FAQs for returning undergraduates

Please see www.nuigalway.ie/registration for relevant registration details.

Fees can be paid online or at a bank using a bank giro.

If you want to pay into a bank in the Republic you must use a special Bank Giro form. The bank giro is unique to you and contains information which allows the university to ensure that your fees records are updated properly.

You can get a bank Giro form by e-mailing fees@nuigalway.ie stating your student ID number. You can also call to the Fees Office (1^st Floor, Aras ui Chathail) and request a bank giro.

How do I apply for the grant?

You make a means tested application to the Higher Education Grant (HEG) Section of your County Council or Vocational Education Committee.  Application forms are available in mid to late July and the closing date is August, but do check with your HEG Office on application process and closing dates. See this website's section on grants for more details.

Free tuition fees is where the Higher Education Authority pay the tuition element on behalf of the student. This happens if: 

·         The student is attending a full time undergraduate course 

·         The course is a minimum of two years duration 

·         The student has never been to third level before either here or anywhere else in the EU 

·         The student:

·         is an Irish national who has lived here for the last 3 years
·         is a national of an EU state who has lived in the EU for the last three years
·         has Official Refugee status and who has lived in the EU for the last three years

 If in doubt check out the full details for eligibility by reading the following guidelines.

Registration is open from  the 21st August, 2012.

Fees can be paid in two equal instalments. The first instalment of 50% is due immediately. Fees outstanding at 31st October 2012 will incur an additional financial penalty of €200.

What happens if I have paid by bank giro?

Keep your receipt in a safe place as you may be required to present it to Fees Office staff during the academic year.

This payment will be automatically transferred to your student record - a receipt is not necessary.  You should check your own financial history by accessing your student portal and the payment should be visible. 

You will be charged a late payment penalty of €200 if  you have not paid half of your fee by 31st October 2012. 

You will be charged another €200 if you have not paid the remainder of the fee by 31st January 2013. 

You will not be given your exam results. 

You will not be conferred.

Access to transcripts etc. will be blocked

Yes. Unless you prove that you are entitled to a grant then you are liable for the full fee payment. You must bring your letter of grant award to the Fees Office by 31st October 2012.

If you cancel officially with our Student Contact Centre after 1st February 2013 you will be ineligible for free fees if you return to 3rd level studies in September 2013 and so will be obliged to pay the full tuition fee when you start a new course.

The repeat fee for 2012/2013 is €1,600

I was repeating first year in 2011 but am now progressing. I was eligible for free tuition fees but am now being asked to pay €5,000. What do I do? 

This may be due to the fact that your records have not been updated to reflect your funding - possibly because of your repeat status. You are advised to register, choosing the 'Pay Later' option for fees, and email  fees@nuigalway.ie, providing your student I.D. number. The Fees Office will then assess your case and provide you with further information. Please expect a wait of approximately one week if contacting the office in September, due to heavy workload.  

Submit your medical evidence and covering letter to the Fees Office indicating that you wish to repeat on medical grounds as a “free fee” student.  You must supply detailed medical certificates that must include referrals to a consultant or consultants and/or hospitalisation, obtained at the time of the illness. It should be clear from such documentation that you were actively prevented from attending or participating in your academic course for a significant period.  Students who become ill after lectures (tuition) for the academic year are completed are not entitled to apply for "free fees" on medical grounds.  

If the Department of Education agrees to fund you for a repeat year, you will be liable for the student levy  and the student contribution charge for your repeat year.  If granted, it applies only where a student is returning to the same college and the same programme. If you attend a different programme at NUI Galway or a course at another third level institution, you will be liable for half or full tuition fees based on the original period of attendance. 

Contact the relevant Dean of College to gain permission to defer the year.

Contact the Admissions Office to let them know you are deferring thus ensuring re-enrolment material will be forwarded to you the following academic year.

If you do not register for an academic year the Fees Office will not claim tuition fees on your behalf and so you will be entitled to avail of the Free Fees when you resume studying. 

If you do not register for the year you will not be liable for a fee.

When you register the University claims half of the tuition fees from the Department of Education i.e. the fee due until the 31st January.

The University claims the other half of the tuition fee after 1st February.

If you leave your course  prior to 31st January you will only be eligible for 50% of 'free fees' when you resume your course. However, if you leave your course after 31st January you will be ineligible for 'free fees' for one full academic year.

Please ensure that you withdraw ’officially’ with the Admissions Office.