UCC Fees Remain Unchanged Despite COVID-19

Minister for Education, Norma Foley, confirmed last week that third-level colleges can charge full fees, even in blended learning scenarios that include severe restrictions when accessing campus. This led to backlash from members of the opposition, as well as students and the general public. It was also noted that Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris, did not make this announcement which was faced with widespread disappointment, anger and frustration by third-level students nationally. Minister Harris said on RTÉ radio earlier this week "I do think the registration fee in Ireland is too high and it is something that I would like to see addressed, obviously that depends on a whole variety of issues but I am committed to working on it." Earlier this year, the programme for government, contained a commitment to addressing the funding challenges in third-level education. However, details on specific measures have yet to be announced.This issue is exacerbated owing to the fact that Ireland has the highest fees in the European Union for an undergraduate degree, standing at €3000 per year. The President of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), Lorna Fitzpatrick, has called on third-level institutions to reduce fees for this academic year, as a result of the vast changes to the student experience and the decrease of time on campus. Ms. Fitzpatrick has also called for a wider debate to take place surrounding the issue of third level fees and funding. "I don't think students should be forced to pay the same amount for what is going to be a very different experience. The simple answer is we should be reducing the cost to students to accessing education", Ms. Fitzpatrick said whilst speaking to RTÉ.Students across the board are voicing their concerns regarding the lack of clarity being provided to students in relation to the ‘hybrid’ or ‘blended’ model of teaching and learning that universities are moving towards for the upcoming academic year. Most students have now received timetables for their individual courses but there is still a significant lack of clarity regarding many vital components of student life and related academia. Tutorials, field trips and laboratories as well as clubs, societies and other student activities are all components which make up the college experience; but these activities will be limited by Covid-19 and may occur virtually in the upcoming academic year.Nationally it is well documented that Irish Universities, such as UCC, are facing a significant drop in the number of international students, who pay far higher fees than EU citizens. According to the UCC International Office, an average of three thousand international students attend the college each year. International students pay between €12,500 to €48,750 per year, according to the UCC International Undergraduate Fees Schedule 2020/21. This is a substantial drop in revenue for universities. Universities are required to make additional investments in training staff and incorporating new technology this year in order to deliver online teaching and learning, whilst adhering to Covid-19 guidelines. It has been estimated that the sector could be facing a financial debt of up to €500m due to Covid-19.In addition to the €3000 ‘Student Contribution Charge’ or fee for third-level students, there is an additional ‘Capitation Fee’, which is a prerequisite to attending UCC. University Express previously reported in November 2019, that UCCSU successfully reversed a €200 increase in the student capitation fee, after threatening legal action against the university. The capitation fee must be paid by all students, in order to access facilities and sit exams. This fee is not covered by the Higher Education Grant scheme and remains at €170 for the coming academic year.Despite fees remaining unchanged, there is no doubt that the learning experience provided to UCC students will be different from previous years as staff and students adjust to a blended learning environment.