appreciated.
In Ireland, you can get 20% tax relief on student tuition fees. It does not cover registration fees, administration charges or exam fees. The course must be an
approved Undergraduate or Postgraduate course. The first €3,000 (for full-time) or €1,500 (for part-time) of fees does not qualify each year. Example: If your tuition
fees are €5,000, minus the first €3,000 = €2,000. You get 20% of that back = €400 tax relief.
Other reliefs are also available.
- The Rent Tax Credit of 20% of rent paid, up to the limit of €1,000 per individual or €2,000 per jointly assessed couple is available for 2024 and 2025. Parents who pay
rent on behalf of students are also entitled to claim this benefit. - The SUSI maintenance grant is a means-tested grant, with two types of student grants for undergraduate study available through SUSI. These are maintenance grants and fee grants. The maintenance grant contributes towards a student’s living costs while they are at college. This can include college fees and support with accommodation and other costs. The fee grant will cover all or part of the student contribution and costs of essential field trips.
- The Student Accommodation Assistance Fund, created for Traveller and Roma students as well as care-experienced young people can contribute up to €6,000 per academic year towards accommodation costs. Applications should be made through the student’s institution.
- The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) offers broader support for students experiencing financial hardship. It can cover rent, bills, food, and essential living costs. This fund is administered directly by higher education institutions, and students must apply through their access or support offices.
In certain circumstances, students on social welfare may qualify for additional supports. The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), and in some cases Housing
Assistance Payment (HAP) or rent supplement, can be available. These supports usually apply to those combining welfare entitlements with education.