Yesterday, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD announced a new scheme that will support temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine in Ireland to access Post Leaving Certificate courses during the 2022/2023 academic year. The scheme will allow qualified students to attend Solas-approved PLC courses without paying any fees. It will also provide them with a financial assistance bursary.
In March 2021, Minister Harris, together with Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman TD, announced that from the 2021/2022 academic year, asylum seekers with permission to work could access PLC courses without paying international fees (which were then set at €3600). Individuals who have been in the international protection system for three years can also access financial assistance through the Student Support Scheme for people in the International Protection System. Additionally, from September 2022, fees for PLC courses have been abolished for Irish students and asylum seekers. Individuals who have fled Ukraine have now been added to the list of people who can access PLC courses in Ireland fee-free.
For more information, see:
DFHERIS press release, 17 August 2022: Minister Harris announces new scheme for displaced Ukrainians to enter further education
DFHERIS press release, 11 March 2021: Ministers Harris and O’Gorman announce further changes for students living in direct provision
DFHERIS information page: Student Support Scheme for people in the International Protection System (asylum-seekers)
