The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has published the findings of the Irish EUROSTUDENT 9 Survey, offering a detailed insight into the experiences and circumstances of students across Ireland’s higher education system.
Based on responses from approximately 16,000 students, the survey looks at everything from finances and accommodation to employment, wellbeing, disability and access to education. The findings also highlight how Ireland’s student population is changing, with mature learners, part-time students and those taking less traditional routes into education becoming an increasingly important part of the picture.
Student enrolments in Ireland have increased by 6.8% since the previous EUROSTUDENT survey in 2022.
The traditional route from secondary school into higher education remains the most common, but it is far from the only option. Mature students and people returning to education later in life continue to play an important role, alongside students studying on a part-time basis or entering higher education through alternative pathways.
For people who are already working or have family and other responsibilities, flexible study options can make it possible to develop new skills or work towards a qualification without putting other commitments completely on hold.
Despite the financial and practical pressures highlighted in the report, the overall picture of student experience is positive.
Most students report feeling a sense of belonging, express satisfaction with their course and have confidence in the value of their qualification. The intention to leave studies early is also relatively low, pointing to strong engagement and commitment among students.
Students also reported positive views of teaching and learning, while confidence in future employment prospects remains high.
For anyone considering returning to education, these findings reinforce the value students place on learning and the opportunities that can follow from gaining new knowledge, skills and qualifications.
Financial pressure is one of the most significant issues identified by EUROSTUDENT 9.
Students commonly rely on several sources of income, including employment, family support, savings and public funding. This means that combining education with employment remains an important part of student life for many people.
Accommodation is the largest area of student expenditure, with nearly half of students continuing to live with their parents during term time. Financial strain can also have wider consequences, with students experiencing greater financial pressure more likely to report poorer mental health and an impact on their academic performance.
The findings highlight why affordability and flexibility remain important considerations when choosing an educational route.
The survey reflects a higher education population with increasingly varied circumstances.
Mature students, students with caring responsibilities and international students all contribute to the diversity of Ireland’s education system. Approximately one-third of students also reported a disability, long-standing health condition or functional limitation.
For learners who cannot follow a traditional full-time pathway, options such as flexible, part-time and adult education can provide another way to gain skills and qualifications.
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The EUROSTUDENT findings also examine students’ experiences of inclusion and discrimination.
While severe forms of discrimination are uncommon, some students reported experiencing more subtle exclusion, harassment or being treated as less capable. The findings highlight the importance of creating learning environments where students from different backgrounds and circumstances can participate fully.
The diversity of Ireland’s student population means that access to education involves more than simply providing places. Flexibility, financial considerations, appropriate supports and an understanding of students’ different circumstances all influence the experience of learning.
EUROSTUDENT 9 forms part of a wider European survey involving more than 30 countries, allowing Ireland to compare its student experience with other higher education systems.
The report provides valuable evidence for policymakers and education providers, but it also offers a useful insight for anyone considering their own education options.
For mature learners, people returning to education or those looking to study around existing commitments, the growing range of pathways into education means that returning to learning does not have to follow the traditional route.
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