Rise in College Dropouts in Ireland: About 7,000 Students Don’t Progress to Second Year

Latest data from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) have revealed a rise in college dropout rates in Ireland, with nearly 7,000 students who couldn't manage to pass from their first to the second year of studies.

According to data, the non-progression rate of students has increased from 9 percent in the 2019/20 academic year (3,600 students) to 15 percent in 2021/2022 (about 7,000 students), Erudera.com reports.

The proportion of those who did not advance to the second year of their studies was 12 percent in 2020/21, meaning it is an increase of 3 percentage points.

Dropout rates reached an all-time low amid the COVID-19 pandemic when, in response to the spread of the virus, universities provided online instruction and other support resources.

However, the numbers have now exceeded the pre-pandemic levels of 12-13 percent, prompting concerns among universities.

“It is vital that we understand the challenges that students are experiencing in a post-Covid environment. Mental health and wellbeing, connectedness and belonging are all central to furthering our understanding to better support student success,” Head of Skills, Engagement & Statistics, Vivienne Patterson, said.

Male students, individuals with lower Leaving Cert points, and those from disadvantaged groups are more likely to drop out of courses. The non-progression rate among female students in 2021/22 was 13 percent. The figure was 18 percent among male students.

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds had the highest discontinuation rate at 23 percent, while those from wealthy families had the lowest non-progression rate, reported at 12 percent.

“There are many definitions of success of course, but supporting many students into, through and on from higher education into successful lives is a hallmark of our system and an opportunity that should be available to all,” Head of Policy at the HEA, Tim Conlon, said.

The highest number of students failing to pass to the second year are enrolled in courses in the services category, with the non-progression rate standing at 28 percent, followed by those in engineering, manufacturing, and construction at 20 percent, the report notes.

Some of the factors behind student dropouts are reportedly mental health issues and financial distress.

Earlier in 2023, a poll by StudentSurvey.ie, funded by HEA, which involved over 40,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students found that more than one in three students considered quitting university due to financial pressures or other reasons.

However, despite these findings, Ireland continues to be one of the EU countries with the highest higher education rates. About 54 percent of 25-64-year-olds in Ireland complete higher education.