Academic Registry has adjusted the fee payment structure for 2020/21 from two installments to three.
Payments due in the first semester are to remain in line with previous years, with 50% of tuition fees and 50% of the student contribution charge payable for students to register for Michaelmas Term.
In the second semester, payment can be further split into two installments each, with 25% of tuition fees and 25% of student contribution fees due on January 31, and the remaining 25% of each due on February 28. Student levies and charges, such as Trinity Sport membership, are to remain due in full for registration in Michaelmas Term.
Speaking to Trinity News, Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) Welfare Officer Leah Keogh said: “Although this change is slight, it is hoped that the option of two instalments in the second semester will alleviate some of the financial pressure that students face. Something that I, as Welfare and Equality Officer will advocate to keep moving forward. A goal of mine this year is to advertise options of financial assistance such as the Student Assistance Fund to ensure that there is help where help is needed.”
TCDSU shared the restructured plan on social media on Monday evening.
A spokesperson for College confirmed to Trinity News that the fee payment for Hillary Term can be paid in two installments.
On social media, the union stated: “Good news for Trinity students! TCD Academic Registry have re-structured fee payments for the upcoming year.”
“Installments due in the second semester have been split into two! Hopefully this makes life a bit easier this coming year.”
Entry for incoming first years to Trinity has been pushed to October 5 following the postponement of Leaving Certificate results to three weeks later than the traditional timeline.
New first year students are to start lectures on October 5, with Freshers’ Week beginning on September 28. Teaching for current students is to begin on September 28 in line with existing plans.
Speaking to Trinity News, Graduate Students’ Union (GSU) President Gisèle Scanlon said that for postgraduates, the three-instalment plan was “welcome news”.
“Postgraduates face many challenges with accommodation and the cost of living in Dublin this coming academic year and we will be focusing on helping students at the GSU to access financial supports to try and help alleviate the many fiscal pressures ahead,” Scanlon said.
“I lobbied hard last year for this instalment plan with Academic Registry but it takes a long time to put things in place and I’m glad to see this positive development and I hope that this will continue as an instalment option in the following academic years.”
The fees College charges to students include tuition fees, the student contribution charge, and other student charges and levies.
Tuition fees vary by course and the student’s EU status. For 2020/21, tuition fees for undergraduate EU students range from around €2,681 for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) courses to €5,371 for some Health Sciences (HS) courses.
Students from non-EU countries are charged higher tuition fees, ranging from around €18,000 and €26,000 for undergraduates, depending on their course.
Most EU students are eligible for the Free Fees Initiative, under which tuition fees are paid for by the government. They instead pay a student contribution charge of €3,000 per year.
