Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to continue their education to college if they are required to travel. 

This is according to a study conducted by teams at NUI Galway, the University of Limerick and the Economic and Social Research Institute. 

The research shows a correlation between the distance pupils are required to travel and their chances of continuing to third-level.

For every 10 kms further away from the college a student lives, the probability they will participate in higher education is reduced by 2.7 per cent.

According to the report, travel distance is not generally a factor in attendance, but those from lower socio-economic backgrounds are much less likely to go to college if they are required to travel.

Greater travel distances result in a number of additional costs, which may be related to commuting or leaving home and paying for accommodation, food or related expenses.

At the time of the research, students living 24 km or more away from a college were eligible for the full grant, but this threshold has now been lifted to 45 kms.

"The effect of distance on participation for those from lower social classes is likely to have been exacerbated by this change," the report noted.

Written by Donal Walsh

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