The Union of Students (USI) has said racism, selfishness, intolerance and fear-mongering were influencing factors behind the UK vote to leave the European Union.
In a statement issue dthis morning, the USI warned the outcome will negatively affect new graduates and students who want to study or participate in the Erasmus programme in the UK.
"The outcome of the Brexit referendum is incredibly disappointing," Kevin Donoghue, USI president, said.
"Not only for the future of Britain, but also for the future of Ireland. More than eight per cent of Irish graduates pursue work opportunities in the UK, and Brexit will affect them, as well as the students who wish to study their undergraduates or postgraduates in the UK, or do the Erasmus exchange programme there. There will be tighter border controls and more complicated visa processes which will deter young people from emigrating to the UK for job prospects, education or travel opportunities," he said.
The union said any new border controls between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland could potentially damage the progress made between Ireland and the UK in recent years.
