More supports needed for mature students in higher education

Minister Simon Harris said new report will strengthen the participation of students from diverse backgrounds in higher education,

More supports must be targeted at disadvantaged communities, and more part-time learning opportunities must be offered to encourage more mature students into higher education, a new study has found.

While the number of people aged between 15 and 64 who have achieved a third-level qualification in Ireland has increased by 5% in the past decade, the study, commissioned by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has found relatively low levels of education attainment in specific groups in comparison to overall population levels.