A study of Irish third level students has found that their profile is more diverse now than ever before.
The study, part of the second Eurostudent Survey, has found that more than 20% of students are now part-time and they are more likely to enter third level through non-traditional routes.
However, the vast majority of third level participants are still full-time students who entered college after completing their Leaving Certificate.
The Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority has said the survey shows that up-skilling is still a limited feature of the Irish education system, although the situation has improved.
Tom Boland says this has significant policy implications, given that jobs in Ireland are increasingly reliant on third level skills.
The study has also found that more than half of all students hold regular jobs. Students whose parents do not hold a third level qualification are more likely to work while at college.
