As thousands of students continue their studies at the University of Limerick (UL) and Technological University of Shannon (TUS), many question whether a university degree still guarantees a secure future.
For generations, young people in Ireland have been encouraged to pursue higher education to secure stable careers. However, with rising competition in the job market, doubts persist about whether the time and financial investment in a degree always pays off.
Abraham Mammen, 24, who graduated from edge computing in UL last year, is currently living in Limerick and searching for work. “Even part-time would be good, but it’s kind of competitive there as well. It’s all about chance,” he says.
For those less inclined toward academia, apprenticeships offer an alternative pathway. Local programmes through UL, TUS, and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) continue to grow. This spring semester, 325 apprentices are enrolled at UL, with female participation rising to around 24 percent.
Employment prospects differ by field. Stephanie Dumevi, a 21-year-old nursing student at UL, feels confident about job opportunities in healthcare.
“There are hospitals that need nurses in so many counties, so I’m not worried about that at all, but it is scary to go out and just suddenly be a nurse. That’s as big of a jump as it gets,” she says.
Data from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) shows that in 2024, 80.2 percent of all graduates were employed within nine months of graduation, although this drops to 63.1 percent for Arts and Humanities graduates. The overall employment rate has increased steadily since 2010.
Meanwhile, as summer approaches, many Irish students are preparing J1 visa applications for seasonal work in the US. Kier Bates, from USA Summer Jobs, confirms demand remains strong despite political unrest in America, advising students not to “listen to outside noise” if they do plan to go.
However, the financial burden of the J1 process is significant, with upfront costs, including sponsorship fees, insurance, embassy appointments, and flights, often exceeding €2,000 before earning a dollar.
Housing deposits and rents in US cities add to the challenge, forcing many students to balance college work with part-time jobs to save.
At UL, the Academic Registry assists students with J1 visa documentation. Marc Poole of UL’s registry reports a slight 7.5 percent drop in applications between 2024 and 2025 but notes similar fluctuations have occurred previously and may not indicate a trend.
The J1 application requires securing a sponsor, verifying student status, finding a job, and completing visa paperwork previous to embassy appointments. Students are advised to carry all documentation during US pre-clearance to avoid travel issues.