Irish universities call on Government to address 'substantial' funding gap in higher education

In 2022, the Government agreed the higher education sector was underfunded by more than €300m annually. 

Universities have called on the Government to address a "substantial" funding gap in higher education, or risk eroding the capacity, quality and competitiveness of the third-level sector.

The Irish Universities Association (IUA), which represents seven universities, has called for a €190m annual increase in core grant funding for the sector to tackle under-investment and meet unavoidable cost increases in 2027. 

In 2022, the Government agreed the higher education sector was underfunded by more than €300m annually. 

According to the IUA, the gap remains "substantial" four years on, despite massive increases in spending elsewhere.

In 2026, €133.5m of the original annual deficit remains, according to the group, which it said was now compounded by "emerging pressures on student numbers and pay awards". 

Ireland is proud to have one of the highest percentages of third-level educated citizens in the world, said IUA director Paul Johnston. 

"This is a necessity, not a luxury. Ireland’s only natural resource is its people." 

An increase in the core funding grant would be an important step, Mr Johnston said, adding it would help to address legacy funding deficits across the sector, and to support its efforts to increase enrolments. This would also support an additional 550 academic posts. 

In its pre-budget submission, presented to further and higher education minister James Lawless, the IUA also called for:

• €250m over five years in capital spending to upgrade universities’ digital infrastructure "to provide teaching and research at the cutting edge of AI";
• €475m over four years in capital spending to decarbonise universities and create fully sustainable campuses;
• the unlocking of the National Training Fund (NFT), now almost €2bn, to "allow universities to provide the lifelong learning, upskilling and reskilling Ireland needs".

Mr Johnston said: "Technology is changing what education looks like in real time. We need to accelerate the shift towards lifelong learning, up-skilling and re-skilling. Unlocking the NTF is absolutely crucial to allow universities to respond proactively to the rapidly changing needs of employers, businesses and students.

"Ireland’s universities are known worldwide for the quality of teaching, research, and that of our graduates. We cannot take this for granted, and we cannot maintain these standards without proper investment and support."