A code of standards for private third level colleges has been published by the Minister for Education, Ms Breathnach. Courses in private colleges that are approved will qualify for tax relief on fees.
The tax relief, contained in the 1995 Finance Act, will benefit students who are attending private third level colleges which are outside the scope of the free fees scheme.
Tax relief will be available to those on courses and in colleges that have satisfied the code of standards. Students at the Royal College of Surgeons are expected to benefit.
The National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA) will advise on compliance with the code of standards. Among the requirements is that an approved college has at least threes of its full time courses, or one third of courses if less, fully validated by the NCEA.