Third-level funding gap could surpass predicted €600m

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.

In a renewed call on the Government to act on the recommendations of the 2016 report of an expert group on higher education funding, the Irish Universities Association (IUA) said projected increases in student numbers may have been underestimated.

The €220m increase it seeks in public non-capital investment in the sector includes €130m for universities.