USI/AMLÉ Backs NUS-USI in Rejecting Call to Raise Tuition Fees in Northern Ireland
Dublin, 8 May 2025 – The Union of Students in Ireland / Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (USI/AMLÉ) stands in full support of NUS-USI following a recent call from university leaders to raise tuition fees for students in Northern Ireland.
At a time when students are already being squeezed by a cost-of-living crisis and rising rents, this proposal would only add more pressure to those least able to afford it. As NUS-USI President Ben Friel put it, “Putting the burden of a broken university system on students is not the answer.”
USI/AMLÉ shares serious concerns about the attempt to frame tuition fees as not keeping up with inflation. The facts speak for themselves—tuition fees have increased nearly every year in line with RPIX inflation, yet students are still being asked to pay more. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland has one of the highest student loan repayment rates in the UK, with many already repaying more than they owe.
Chris Clifford, President of USI/AMLÉ, said:
“We’ve heard from students across the island who are exhausted—mentally and financially. They’re working part-time jobs, studying full-time, and now they’re being told to pay more just to access their education. That’s not right. We need leadership that prioritises students, not more pressure on their shoulders. Education must be properly funded—but not on the backs of those trying to access it.”
“We’ve heard from students across the island who are exhausted—mentally and financially. They’re working part-time jobs, studying full-time, and now they’re being told to pay more just to access their education. That’s not right. We need leadership that prioritises students, not more pressure on their shoulders. Education must be properly funded—but not on the backs of those trying to access it.”
Universities don’t exist without students. Investing in education is investing in our future—our teachers, nurses, engineers, and artists. We urge decision-makers to reject any rise in fees and focus instead on building a funding model that protects access and affordability.
ENDS
NOTES:
About USI/AMLÉ
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI/AMLÉ) is the national representative body for students in Ireland. USI/AMLÉ advocates for students’ rights and works to ensure their voices are heard across a wide range of issues, from education to housing to mental health.
About USI/AMLÉ
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI/AMLÉ) is the national representative body for students in Ireland. USI/AMLÉ advocates for students’ rights and works to ensure their voices are heard across a wide range of issues, from education to housing to mental health.
For further information, to arrange an interview, or for any other queries, please contact USI Communications and PR Manager, Sumyrah Khan on pr@usi.ie or 086 033 3942.