Students from border counties are more likely to get college grants than those in Dublin and its commuter belt.

Third-level pupils from farming backgrounds also fare better, according to figures from SUSI, the awarding authority for new student grant applications.

68% of students from Cavan, 67% from Monaghan and 66% in Donegal qualified in the 2013/2014 year, while the figure is 63% in Carlow, Limerick and Longford.

In Dublin, 44% of applications were successful, with 47% in Kildare and just under 48% in Meath.

The Irish Times reports that of almost 68,000 new applicants for grants, 40,000 awards were granted by SUSI.