Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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1430. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason students and their families are expected to pay the full student contribution charge if they are on an internship year, and not utilising college facilities or in receipt of teaching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49050/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs. This includes determining tuition fees for individual courses.

The higher education tuition fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the student's access route. The assessment of a student’s application and the determination of the appropriate fee rate is a function of the institution attended.

I have been advised that the student contribution charge covers costs associated with student services, examinations, admissions, registration, fees administration, and student records.

Students are required to pay the student contribution fee while on placement because they remain registered students of their institution. Even when not attending lectures, students are still enrolled in their course, which includes mandatory practical placements, making them liable for the annual registration and services fees.

While on placement, student services remain available throughout the academic year, such as library access, online resources, administrative support, and student welfare. The student contribution fee contributes to the costs associated with administering examinations and assessing students, even if their practical assessment is a placement rather than a traditional exam.

Students with queries regarding their student contribution fee can contact their higher education institution for more details of what the fee covers.