Figures show students from wealthier families take most university places

The first ever breakdown of student grants shows that more than two thirds of students in Donegal recieve state aid.

That compares with just a third of college students who get a grant in Dublin.

The figures from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) - in today's Irish Independent - show that students from wealthier families take most university places.

The numbers show that 67% of students in Donegal get a grant, followed by Monaghan, Cavan and Leitrim, while Dublin is lowest at 35%.

The Higher Education Authority figures, based on data supplied by the student grant agency, SUSI, show that 46% of first years in 2013/14 got a maintenance grant to help cover their living costs.

The research also shows that 56% of new entrants to institutes of technology got a grant, while only 36% were on a grant in universities.