57% of students expect they will have to emigrate to find work after college. That number is down from 75% two years ago.

The survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) was carried out to measure the wider financial impact on families supporting a child through 3rd-level education.

It found that 8 out of 10 parents support their child with college-related costs contributing over €400 a month on average per child.

It also says that 42% of parents use their savings to fund 3rd-level education, and that those who do have been saving for 8 years on average.

 Students are spending €516 a month on daily expenses

What's more, 25% say they will use a credit union loan, 6% will use a credit card, 4% will use a bank loan and 2% will use a moneylender.

71% of parents add that family budgets have been "adversely impacted" by the increased college registration fees, while 32% have had to sacrifice spending on essential household bills because of delays in grants.

The study shows that students are spending €516 each month on their daily expenses, excluding rent and bills. This figure is an increase from €484 in 2011.

Mandy Johnston is head of communications with the ILCU. She says students are now more confident about their working future here. 

While personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, Charlie Weston, spoke about the survey results to Breakfast here on Newstalk.