The former president of University College Dublin has called for immediate action to address a 'national crisis' ahead of Brexit.

Under-investment in third-level education is beginning to bite, universities have warned, as Ireland’s top institute tumbled 44 places in the global rankings.

While a major investment in five higher education projects has been welcomed, there is an ongoing need to increase core funding to the third-level sector, the Irish Universities Association (IUA) warn.

The promise to freeze fees at €3,000 a year for college students was made by Mr McHugh despite ongoing demands from universities for the Government to address a major funding shortfall in the sector.

Third-level funding stands at €138m less than what is needed to cater for rapidly expanding student numbers, Ireland’s seven universities have warned.

The former President of UCC Michael Murphy has been appointed as the first ever Irish President of the European University Association (EUA).

A new report by Indecon, commissioned by the Irish Universities Association, has looked at their socio-economic impact.

A top European academic is warning that Ireland is one of two European countries with a third level education system classified as “in danger” due to the shortfall in funding while the number of students has increased.

The seven universities are taking their campaign for increased funding beyond Leinster House by seeking public support for a petition to back increased funding for higher education.

The availability of college places for today’s first-class pupils is at risk unless there is urgent Government action on funding, it has been warned in an unprecedented, unified statement by third-level leaders, staff and students.

Without radical change and serious investment, Irish students will be at a clear competitive disadvantage to their peers in every country in Europe., writes Patrick O’Shea

A Government decision on how to boost funding for third level is unlikely for at least another year as an economic analysis of options put forward two years ago will not now begin until 2019.

The €600m funding shortage predicted in third-level colleges by 2021 could be even higher due to an unexpected rises in student numbers, universities have warned.

All but two Irish universities have fallen again in a global ranking system that sees Trinity College Dublin drop out of the top 100.

Applications for teacher training degrees have risen, despite increased awareness about pay inequality in the profession.

Significant investment in maintaining standards will be vital if more assessment methods are used for the Leaving Certificate, TDs and senators have heard.

Third-level chiefs have warned the Government they need major investment to deliver reforms aimed at making colleges more responsive to economic and societal needs.

A significant proportion of increased education funding in Budget 2018 is expected to come from businesses rather than the general taxation system.

Restrictive borrowing costs are preventing third-level colleges from building student accommodation.

Education Minister Richard Bruton wants the Oireachtas Education Committee to urgently consider the question of how to find the €600m extra a year needed to fund third-level colleges.

Pressure is growing on the Government to increase third-level funding next year as business leaders, students, and universities have all urged Education Minister Richard Bruton to begin reversing almost a decade of cuts.

Nearly 4,400 family homes could be freed up for the rental market by 2020 under proposals by universities to add 10,000 student bed spaces to those already in the pipeline.

The urgency of solving the gap in funding of colleges requires more immediate action than awaiting the political consensus sought by Education Minister Richard Bruton, third-level figures have said.

Students who have just started fifth year should face less of a scramble for college places if a new system of fewer Leaving Certificate grades, a revised points system, and broader entry-level courses has its intended effect.

The growth of inward jobs investment in Ireland is evidence that critics of the quality of Irish graduates are wrong, says the president of Maynooth University.

Attempts to impose wide changes to terms for new and promoted staff at University College Cork have been met with a threat of industrial action by academic staff.

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan has told college bosses they will not be allowed keep the €250 extra that most students must pay next year — and says the Higher Education Authority should not be seeking such "massive increases" for the sector.

A big jump for NUI Galway brings a ray of light to an otherwise worrying performance by Irish colleges in the latest major world university league table.

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan says extra funding can only come at a price, writes Niall Murray

More structural changes in the higher education system are needed as well as decisions on who funds it, Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan has told university leaders.

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan says she will not shy away from tough political decisions on student fees before the next Dáil election.

A university leader has criticised other colleges for lack of progress in introducing one of the key reforms to reduce pressure on Leaving Certificate students to get top grades for third-level access.

Teachers have called for the immediate reversal of cuts to guidance counselling in the wake of the ESRI report that showed almost half of young people regretted their college or career choices.

Across the country, thousands of students are getting their Leaving Cert results this morning. Here’s a helpful guide of what you need to know.

A move away from 14 different Leaving Certificate grades is likely on foot of recommendations about to be made by a Government advisory body.