UCC capitation fee to more than double

UNIVERSITY College Cork students have said they are ‘absolutely distraught’ at the university’s plans to more than double the student capitation fee.

The fee is currently €170 per student per year but is increasing to €250 for incoming first years this autumn and will continue to rise until it reaches €370 in 2023.

This is paid on top of the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000.

Outgoing UCC Students’ Union president Alan Hayes said the increase will add to financial pressures on students of the college.

“Students are already struggling to pay their fees and lots of them will really struggle to pay this additional cost,” he said.

“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.”

The college has said the increase is needed to fund student services.

“In recent years, UCC has seen increased pressure on services supported by the capitation fee,” a spokesperson said in a statement to The Echo.

"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."

However, the Students’ Union has pointed out that this is the second financial increase affecting UCC students this year.

In January, it was announced that the price of on-campus accommodation would rise for 2019/2020, by between €500 and €630.

It followed another increase in 2018, and means the cost of a single en suite bedroom at the Victoria Mills accommodation complex has gone from €5,260 in 2016/2017 to €6,179 for the coming academic year.

“That’s two things gone up this year,” Mr Hayes said. “Students are under huge pressure.”

Unlike the student contribution of €3,000, the capitation fee is not covered under the SUSI grant system, which means, Mr Hayes said, an increase puts particular pressure on lower-income students.

He added that students should have been given a vote on the issue.