Survey highlights costs of college
A new survey from the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has revealed that 55% of students plan to work part-time this year to make ends meet.
It comes as thousands of Leaving Cert students are considering their next step following the publications of CAO first round offers this morning.
The survey of 1,000 prospective students, carried out in July, indicated that 72% are still relying heavily on their parents to help fund their third-level education.
On top of academic fees, average monthly spend (excluding rent and bills) stands at approximately €480. As expected, rents in Dublin are still the highest in the country averaging at €380, followed by rents in Munster, greater Leinster and Connacht / Ulster.
Some 55% of students are forced to work throughout the academic year with 33% skipping lectures to do so, according to the survey.
Students are making on average €10 per hour and working an average 14.5 hours per week, with male students working slightly longer hours than females.
Approximately75% of Irish students say that they may have to emigrate to find work after they finish 3rd level education.
The study also finds that 50% of students now choose their college course based not on interest, but on current employment gaps in the Irish market with more male than female students making this choice.
"The increase in registration fees this year will put phenomenal pressure on both parents and students starting or returning to third-level education," said ICLU CEO Kieron Brennan.
"The fees combined with monthly rent and bills, books and materials and day to day expenses are a significant financial burden to many families."
ICLU Youth Officer Kieron Brennan meanwhile advised students to address money issues at the early stages.
"They need to sit down and work out their budgeting plans," Mr Brennan said.
