Cost of college 'a national crisis' - AMLÉ

The cost of attending third-level education in Ireland has become the "single greatest barrier to higher education," according to Daniel Walsh, president of Aontas na Mac Léinn, the national representative body for third-level students. He highlighted an "affordability crisis" across the sector, exacerbated by soaring rental costs and a general increase in the cost of living.

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We know that students all across the country are battling extortionate rents alongside a spiralling cost of living.

Walsh noted that students nationwide are grappling with "extortionate rents," particularly in Dublin, which has some of the most expensive rents in Europe. The limited availability of student accommodation is also a major issue, with prices far beyond the reach of ordinary students. He cited an example of new accommodation in Galway where basic rooms start at €300 per week, a price he described as "not affordable" and "not sustainable."

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Rents in Dublin are some of the most expensive in Europe and our students all across the country are struggling every year to find affordable accommodation.

To address this crisis, Walsh called for increased state investment in purpose-built student accommodation. He also pointed to the student contribution charge, which remains one of the highest in Europe at €2,500 per student. Despite a government commitment to reduce or abolish this charge, it was effectively reinstated to €2,500 from €2,000 during the Covid years, according to the Programme for Government.

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That's not affordable for anyone, that's not sustainable.

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Marian Harkin, acknowledged the desire for progress on the student contribution charge, stating it was a permanent reduction by €500 to €2,500. She also mentioned that the Student Assistance Fund provided €19 million this academic year, supporting over 22,000 students with essential living costs like rent and food. Harkin also highlighted Ireland's high rate of higher education qualifications among 25-34 year olds, noting that over a quarter of a million students attend third-level education annually.

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which is still one of the highest in Europe at €2,500 per student.