Parents’ support vital for survival

THIRD-LEVEL students are increasingly suffering financial hardship with almost 75% relying on financial support from their parents to get through college.

A study by the Irish League of Credit Unions into the cost of third-level education in 2011 also reveals current students believe they are facing a bleak outlook in terms of employment.

The ILCU research shows 55% of full-time students are forced to work in order to make ends meet in college. The average monthly income for such students is €580. Almost seven out of 10 students claimed financial issues were their single greatest concern ahead of fears about passing exams (68%) and not getting a job after college (64%).