Budget 2027 · Education
Budget 2027 education: student fees, grants and schools
College fees, grants and school funding are set in the Budget. Here are the current figures and what has been reported for Budget 2027.
Updated 4 October 2026. Budget day is Tuesday 6 October 2026.
€2,500 a yearStudent contribution fee · Maximum a year, third level
€4,500 a yearPostgraduate fee contribution grant · Eligible students
€274 a yearSchool capitation · Per pupil, primary and special schools
Before, now and Budget 2027
Education: what's going up, what's going down
In Budget 2026, of the 3 rates shown: 2 went up, 1 went down and 0 stayed the same.
| What | Before Budget 2026 | Now | Budget 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student contribution feeMaximum a year, third levelPermanently reduced by €500Source: Citizens Information | €3,000 a year | €2,500 a year−€500 | Due 6 Oct |
| Postgraduate fee contribution grantEligible studentsFrom January 2026Source: Citizens Information | €4,000 a year | €4,500 a year+€500 | Due 6 Oct |
| School capitationPer pupil, primary and special schoolsPaid to schoolsSource: Citizens Information | €224 a year | €274 a year+€50 | Due 6 Oct |
Predictions
What's expected in Budget 2027
From named reports, with exact quotes. These are not decisions until Budget day.
1 possible
- Possible
Student fees cut by another €250
The maximum student contribution is €2,500 after last year's €500 cut.
A proposal to cut student fees by €250 a year was reportedly under discussion in late negotiations.
The Irish Times · 16 Sept
Will it happen?
Questions
Education: your questions answered
The maximum student contribution is €2,500 a year after Budget 2026 permanently cut it by €500. Any further change will be confirmed on Budget day.
Ask Dex
Ask about education in the Budget
Dex answers in plain English and only uses figures it can source.
Ask DexMore Budget 2027 topics
Tax and payincome tax, USC and PRSIPensions and welfareBudget 2027 State pension, Jobseeker's, Carer's, Disability Allowance and Fuel Allowance: current weekly rates, reported increases and what changes on 6 October.Families and childrenChild Benefit, childcare and child paymentsHousingRent Tax Credit, mortgage relief and first-time buyersEnergy and fuelFuel Allowance, carbon tax and fuel exciseBusiness and VATVAT, R&D credit, capital gains and inheritance tax