Record of Almost 232,000 Enrolments in Higher Education

Posted: 18 January, 2019

Continued growth in student numbers has meant that last year, we had over 44,000 undergraduate new entrants into the higher education system and there are now almost 232,000 enrolments in our higher education institutions (that is a number higher than the entire population of Co. Kildare).

These are the among the key statistics in ‘Higher Education : Key Facts and Figures’ published on Friday (18th) by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Attached please find both the report and a chart highlighting some key findings.

The publication shows:

The undergraduate population has grown by 8% over the last five years.

Over 70,000 people graduated last year with either an undergrad or postgrad qualification – the first time ever that number was exceeded.

The document also provides a breakdown of the income and expenditure for the Irish higher education system.

Paul O’Toole, HEA Chief Executive, said,

“Even during the downturn, the Irish higher education system continued to expand while resources tightened. Ireland is clearly a society committed to learning, where now one in every fifteen adults (aged over 18) in the State is studying in one of our universities, institutes or colleges. This talent pool will help us meet whatever challenges we face.

Download Report Here