With effect from the 2007 tax year individuals can claim relief on fees paid for 3rd level courses at a rate of 20% subject to a cap as set out below.
Academic Year Cap
2007/2008 5,000
2008/2009 5,000
2009/2010 5,000
2010/2011 5,000
2011/2012 7,000
It should be noted that relief is not available in relation to:
- any part of the tuition fees that are met directly or indirectly by grants, scholarships, etc,
- administration, registration or examination fees,
- with effect from the 2011 tax year the first €2,000 of each claim is disregarded for relief, where any of the students in respect of whom the claim is being made is in full-time education,
- Where all students concerned are in part-time education, the first €1,000 is disregarded.
For the tax year 2011 and subsequent tax years, tax relief is allowable in respect of tuition fees including the Student Contribution.
Examples
Parent with 1 child in 3rd level education
Student – Full time in college
2010 Amount 2011 Amount
Student fees €5,000 Student fees €5,000
Tax relief €5,000 @ 20% = €1,000 Tax relief €5,000 – €2,000 @ 20% = €600
Student in part time education
2010 Amount 2011 Amount
Student fees €5,000 Student fees €5,000
Tax relief €5,000 @ 20% = €1,000 Tax relief €5,000 – €1,000 @ 20% = €800
Parent with 3 children in 3rd level education
Students in full time eduction
2010 Amount 2011 Amount
Student fees €15,000 Student fees €15,000
Tax relief €15,000 @ 20% = €3,000 Tax relief €15,000 – €2,000 @ 20% = €2,600
Students in part time education
2010 Amount 2011 Amount
Student fees €15,000 Student fees €15,000
Tax relief €15,000 @ 20% = €3,000 Tax relief €15,000 – €1,000 @ 20% = €2,800
In order for the tuition fees to be allowable they must be paid to an approved college. A full list of approved colleges and approved under graduate and post graduate courses can be found at www.revenue.ie.