We oppose these iniquitous college fees
The current fee stands at a minimum of €670, with the budget forecasting an increase of €80 for this year alone. This represents an approximate increase of 90% over two years. In UCC’s case, with various levies having been added on in the recent past, the fee will be in the region of €800 for the forthcoming academic year. Meanwhile, the maintenance grant, which is available to only less than a quarter of the student population, will increase by a risible 2%.
This fee forces students to incur significant debt, obliging them to take up part-time employment during the academic year. The culmination of these factors results in increasing student poverty, higher drop-out rates and lower educational attainments.
