The University of Limerick is investigating how private student data made its way onto its website.
Details of student grant applications, including bank and income details, appeared on UL's website over the weekend.
The university has said the information of at least seven students was involved.
UL said the computer system being used to house the data was only installed in October.
It said technical staff are now investigating to find out what happened.
The university said the system has since been taken down and all information has been made secure.
The breach involved students who had applied for a Student Assistance Fund.
UL said it was only viewable by those with a password to access the system.
The university added it is taking the potential breach extremely seriously.
It said a full investigation and review are currently under way to determine how the breach took place.
UL said it will engage fully with the Data Protection Commissioner should the need arise.
