University staff and students believe fees will be reintroduced

STUDENTS and staff at Dublin City University (DCU) believe it is likely that third-level fees will be reintroduced within the next 20 years and that it will be one of a number of factors to have a significant impact on college life.

A survey of 736 people at the college also found they expect its strategy and research to be dominated by business interests, with the majority of funding coming from non-government sources by 2028.

The findings emerged in a report to be launched soon about DCU’s Foresight exercise which considered strategies the college may need to remain successful and innovative, and to develop its long-term vision.

Those surveyed were asked to assess a list of 15 statements describing possible changes affecting the university’s future, according to their impact and their likelihood of happening.

The changes deemed most likely were that business interests will dominate DCU focus, strategy and research, that remote working technologies will enable students to study from home at any university in the world and that Irish university students will have to pay tuition fees.

The changes that participants felt would potentially have the greatest impact were:

* 80% of university funding will be from non-government sources.

* Students at all universities will have to pay tuition fees.

* 80% of DCU’s learners will be postgraduate students.

While Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe is preparing a report for the cabinet on the possible reintroduction of charging students for third-level education, Fine Gael could also be moving towards a similar policy.

The party’s education spokesman, Brian Hayes, said he is preparing a proposal based around the idea of graduates making increased PRSI contributions after college, with the money raised going back into higher education to supplement state support for the sector which would continue to include free tuition.

Other scenarios projected as being likely by 2028 in the DCU survey were that half of the college’s students will be non-Irish and that there will be just three large universities in the country, instead of the current seven.

DCU president Prof Ferdinand von Prondzynski said the college is obliged to be proactive about its future.

“The university system in Ireland is entering a period of considerable uncertainty. The world around us is changing rapidly through globalisation which accelerates the pace of change but also increases risks in all domains,” he wrote in the foreword to the Foresight report.

He said it will inform DCU’s next strategic plan by locating opportunities and identifying the challenges in the uncertain times lying ahead.

The survey was completed by 387 students, mostly undergraduates, and 349 staff, with an almost even balance of men and women.