There is no doubt that third level education is a privilege – and an expensive one at that. As a nation that prides itself on its highly educated workforce, Ireland’s universities, institutes of technology, and other third level institutions form a crucial pillar in her global image. However, the ever-increasing costs of living, and a rampant housing crisis have resulted in the cost of third level education soaring, setting a dangerous precedent for the future of third level education in Ireland, and straining the accessibility of higher education for the majority of the population.
In Summary
The 2024 Zurich Cost of Education Survey confirms any fears of a steady increase in the cost of third level education. The survey took a broad view of the overall cost of college, combining the cost of fees, accommodation, transport, and factoring in financial support, either from parents or a student’s part time job.
Whatever way you choose to look at the data, the results are stark.
“In a final financial blow, the survey estimates the lifetime cost of university for those living in student accommodation to be €44,268”
Breaking down each category, the survey divides students’ accommodation costs into three categories – those living at home, those living in student accommodation, and those living in rented accommodation. Though the breakdown into these three categories seems to provide the illusion of choice, any student who has undergone the accommodation search is aware of the scarcity of housing, holding any choice in the matter to ransom.
On the assumption of a four year course, the estimated annual cost of student accommodation is €5,034, while the cost of rented accommodation doubles this figure, landing at €10,067.
When factoring in an estimate of €2,331 of financial support from parents, alongside the cost of fees and a €550 estimate for the cost of transport, the annual cost of third level education for those in student accommodation is €11,067, while the cost of rented accommodation rises to €16,100.
In a final financial blow, the survey estimates the lifetime cost of university for those living in student accommodation to be €44,268, and for those living in rented accommodation, the figure lands at €64,400.
The luxury of having the choice to live at home while at a third level institution amounts to an annual estimated cost of €6,033, with an estimated lifetime cost of €24,132.
To establish a sense of perspective on the matter: the cost of third level education has almost doubled since 2019, as reported by RTÉ – a mere five year margin.
With soaring costs rising at a rate that feels exponential, there is no miracle cure. Instead, the issue has mobilised student unions across Ireland to fight for accommodation rights.
The Zurich Cost of Education Survey is a stark reminder of not only the privilege of attending a third level institution in this present economic climate, but also punctuates the cost of living crisis that Ireland cannot shake.
To further highlight the impact of the results of the survey, a worrying trend has emerged in third level education – an increased rate of students dropping out.
Though dropout rates fell during the COVID-19 lockdowns, they have since risen to above pre-pandemic level.
According to a study carried out by the Higher Education Authority, when considering students who did not progress to their second year of college, the figure has risen from 9% in 2019/2020, to 15% in 2021/2022.
This is above the pre-pandemic average of 12%.
With students from disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to drop out than their more affluent peers – 23% of which do not progress to second year – the effects of the rising costs of third level education loom over all students, a constant figure waiting to strike.
With college life now influenced by student’s working hours, long commutes, and high prices for accommodation, the pressure and strain on students and parents alike is unsurprising.
Speaking to the Irish Times, outgoing president of University of Galway Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh noted that “there’s no doubt that Covid did affect student resilience and sense of connection,” continuing to cite “finding accommodation and commuting” as strains faced by students.
Once again, this information provides yet another toll in the deadly bell of the cost of living, stretching one of Ireland’s proudest achievements – the soaring rates of third level education – towards its limit.
What can be done?
Though the information revealed in the Zurich survey is striking, providing little confidence to students and parents alike, one must be practical in the face of such a circumstance; begging the question – what is being done to help?
“It is worth remembering that the first blockade of the Book of Kells was in protest of College’s decision to increase the price of student accommodation by the maximum legal limit”
Though individuals lie somewhat powerless in the face of the cost of living crisis, student unions across Dublin have mobilised to help tackle the accommodation drought.
Following a year that was punctuated with student protest, it is worth remembering that the first blockade of the Book of Kells was in protest of College’s decision to increase the price of student accommodation by the maximum legal limit.
At the time of the protest, a survey conducted by Students4Change found that 93% of students found on-campus accommodation to be unaffordable. In response to the protest, College agreed to a rent freeze for the year 2024/25. Protests such as the blockade of the Book of Kells not only have a direct impact on change, but place an uncomfortable spotlight on those with control over core issues – not only raising awareness, but prompting change.
In a more recent move the “Digs Drive” initiative was launched in August, combining the forces of the students unions of Trinity, UCD, DCU, NCAD, and IADT, and saw the groups urge residents living near college campuses to consider renting a room to students during the academic year.
Distributing flyers at Connolly station, the campaign lasted from August 11 to August 13, seeking to highlight the scarcity of accommodation for students in Dublin. The initiative has proven to be promising – with 782 landlords having signed up to the initiative by August 19, a mere week after the initiative was launched.
In a similar vein, July saw the passing of emergency legislation to ban 51-week student leases. The trend of charging students for almost a full year’s rent rather than the academic year saw students forced to pay high rates of rent without needing their accommodation during the summer months. With little, if any, flexibility provided in these leases, students faced no other choice.
Though currently facing some backlash, with student accommodation provider Yugo threatening legal action over the move, the law will have a huge impact on student finances – with these extra weeks saving students hundreds, if not thousands, of euros.
Caught in a constant battle, students are facing more blows from the cost of living crisis as each year goes by. Though there is little use in trying to predict the future, it is not amiss to fear further consequences of the increasing costs of third level education, and, as the true purpose of the survey suggests, to keep saving in the hopes of being able to afford what the future holds.
