Cork College of FET waives all fees on hundreds of courses

Cork College of Further Education and Training campuses at Morrison’s Island, Tramore Rd, and Douglas St in Cork city centre, and in Bishopstown, Mallow, Kinsale, and Skibbereen offer 200 Level 5 and 6 courses

Cork ETB chief executive Denis Leamy, Cork College of FET project manager Valerie Lucey, and Cork ETB director of further education & training John Fitzgibbons announcing the waiving of fees at Cork FET's seven campuses in city and county. Picture: Jim Coughlan

The Cork College of Further Education and Training (FET) has waived all fees for all of its Level 5 and 6 courses next year to ensure cost is no barrier to further education during a cost-of-living crisis.

The decision is set to benefit thousands of learners who will have a choice of some 200 courses being offered at Cork FET’s seven campuses across the county for the 2025 to 2026 academic year, from podcasting, psychology, gaming design and personal training to beauty therapy, nursing, carpentry and hairdressing. 

The average cost of a level 5 or 6 course is around €450 but some course fees were in the region of €1,000.

There are just over 2,800 students undertaking level 5 and 6 courses in Cork College of FET this year, which means the cost to the college of the ‘free fees’ initiative will be around €1.2m a year.

With all of its Level 5 and 6 courses now free of charge, it is hoped the initiative will offer many more students the first step on the higher education ladder. 

The Cork College of FET is part of Cork ETB’s Further Education and Training Services which said the no-fees initiative aims to make education more accessible to everyone in Munster, reflecting Cork ETB’s commitment to lifelong learning and a pathway for every learner.

Equal opportunities

By eliminating fees, Cork College of FET aims to provide equal opportunities for learners, regardless of financial background, Cork ETB chief executive Denis Leamy said.

“We believe education is a fundamental right and, by eliminating fees, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring that everyone in Munster has the opportunity to learn and grow,” he said.

"This is a transformative step towards a more inclusive and skilled future. 

It will open doors for many people who might not have been able to afford education otherwise.

“By eliminating fees for the upcoming academic year, Cork College of FET continues to honour the legacy of Saint Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork, who dedicated his life to teaching.

“This initiative embodies the spirit of ‘Where Finbarr taught, let Munster learn’ — for free — ensuring that education remains a right, not a privilege, for Cork city and county.”

Cork College of FET offers a wide range of both full time and part time courses in multiple disciplines through its seven campuses across the city and county, including apprenticeships, applied sciences, art, craft and design, business and administration, computer science and IT, creative media technology, engineering and construction, environment and horticulture, hair, beauty and complementary therapies, performing arts, and tourism and hospitality.

Cork ETB at primary, secondary, and third level 

While Cork ETB is the patron of two community national schools and 28 recognised secondary schools, with 12 of the post primary schools designated community colleges, and is a co-trustee or co-patron of 13 community and comprehensive schools, it also offers further education and training services through the Cork College of FET.

Its further education campuses are based at Morrison’s Island, Tramore Rd, and Douglas St in Cork city centre, and in Bishopstown, Mallow, Kinsale, and Skibbereen.

Cork ETB says its target clients are learners in its schools, campuses, training centres and community settings, as well as applicants under the various learner support schemes administered directly by Cork ETB, youth service providers, community education and training groups, voluntary community organisations, and communities.