Third-level fees for migrant students axed

Changes to college fee arrangements for migrant students have been welcomed but campaign groups say hundreds will still be excluded by unaffordable charges despite having been educated in Ireland.

Ruairi Quinn, the education minister, has reversed rules that meant students from non-EU countries who became Irish citizens while in third-level education still had to pay full tuition fees. This could save some students already in college more than €10,000 a year as it puts them on a level playing field with other Irish and EU citizens.

“It recognises the long connections many of them have with Ireland, as well as the positive contribution they can make to our shared future,” said Mr Quinn.