Increasing number of students now facing 'serious financial difficulties'

One third of Irish higher education students surveyed say they are now experiencing serious or very serious financial problems. 

Over 21,000 students attending higher education institutions were surveyed as part of the report, published by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) .

Approximately 33 percent of the total student population say that they are experiencing serious (or very serious) financial problems.

In the last Eurostudent report, 26 percent of the total student population reported serious financial difficulties.

Accommodation is the largest single expenditure which accounts for around 35 percent of all expenditure, and the average spend on accommodation was €469 (up from €415 in the last Eurostudent report).

Overall, approximately 32 percent of all students indicated that they have a disability, compared with 25 percent in the previous Eurostudent report. A higher level of disability is noted for full-time students than part-time students. The most commonly reported disability is mental health problems.

Dr. Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics said: "The release of today’s Eurostudent 8 report enables the student voice on finances, accommodation, workload and well-being to be heard. 

"This report gives timely and crucial insights into the profile and well-being of our students, including their financial wellbeing, mental health, and the legacy left by Covid-19 on students’ sense of belonging within their higher education institutions. We would like to thank all those students who participated in the survey, enabling institutions and policy makers to develop a deeper awareness of the challenges faced by today’s students, and to ensure that critical supports are in place and deployed effectively," Dr Patterson said. 

Labour Senator and spokesperson on Further and Higher Education Annie Hoey has accused Minister Simon Harris of spending too much time on spin and not enough on solutions for hard pressed students throughout the country.

Responding to the survey, Senator Hoey said since the new Department was created, those experiencing serious financial difficulties has surged from 26% to 33%.

Senator Hoey said: "The enormous financial burden of attending further and higher education is well known however it is deeply concerning to learn that things are getting worse, not better, for students despite the newly created Department for Further and Higher Education. It’s nothing short of an absolute failure of politics and political will that in the most intense cost of living crisis in recent history.

"As the survey shows, accommodation is clearly the greatest cost for many students. Time and again we have urged this Government to provide better, affordable, purpose built student accommodation, not the unaffordable, luxurious apartments the construction industry continues to pursue. It’s the property gold rush of our times and students are the ones paying the ultimate price.

“We also know through constant engagement with student representatives that many third level institutions are raising prices of college-owned student accommodation, citing general ‘cost of living’ excuses. It is completely unacceptable to expect students and their families to pay between double and triple the annual college fee upfront for student accommodation.

"We are coming close to the time of year when panic around student housing sets in. These private student housing providers are manipulating students and especially their parents who want to ensure that their children are in good quality accommodation when they move away for college. Students should not have to spend their entire summer struggling to find an affordable option for accommodation but should be taking time to get ready for the academic year ahead. They, like all renters, deserve certainty of tenancy and affordability.

“Minister Harris needs to present himself to Committee to outline his plans for students for the forthcoming academic year. Many further and higher education students are currently undertaking their summer exams. Rather than leaving them panic with deep uncertainty for the summer months, Labour is calling on Minister Harris to outline in detail what supports will be made available and what action he will take to ease the cost of education in Ireland today," Senator Hoey said.