Understanding the 2025 Changes to Agriculture Student Fees in Northern Ireland

The Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland has announced updates to student fee regulations, specifically impacting those attending the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). These changes, detailed in the Agriculture (Student Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025, aim to align with broader educational policies while addressing the needs of a diverse student body.

What's Changing?

1. Fee Increase: Starting from 1 September 2025, both undergraduate and postgraduate course fees at CAFRE will see a 2.3% increase. This adjustment is part of an ongoing effort to harmonize fees with other educational institutions.

2. Immigration and Fee Adjustments: The regulations have been updated to reflect changes in immigration rules. This includes considerations for individuals with indefinite leave due to domestic violence or those under specific resettlement schemes, such as the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, among others.

3. Dual Fee Framework: DAERA will continue with two existing fee frameworks—the 'legacy' and 'current' frameworks. The legacy framework applies to students who started their courses before 1 September 2022, while the current framework is for those beginning on or after this date.

Background Context

DAERA's role in higher education is distinct from the Department for the Economy (DfE), which typically handles further and higher education in Northern Ireland. The DfE operates a two-tier fee system, and DAERA's adjustments are in line with maintaining consistency across educational providers.

Historically, DAERA's fee policies have evolved through comprehensive reviews and stakeholder consultations, ensuring that CAFRE’s fees remain competitive and fair.

Impact on Students

• UK and ROI Students: Students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland continue to benefit from the Common Travel Area agreement, paying fees aligned with local rates.

• International Students: EU nationals without protected rights under post-Brexit agreements, and those from outside the EU, will be charged international fees, reflecting full cost recovery.

• Gibraltar and Other UK Regions: Students from Gibraltar, starting courses post-January 2021, and those from other UK regions, will face fees akin to international rates.

Regulatory and Equality Considerations

The changes have been assessed for equality impacts and are compliant with existing human rights and EU laws. Moreover, the regulations consider rural needs, ensuring that policy implementation remains sensitive to these communities.

Effective Date and Contact Information

These changes are set to be implemented from 1 September 2025. For further inquiries, Chloe Robinson at DAERA can be contacted via phone or email.

These adjustments underscore DAERA’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality agricultural education while adapting to evolving educational and immigration landscapes.