Cost barriers shutting students out of college
Cost barriers shutting students out of college - The Labour Party
Labour higher and further education spokesperson Senator Laura Harmon has said today that a new report in The Independent showing a drop in the number of students progressing to college after the Leaving Certificate is a clear warning sign that the cost of higher education is pushing young people out, and she has called on the Government to urgently cut student costs and deliver real affordability measures before more students are locked out of education.
Senator Laura Harmon said:
“While the drop from 76 percent in 2024 to 73 percent in 2025 may look small on paper, it should set alarm bells. This represents young people who completed their Leaving Certificate but did not progress to college, and we cannot ignore what is driving that change, the cost of living.
“This data reflects what students and parents have been telling us repeatedly. College is becoming too expensive. Student contribution fees increased, accommodation costs continue to spiral, transport costs keep rising and food prices remain high. For many families, the sums no longer add up.
“The danger here is that this trend becomes embedded. Once participation begins to fall, it becomes harder for those from lower and middle income backgrounds to see further and higher education as achievable. This is particularly concerning for students from rural areas, students who must commute long distances, and those who rely on private rented accommodation.
“At the same time, we need far stronger supports for apprentices and a renewed, sustained effort to promote apprenticeships as a viable and valued pathway. Apprenticeship uptake will not increase without proper financial supports and clear signals that Government is serious about investing in further education. Without decisive action across both higher education and apprenticeships, young people will continue to be squeezed.
“We need urgent and credible measures to reverse this trend. If Government is serious about valuing further and higher education, it must act now. Labour is calling for student fees to be reduced in Budget 2026.”