Exam fees reintroduced for Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert students in 2026

Parents of 3rd and 6th year students are being advised that State examination entry fees will apply again in 2026, following confirmation from the State Examinations Commission (SEC).

In a notice issued to schools, it was confirmed that the temporary measures introduced in recent years under which examination entry fees were waived will not be in place next year.

The SEC fee for the Leaving Certificate will be €116 per candidate, while the fee for the Junior Cycle examinations will be €109 per candidate.

Schools have been informed that detailed instructions regarding registration and payment will issue closer to the registration period.

However, students who hold a full medical card or who are covered under a parent or guardian’s full medical card valid between 1 January 2026 and 30 April 2026 — will be exempt from paying the fees.

Applications for exemptions must be made through the SEC’s online facility once it opens.

It has also been clarified that GP Visit Cards will not qualify for fee exemptions.

The reintroduction of fees is expected to impact thousands of families across Meath with students preparing for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations next year.