Exam Fees Information

Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert Exams 2026 - Fee Information

Dear 3rd Year/6th Year Parents/Guardians,

Examinations fees have been reintroduced for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate students in 2026.

A letter was posted to you this week detailing how to pay for their State Exams (Junior Cycle or Leaving Cert Exams)

• The individualised letters contain instructions on how to:

  • Pay the examination fee, or

  • Apply for a fee exemption online.

  • Please use the exam number and password provided on the letter to access the online service. 

Important:

Schools do not collect the fees—payment or exemption requests must be completed through the online state examinations 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 timeframeonce the online system opens.

Please read the details below:

Summary for Students & Parents/Guardians – 2026 State Examination Fees

The State Examinations Commission has confirmed that entry fees for State examinations will apply again in 2026.

Cost

• Leaving Certificate / Leaving Certificate Applied:€116

• Junior Cycle:€109

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 Thursday 19th March at 2:00 pm. 

• The SEC Online Fee Service closes on Monday 30th April 2026.

Pay here: https://fees.examinations.ie/

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.