Demand for Higher Education to surge by up to 19% by 2034 

Minister Lawless highlights demand for Higher Education to surge by up to 19% by 2034 

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has today published “Projections of Demand for Higher Education 2025–2045”, highlighting strong expected growth in demand for full‑time higher education places over the coming years. 

The report shows that student numbers are projected to rise significantly over the next decade, increasing by up to 19% from current levels. Demand for places is projected to peak in 2034, before easing towards 2045. 

The key driver of this growth is rising numbers of Irish school leavers reaching college age, linked to higher birth rates between 2007 and 2012. Additionally, continued growth in postgraduate study is expected, particularly among non‑EU students. 

Welcoming the publication, Minister Lawless said: “This report highlights the continued strength, success and attractiveness of Ireland’s higher education sector. With more than 200,000 students now enrolled across our institutions, demand for higher education is expected to continue growing over the next decade. 

"My focus, and that of my Department, is to ensure we have the policies and planning in place to meet this demand by keeping higher education accessible and responsive, while continuing to uphold the strong international reputation and quality of Irish higher education.” 

These projections, based on the latest available data, provide a more stable basis for planning than the last estimates, published in 2022, which were affected by uncertainty arising from Brexit and the COVID‑19 pandemic. 

The report will inform future policy development and investment decisions to ensure that the higher education system can meet growing demand while maintaining quality and accessibility.