The Union of Students in Ireland says school leavers are changing their choice of university course, over concerns they will not be able to find accommodation.

Official figures reveal there will be a shortfall of 25,000 student beds around the country, when third-level colleges resume in the autumn.

The most serious shortages are in the Dublin area.

It costs parents an average of €12,000 a year to send a third level student to university in Ireland.