A recent study carried out by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has found that universities in Ireland have some of the lowest level of students receiving grants compared with institutes of technologies.
New figures show that there is a considerable difference in incomes across different third level institutions. This is the first time that a college by college breakdown of the student body by grant-holders has been published.
The figures are based on an analysis of all students who began an undergraduate course in 2013.
The results of the study show that 36 per cent of students in DCU receive a grant that covers full fees as well as extra financial assistance.
This figure is on the lower end of the scale when compared with such institutions as Letterkenny I.T (LIT) where 71 per cent of the students who attend have their fees covered and receive monetary assistance from the SUSI grant.
Overall, the study found that more than 46 per cent of students across all higher education institutions were in receipt of a student grant. This makes DCU students 10 per cent less dependent on grant assistance than other third level institutes in Ireland.
Tom Boland, chief executive of the Higher Education Authority, said that the figures of the study suggested that many urban areas, especially in Dublin, were worrying.
He said, “It remains a concern that in some urban areas, particularly in Dublin, levels of participation in education are too low.”
Mr. Boland also added that this new data would provide the basis for the implementation of a new national strategy to help give people access to higher education.
He continued to say there was a strong correlation between urban disadvantage and educational underperformance.
He said, “That is a societal issue that should cause alarm. It requires a renewed focus and fresh solutions, including those developed by higher and further education in partnership with local communities.”
Paul Dwyer
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