College costs an average of €16k this year - research

College costs for students who are eligible for free tuition could spend an average of €16,158 this year, an increase of almost €500 on last year, according to new research.

The research from Switcher.ie found that accommodation costs in Dublin have increased by up to €658 per month, or €5,925 more over the academic year. It states that Dublin remains the most expensive place to pursue third-level education.

Cork and Maynooth are in second and third place for costs, followed by Carlow, Limerick and Galway.

Letterkenny in Co Donegal remains the cheapest location for students at €1,285 per month, followed by Sligo and Dundalk.

The biggest increase was in Tralee, where costs have increased by €501.

In general, accommodation costs are up by €183 this year. That is €547 higher per year than in 2023.

Students in private accommodation also pay around €976 more per year than those living on campus.

For international students, the study found average costs of €28,515 per year, around €644 more than last year, and €2,878 more than in 2023.

Students are also being impacted by increases in the cost of living, with the research finding a 9% rise in utility bills, a 4% increase in groceries, and entertainment costs up by 4%.

Eoin Clarke, Commercial Director at Switcher.ie, said "the research shows that rent and everyday expenses have added almost €500 to the average cost of college since last year".

On accommodation costs, he said the "highest rent increases were recorded in Tralee, Cork, Dundalk and Sligo, where rising private student accommodation prices pushed up the average student accommodation cost in each town".

"The location of study now has an even bigger impact on student pockets, with a gap of almost €6,000 over the academic year between Dublin and Letterkenny," Mr Clarke added.