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Q. I am confused about the changes to the Student Services
Charge. Why is it more for the first child and less for the second
child in a family?
06.03.11
Currently third-level students pay an annual Student Services
Charge (also known as a registration fee) of €1,500. For the new
academic year 2011/12 this charge has been replaced by a flat-rate
Higher Education Student Contribution of €2,000 per year. Part-time
students pay €1,000 per year. All eligible students will have to pay
this contribution.
Students who qualify for third-level grants do not have to pay it
and families whose reckonable income is below certain limits pay a
half-rate contribution. You can pay the contribution in two
instalments. Unlike the current scheme, this new Student
Contribution will be eligible for tax relief in some circumstances.
This is where the difference between the first and second children
in a family arises. You cannot claim tax relief on the first €2,000
payable by your family (e.g. your first child). However you can
claim tax relief on any other student contributions you pay (e.g.
any other children in higher education). The tax relief is at the
standard rate of 20%. In effect, this means that the second and
subsequent siblings pay a student contribution of €1,600 instead of
€2,000. If your children are studying part-time the first €1,000 is
not eligible for tax relief.
Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741
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