Higher Education Minister is planning to raise the fee back up to €3,000 in the next budget.
Fears are growing that student drop - out rates could spike in the face of a 33 per cent increase in their third-level registration fees.
Higher Education Minister James Lawless is admitting all options when it comes to the student contribution fee will be on the table for the forthcoming budget later this year.
The fee was lowered from 3,000 euro to 2,000 as part of the cost-of-living packages over the last three budgets.
The Minister is refusing to rule increasing the fee once again.
First year drop-outs in college are up from 9 to 13 per cent and TUS Athlone Students Union believes the situation will only get worse if the cost of education rises.
Amelia Lown, President of the Union in TUS says the difference of 1000 euro is massive for students budget:
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