Mature students are entitled to free tuition fees in full time undergraduate courses, usually as long as they are first time undergraduate students.

That depends on the course. Adult mature students are entitled to free tuition fees in full time undergraduate courses, usually as long as they are first time undergraduate students. This same ruling applies to all students.

This free tuition fees scheme is not likely to continue, however, as colleges are being advised to tell all students entering this autumn, that fees many be re-introduced next year.

Usually up to 15% of places are held for mature applicants to most third level courses.

Adults on VTOS schemes or Back to Education Allowance schemes may hold on to their entitlements, and in addition may receive further allowances.

Part-time courses are not covered by the free fees scheme, so any participant must pay the cost. It is possible to offset the cost of some part-time courses against income tax at the standard rate.

Costs of part-time courses differ from institution to institution.

Mary O’Donnell