Cost of college on Leeside soars to €17.5k

Students heading to college in Cork this year face a massive financial burden, with the cost of attending third-level education surging to €17,503 for the upcoming academic year.

This figure represents a €634 (4%) increase on the previous term, and a whopping €1,533 (10%) increase on what students paid in 2023.

The figures were revealed in Switcher.ie’s recently published Student Cost of Living Guide 2026 which looks at the cheapest and most expensive places to study, the biggest price rises in each town, and how much students may need to budget for the academic year ahead.

To show how costs have changed over a typical four-year degree, the study also compares 2026 expenses with 2023, when many students now entering their final year began college.

While Cork is still €2,487 cheaper than Dublin over the academic year, students in the city could spend €1,345 more than the national average and €3,438 more than those in Letterkenny, for example.

According to the report, Dublin, Cork, Maynooth, Carlow, Limerick, and Galway remain the six most expensive places to study in Ireland. Dublin sits firmly at the top, costing students an average of €1,943 per month, with rent alone reaching €989 per month.

Rent remains a major drain on student budgets in Cork and Maynooth, while Carlow’s comparatively high private accommodation costs keep it among the least affordable towns. Limerick and Galway complete the bottom half of the table as rising rent, utility and socialising expenses place further strain on day-to-day budgets.

Commenting on the figures, Eoin Clarke, commercial director at Switcher.ie, said that before considering education loans, students and parents should explore financial supports like SUSI grants, scholarships, and the Student Assistance Fund first.

He said: “Planning a realistic budget before term begins can also help identify any shortfall early and reduce the need for expensive last-minute borrowing.

“And remember to claim any tax relief due for tuition fees and rent,” he added.

While the overall increase across Ireland was softer than last year, students are still paying more across most major expenses, according to Switcher.ie.

Average increases include:

- Utilities: +9% (+€70 per year)

-Entertainment: +4% (+€139 per academic year)

- Groceries: +4% (+€82 per academic year)

- Accommodation: +3% (+€183 per year)

- Non-EU university fees: +3% (+€525 per year)

Accommodation remains one of the biggest costs facing Irish students, with average annual rent up €183 on last year and €547 since 2023. Students in private accommodation also pay around €976 more per year than those living on campus.