Pressured parents call for college fee leniency

AS THOUSANDS of students began the search for accommodation after taking up third-level places, parents have called on colleges to allow families breathing space to pay their fees.

The student contribution which must be paid by most undergraduates is going up €500 to €2,000 a year, with all grant recipients having the fee paid and some also eligible for a 50% reduction.

A €200 fee is also being incurred for the first time on students on Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses.