Increased fee at UCC
UCC has claimed that the increased capitation fee it is introducing will go directly back into student services.
The college has increased the capitation fee - which is to be paid in addition to the €3,000 paid by all third level students in Ireland.
The fee is currently €170 per student per year but is increasing to €250 for incoming first years and will continue to rise until it reaches €370 in 2023.
The UCC Students Union (SU) said the increase is being brought in without a student referendum despite one being asked for by the SU.
The SU said: “When we look around the country to see what other universities are doing, it is obvious that while they may have increased their fees in recent years, they did so by holding a referendum.”
The SU said there is still a risk that it can be increased again in another three years.
The capitation fees breakdown as follows:
• 2019/20 - €250
• 2020/21 - €290
• 2021/22 - €330
• 2023/24 - €370
In a statement to the Cork Independent, UCC said it has seen increased pressure on the student services supported by the capitation fee. In particular mental health services, such as counselling and support, student health services, the student assistance fund and sport and recreations facilities, have all seen increased demand.
It said: “Services supported by the capitation fee are not funded by the Government. This increased fee will go directly back into student services. UCC’s capitation fee has historically been among the lowest in Ireland’s higher education system, these fee changes do not pertain to existing students and will be introduced in gradual increments from 2019/20.
“The entire increase is €200 over four years. Previously the SU held a referendum for changes to capitation fee as these changes applied to existing students. UCC has been consistently working with its SU on this issue and will continue to work to together with its students to ensure student services are supported,” the statement concluded.
Alan Hayes, SU President: “I understand the college’s rationale, I know there is a lack of state funding for services, but I feel the students are being seen as an easy target. This is the second increase UCC has imposed on its students this year following a 10 per cent increase in all campus accommodation earlier in the year.”