USI: Students need €5,000 for college year

Leaving Cert students receiving their results next week may not be able to go to college even if they get enough points due to the hike in registration fees, according to the Union of Students in Ireland.

The USI will today outline the effect the 69% registration fee increase will have on Irish students, who now need an estimated €5,000 to get through the college year.

USI President Colm Jordan, says it’s virtually impossible for students to afford the additional fees.

"If I worked eight hours a day, five days a week all summer and I wasn't to spend one penny on myself... if I saved everything, then that would mean that I would have to be in a job that pays €10 an hour in order to get enough money to pay for college."

He concluded: "Now if the jobs are there for €10 an hour, I'd like to get them."