Confusion over fees puts pressure on college hopefuls

PARENTS have warned Leaving Certificate students could be left with just days to change their college course applications if Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe announces the reintroduction of third level fees next month.

The minister will not reveal his proposals until after the local and European elections which take place on June 5. But students who begin their exams two days earlier only have until July 1 to finalise their course lists with the Central Applications Office.

While Mr O’Keeffe has said any changes will not take effect before autumn 2010, they could apply to students starting courses later this year from their second year of higher education onward.