Every student in 3rd or 6th year received a very important letter detailing how to pay for their State Exams (Junior Cycle or Leaving Cert Exams and corrections).
Please note that this is a fee charged by the State Exams Commission and we are just distributing the information on their behalf.
- The individualised letters contain instructions on how to:
- Pay the examination fee, or
- Apply for a fee exemption online.
- Please note that your child must give you their Exam Number and use the unique password to access the service. All students have received their Exam Numbers from Ms Martin
Important: Schools do not collect the fees—payment or exemption requests must be completed through the SEC online system. Please scroll to the bottom of this info note for an email address/phone number to contact the SEC regarding fees.
Students and parents/guardians should check the information letter carefully and complete the process within the required timeframe once the online system opens.
Please read all the details below:
Summary for Students & Parents/Guardians – 2026 State Examination Fees (Circular S27/26)
The State Examinations Commission has confirmed that entry fees for State examinations will apply again in 2026.
Key points:
- Leaving Certificate / Leaving Certificate Applied: €116
- Junior Cycle: €109
These fees are the same as the last time they were charged in 2019 and have not increased since 2012.
Fee Exemptions
Students do not have to pay the fee if they:
- Hold a full medical card, or
- Are covered under a parent/guardian’s full medical card.
How to Pay or Apply for an Exemption
- The SEC Online Fee Service opens today Thursday 19th March at 2:00 pm. The SEC Online Fee Service closes on Monday 30th April 2026.
Pay here: https://fees.examinations.ie/
Excerpt from the Circular S27/26:
Exemption of Examination Fees for Medical Card Holders
Candidates who hold a full medical card or who are covered for all services on a parent or guardian’s full medical card are not liable for examination fees. Medical cards will be accepted only if valid on or between 1 January 2026 and 30 April 2026.
N.B. Holders or dependents of holders, of G.P. Visit Cards are not eligible for exemption from examination fees.
Inability to use the Online Fee Service
Instructions on how to use the online fee service are set out in the User Guide https://fees.examinations.ie/. Those who might have a difficulty using the online facility to make a payment or to apply for an exemption should contact Fees Section by e-mail at fees@examinations.ie for assistance.
Consequences for Candidates of Non-Payment of Examination Fees
All candidates, unless they have an exemption from payment of fees, must pay their examination fees to the SEC. It is SEC policy to ensure all fees are paid in full. Failure to pay examination fees may have serious consequences for candidates up to and including the withholding of the final Examination Certificate.
Examination fees are not refundable other than in very exceptional circumstances.
Any questions on the Fees:
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact the Finance and Fees Section by emailing fees@examinations.ie or by telephoning 090 644 2845. Lines open 9.15am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.
