Find Out What Tax Credits and Reliefs Apply to You in Ireland
Are You a STUDENT in Ireland?
Whether you’re a local or international student studying in Ireland, understanding your tax entitlements can help you save money, avoid overpaying, and even claim refunds. At DublinLedgers.ie, we’ve broken down the latest information from the Irish Revenue Commissioners into a clear and practical guide—so you can focus on your studies while we help you navigate the tax maze.
💸 What Tax Reliefs Can Students Claim?
✅ Tuition Fee Tax Relief
If you (or someone on your behalf) pays tuition fees for an approved third-level course, you may be entitled to tax relief of up to €7,000 per academic year.
Key Details:
- Applies to approved colleges and courses, including distance learning from EU or UK institutions
- Includes the student contribution, but excludes admin fees, levies, and other charges
- Disregard amount:
- €3,000 for full-time students
- €1,500 for part-time students
(This amount is subtracted before calculating relief)
Who Can Claim:
- The person who actually paid the fees (student or parent/guardian)
- You can claim for multiple students, but the disregard applies only once per claim
📊 How Do You Calculate Tuition Fee Relief?
Relief is given at the standard rate of tax (20%) on qualifying fees after subtracting the disregard amount.
Example:
- John pays €5,500 in tuition fees and €3,000 student contribution (total €8,500)
- The student levy of €247 is excluded
- The maximum claimable amount is €7,000
- Subtract the disregard of €3,000 → €4,000 eligible for relief
- Tax relief = 20% of €4,000 = €800
You can find more examples on Revenue’s tuition relief calculator page.
🧾 How to Claim Tuition Fee Relief
You can claim relief either during the tax year or after it ends:
For PAYE Students:
- Use myAccount on Revenue.ie
- Go to “Manage your tax for the current year” → “Add new credits” → “Tuition Fees”
For Self-Assessed Students:
- Complete the tuition fee section on your Form 11 annual tax return
Important:
- Keep original receipts for 6 years
- If someone else paid part of the fees (e.g. scholarship or grant), you must declare it when claiming
🧍♂️ Starting Your First Job as a Student
Being a student doesn’t exempt you from tax—but you may be eligible for tax credits that reduce what you owe.
What You Need to Know:
- You pay tax on all earnings, including bonuses and overtime
- You may qualify for:
- Personal Tax Credit
- PAYE Credit
- Rent Tax Credit (if renting privately)
🌍 International Students in Ireland
If you’re studying and working in Ireland as an international student, the same tax rules apply.
Steps to Get Started:
- Register for tax using myAccount
- Apply for a PPS number (Personal Public Service Number)
- Understand your entitlements—especially if you’re paying tuition fees or working part-time
🎓 Scholarships and Exempt Income
Some types of income are not taxable, including:
- Scholarship income (if certain conditions are met)
- Interest from An Post savings schemes
- Payments to pension schemes
🏠 Rent Tax Credit (2025 Update)
The Rent Tax Credit for 2025 allows eligible renters to claim back a portion of their rent paid.
Key Points:
- Maximum Credit:
- €2,000 for jointly assessed couples
- €1,000 for single persons and all other cases
- Eligibility:
- Applies to rent paid from 2022 to 2025
- You must have an income tax liability to offset against the credit
- Claiming the Credit:
- Make an income tax return for the relevant year (including 2025)
- Claim online via myAccount or through your tax return
- Rental Situations Covered:
- Apartments, shared housing, and student accommodation
- Not applicable if renting from a parent or relative
📌 Who Is Entitled—and Who Is Not?
Final Tips from DublinLedgers
- Don’t miss out—many students forget to claim reliefs they’re entitled to!
- Keep your receipts and documents organized
- Use our DublinLedgers.ie Tax Relief Portal to get help claiming your credits and refunds
- We’ll guide you through the process and make sure you get every cent you deserve