College student fees to be cut by up to €500 in Budget 2026

October budget measure comes as 'middle Ireland needs a break' — but second tier of child benefit for lower-income parents ruled out

Third-level fees are likely to be permanently reduced by up to €500 in next momth's Budget 2026. Stock picture: PA

Third-level student fees are likely to be permanently reduced by up to €500 in next month’s budget, but a senior Government minister has ruled out introducing a second tier of child benefit for lower income parents.

A permanent reduction in the student contribution for college is set to be introduced, senior Government sources have suggested, but negotiations for Budget 2026 remain ongoing.