Alarming drop-out rates at third-level institutions

An initiative is being launched to combat alarming drop-out rates across Ireland’s third-level institutions, as figures reveal that more than half of students on at least 12 leading courses nationwide fail to complete their first year.

According to data from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), a total of 6,414 students — equating to 16% of all first-year student numbers — quit their college courses in 2014.

Worryingly, the bulk of abandoned courses are in sectors like science and technology, which are being championed by the Government and employer groups to meet the skills shortage in the Irish economy.