The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has published the findings of the Irish EUROSTUDENT 9 Survey, providing a detailed picture of the social, financial and living conditions experienced by higher education students across Ireland.
The survey is based on responses from approximately 16,000 students, with the findings weighted to reflect Ireland’s national student population. It examines a wide range of issues affecting students, including access to higher education, finances, accommodation, employment, wellbeing, disability and experiences of discrimination.
Ireland’s findings form part of the wider EUROSTUDENT project, which involves more than 30 European countries. This allows Ireland to compare student experiences with those of learners in other higher education systems across Europe.
The report highlights the continued expansion and diversification of higher education in Ireland. Student enrolments have increased by 6.8% since the previous EUROSTUDENT survey in 2022.
While progressing directly from secondary school remains the most common route into higher education, the findings also highlight the growing role of mature learners, part-time students and people entering education through alternative pathways.
This changing student population means that colleges and higher education institutions are increasingly required to respond to different financial circumstances, responsibilities, educational backgrounds and support needs.
Despite the pressures faced by some students, the overall findings indicate generally positive experiences of higher education. Students reported strong levels of satisfaction with their courses and a sense of belonging, while many expressed confidence in the value of their qualifications. Intentions to withdraw from higher education were also relatively low, suggesting strong levels of engagement and commitment to completing studies.
Teaching and learning received positive feedback, while confidence in future employment prospects remained high overall. This reflects the continued connection between higher education and employment opportunities in Ireland.
Launching the report, Dr Alan Wall, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority, said the findings provide an important evidence base for understanding how students experience higher education and will help inform future policy and institutional planning.
The cost of living continues to be an important part of the student experience. Students typically rely on a combination of income sources, including employment, family support, savings and public funding. Rather than relying on one source of financial assistance, many students have to combine several forms of support to meet the cost of studying and living.
Accommodation represents the largest area of student expenditure and is closely connected with financial pressure and wellbeing. Nearly half of students continue to live with their parents during term time.
The report also identifies a clear relationship between financial strain and student wellbeing. While severe financial hardship affects a minority of students, those experiencing greater financial pressure are more likely to report poorer mental health and negative effects on their academic performance.
The findings also reflect the increasingly diverse nature of Ireland’s student population. Approximately one-third of students reported having a disability, long-standing health condition or functional limitation. Mature students, international students and students with caring responsibilities also represent significant parts of the higher education population.
Severe forms of discrimination are relatively uncommon, but the survey indicates that some students experience more subtle forms of exclusion, harassment or assumptions about their abilities.
These findings underline the importance of creating inclusive learning environments that recognise the different circumstances and needs of students.
One of the strengths of the EUROSTUDENT project is its international scope. By participating alongside more than 30 other countries, Ireland can compare student experiences, identify common challenges and learn from approaches being taken elsewhere.
The findings provide useful evidence for discussions around access to education, student finances, accommodation, wellbeing and inclusion, while also contributing to the wider European understanding of student life.
For students considering higher education, the report provides an important insight into the realities of studying in Ireland, from accommodation and finances to employment prospects and wellbeing.
The HEA says the findings will contribute to future policy development and institutional planning, helping ensure that Ireland’s higher education system remains accessible and responsive to an increasingly diverse student population.
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