Private college unveils €5k ‘digs-for-fees’ initiative

A private third-level college is giving students and their families a unique way to cover their fees by opening up their homes to international classmates.

The digs-for-fees initiative by Griffith College Dublin will offset €5,000 — the average charge for an Irish undergraduate students — against a year’s tuition for anyone accommodating an overseas student at the college.

Although a €1,000 fee will be charged if the visiting student stays for a 40-week term rather than a full-year, the college said it is still a helpful way for families to meet their higher education costs at a time when so many are struggling with bills.