More students failed to advance to the second year of their course during the 2020–2021 academic year, Covid–19 contributed to higher college dropout rates.

The majority of classes were taught online during this academic year, and many students began college that fall after receiving predicted Leaving Certificate grades.

Dundalk Institute of Technology and Southeast Technological University had the highest dropout rates (both 21%), followed by Atlantic Technological University (20%).

First-year student dropout rates at Munster Technological University, Technological University of Dublin, and Technological University of the Shannon were all 17%.

The lowest dropout rate was recorded by the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (3%) with rates of 6% at Dublin City University, Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, and St. Angela's College of Home Economics.