Cap proposed on University Places in Ireland
Written in News & Updates on Tuesday, 08 November 2011 00:00

The introduction of a cap on student numbers may be necessary as third-level colleges struggle to cope with a deepening funding crisis, a report commissioned by Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn has concluded.

Irish Times; 08 November 2011

The introduction of a cap on student numbers may be necessary as third-level colleges struggle to cope with a deepening funding crisis, a report commissioned by Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn has concluded. The report by the Higher Education Authority argues that the underfunded third-level sector is reaching a tipping point, and appears to pave the way for college fees, student loans or increased student charges.

The authority warns the overall quality of higher education in Ireland is set to deteriorate sharply unless the funding crisis is addressed.

Any cap would put strong upward pressure on CAO points for college places and raises the prospect of students being unable to earn a place at some colleges, even if they had the points needed for their chosen course.

The number of students in higher education in Ireland has increased from 40,000 in 1980 to 120,000 in 2000 and more than 160,000 in 2010. Projections suggest this number could virtually double by 2030. The report says the high cost of higher education in Britain will boost demand for places in Irish colleges among British citizens. It could also reduce the number of students from Ireland who opt to study in the UK. At the moment this number is estimated at about 6,000 per year.

Mr Quinn has refused to give any guarantees on student fees in 2012 and beyond despite a pre-election pledge promising no increase in student charges. He has said this no longer stands as he has less room for manoeuvre than envisaged.