The cost of attending third-level education has risen to over €6,000 per year, according to a survey published today by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).
The USI Cost of College Survey 2002 reveals it will cost on average €6,148.08 to attend college, an increase of 7.5 per cent on last year's study.
The survey, carried out in April this year, shows accommodation is the largest expense for students, costing an average of €284.35 per month. Alcohol is the second-most costly item in the survey, costing an average €74.18 per month.
"The maximum standard grant a student can receive is €2,510, leaving a deficit of €3,638," said US President Mr Colm Jordan.
"The majority of students are not in receipt of a grant, so they will be forced to spend over €6,800 in the course of a year when the €670 registration fee is included," he said.
The USI has said it will march in the coming months to protest the rise in the cost of living for students.
