Cost of going to college hits €15,632 amid rising living expenses

The average cost of going to college in Ireland has risen by €536 this year with many students skipping meals to save money, according to a new study.

It will cost students an average of €15,632  to go to college in 2024, according to the latest student cost of living guide from Switcher.ie.

Rents have increased by 3% or around €174 per year across all on-campus and private student halls. The steepest hikes were in private accommodation in Dublin, Carlow, Limerick and Kerry, with some complexes charging an extra €500 per year.

Meanwhile, since 2023, the monthly cost of groceries has increased by €10 to €196 per month, or €90 per year across each student town. In terms of utilities broadband and electricity costs which are usually included in student rent have risen by 4% or €30 per year.

Switcher.ie’s Student Cost of Living Guide includes up-to-date student expenses in the cheapest student towns, plus some useful budgeting tips and resources.

It aims to help students, parents, teachers and third level organisations prepare for the year ahead and determine what they might need to budget, save or borrow.

Dublin is the most expensive place to attend third-level education, costing €19,527, followed by Maynooth (€16,942) and Cork (€16,826).

Letterkenny in Donegal is the cheapest college location (€13,147), followed by Sligo (€13,722) and Waterford (€14,724).