The number of students dropping out of courses in the 14 institutes of technology has declined significantly.
According to a new survey, 74 per cent of students completed their degree/diploma or certificate course in 2004. This compares to 57 per cent in 1999.
The survey says the completion rate for the institutes is now even higher than comparable figures for the seven universities. However the figures for the universities date back to the 1990s.
The findings are good news for the sector, where more than 40,000 students are currently enrolled.
In recent years the institutes of technology have been damaged by the widespread perception that huge numbers of students fall away, especially after their first exams.
A 1999 survey confirmed this, reporting drop-out rates of 70 per cent from some courses.
The new survey by the privately owned Circa group shows a dramatic turnaround.
The main findings of the report are:
the national average for completion of certificate and diploma courses in the institutes is approximately 70 per cent, with an 87 per cent completion rate for degree courses;
the institutes are concerned about part-time work by students. This group is more likely to fail exams and/or drop out;
female completion rates are higher in most cases;
there is a clear link between the CAO points secured by a student in the Leaving Cert and his or her ability to complete a third-level course, and
the drop-out rates are highest for courses in engineering, manufacturing and construction.
The institute with the highest completion rate for degree courses in 2004 was Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art and Design in Co Dublin, where all students completed the course.
The survey highlights the need for students to inform themselves fully about their third-level course instead of "sleepwalking" into a particular area.
The improvement in the completion rate is linked to additional support services now provided by the institutes.
Most offer career and personal guidance to students, orientation programmes for first-years and information visits to schools.
Many also provide extra tuition to students experiencing academic difficulties.
The survey recommends tighter tracking of students once they enter the institutes of technology.
"Alongside the formal recording of student engagement in October, January, March and summer, we recommend that each department should maintain standard records on each student's completion of set tasks."
According to the report, if a "pattern of non-performance becomes evident, then responsibility should pass to student service personnel and support staff".
The study is based on the three years of graduation 2002-2004.
The completion rate is defined as students who completed their course on time or one year after their scheduled completion.
