Notice: In response to the cost-of-living crisis, DDLETB and Dundrum College of Further Education has significantly reduced PLC course fees for the 2024/2025 academic year. Learn more about these changes in our FAQ Fees section here. An acceptance fee of €50 is the only remaining charge to students for the coming year.
FAQ: Reduction in Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Course Fees for 2024/2025 Academic Year
Q1: What changes are being made to the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) and BTEI course fees for the 2024/2025 academic year?
In response to the cost-of-living crisis, we are implementing a significant reduction in fees for all domestic (EU, EEA, Stamp 4) students undertaking a PLC course in the upcoming academic year. All fees, excluding the acceptance fee, will be waived.
Q2: What is the new registration fee for the 2024/2025 academic year?
The registration fee for the 2024/2025 academic year is €50. Please note that this is the only fee to be maintained for the upcoming year.
Q3: Will any other charges, such as for Student Services/Materials and Course-Specific Materials, be applicable in the 2024/2025 academic year?
No, all other charges including Student Services/Materials and course-specific fees are being waived for the 2024/2025 academic year, apart from the acceptance fee. However, for some courses, students will be required to purchase books and kits themselves.
Q4: Are there any changes to the QQI/ITEC/CIDESCO Exam Fees for the 2024/2025 academic year?
Yes, the QQI Exam Fees will be waived for the upcoming academic year.
Q5: What about the PLC Government Tuition Fees?
Domestic students will continue to benefit from the Free Fees Scheme, with no tuition fee applicable.
Q6: Will international students also benefit from these fee reductions?
The fee waiver applies to all domestic students only. International students will continue to pay full fees as per our policy.
Q7: Where can I get more information about these changes?
Further details about the new fee structure are available on the DDLETB website here.
Please remember that we are here to support students experiencing financial difficulties and aim to make the educational journey as smooth as possible. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us.
Funding Schemes
Some students may be eligible to avail of one of the following funding schemes:
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
Eligible Students continue to get their full Social Welfare entitlements as well as the cost of text books, exam fees etc., for the duration of the course. Meal and travel allowances are also paid. Places are limited so early application is advisable. See www.citizensinformation.ie for qualifying conditions.
Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)
The BTEA allows qualified applicants to return to full-time education in approved courses in order to advance the applicant’s level of education while continuing to receive some support. People in receipt of certain social welfare payments can retain these payments for the duration of the course. Please check the website www.welfare.ie for qualifying conditions.
SUSI Grant
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students in approved full-time third-level education in Ireland and also, in some cases, funding for students studying outside of Ireland. Support is available to all types of students, from school leavers to mature students returning to education. www.susi.ie
Part Time (BTEI)
The Back To Education Initiative (BTEI) provides part-time further education courses. It gives individuals the opportunity to combine learning with family, work and other responsibilities. Anyone who has left full-time education can take part in a course. Fees for part time courses offered under BTEI are normally €200 – €300, depending on duration and schedule. Certain participants are however eligible for free tuition.
The participants eligible for free tuition are people who (or their dependants):
- Have less than upper-second level education or
- Are getting a jobseeker’s payment or means-tested social welfare payment or
- Are getting Working Family Payment (formerly knows as Family Income Supplement or
- Have a medical card or
- Are eligible to participate on VTOS or Youthreach.
All other participants are charged a fee.
Traineeship (Employed)
All trainees on “Traineeship” courses receive free tuition. Traineeships in Dundrum College of Further Education are available to employers and their employees at no cost. For further details, contact the College.
