The Student Movement in Northern Ireland is calling on political parties to urgently support their campaign to abolish top-up fees and improve student grants.

New UCAS figures last month revealed a dramatic 16.7% drop in the number of applicants accepted to Northern Ireland colleges following the introduction of top-up fees this year.

Meanwhile, the number of students coming to study in Northern Ireland from the South has also plummeted over the same period according to NUS-USI.

Overall President, Aoibheann Fearon said: “This is part of our on-going campaign to get a better deal for students.  It is important that we address these issuues, not only for current students but also for future school leavers.”

NUS-USI Convenor Colleen Dowdall said: “Student Leaders from across Northern Ireland are travelling to Stormont today to urge MLAs to support our campaign for proper student funding.

 “The introduction of top-up fees of up to £3,000 a year has heightened the problems that tuition fees ushered in. The name of our campaign, Admission: Impossible, reflects the devastating reality for thousands of young people who feel forced to choose between going to university and earning money to support themselves.

“For students attending university, the burden of escalating fees means they are now forced to juggle studying with around 20 hours a week of paid work. This can have a detrimental effect on students’ grades and may have mental health consequences."