How Are Gen Z Students Changing Expectations in Irish Higher Education?

Gen Z students are reshaping Irish higher education. With around 246,000 students enrolled in higher education across Ireland during the 2020/21 academic year, most aged between 18 and 27, campuses are now filled with digital natives who expect more than lectures and library cards.

Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z brings a whole new outlook to education. They value flexibility, mental health, inclusivity, and purpose. And they expect institutions to deliver smooth, tech-powered experiences that mirror the world they’ve grown up in.

So, what does this mean for Irish higher education? It means rethinking what “student-centred” really looks like. The good news? Irish universities don’t need to reinvent the wheel. They just need the right tools. School Management Systems (SMS), Student Information Systems (SIS), and Learning Management Systems (LMS) can bridge the gap between old-school operations and new-school expectations. We’ll explore how Gen Z is driving this change and how the right tech can help institutions keep up.

Demand for Seamless Digital Experiences

Gen Z lives online. In 2025, the average Gen Z student spends over six hours a day on their smartphone. So when they come to university, they don’t want to switch gears. They expect their entire student experience to be just as smooth, fast and mobile as their favourite apps.

With School Management Systems and Student Information Systems, universities can create a centralised portal that acts like a personal dashboard for every student. Whether it’s checking grades, enrolling in modules or paying tuition, it’s all accessible from one place.

Learning Management Systems go a step further, giving students 24/7 access to course content, online discussions and assignment submissions—no matter where they are.

For a generation raised on instant everything, seamless digital experiences are the expectation. And universities that meet that expectation? They’ll keep Gen Z students engaged from day one.

Desire for Flexible and Personalised Learning Paths

Education is no longer one-size-fits-all. Students want learning that fits around their lives, goals and interests. Whether they’re juggling part-time jobs, managing their mental health or pursuing niche passions, flexibility is key. And personalisation? That’s what keeps them motivated.

Irish universities that want to stay ahead need to move beyond rigid curricula. Gen Z students expect to explore different learning formats, pick and mix their modules, and follow paths that match their career ambitions. 

Learning Management Systems make it easy to offer personalised content and flexible schedules. Students can access lectures on demand, choose learning formats that suit them best, and explore self-paced modules.

Student Information Systems take it even further by tracking each student’s progress, preferences and strengths. Advisors can then suggest courses and support that actually make sense for that individual student’s goals.

The Need for Open Communication and Transparency

If there’s one thing Gen Z students expect from their university, it’s clear and open communication. No vague updates. No radio silence. Just honest, real-time feedback that keeps them in the loop and feeling supported.

This includes understanding how they’re doing in a course or knowing exactly when fees are due; today’s students want answers at their fingertips. They grew up in a world of instant messaging and push notifications. So, waiting weeks for a grade or chasing admin for updates just doesn’t cut it.

SMS takes care of the behind-the-scenes stuff—like real-time updates on fee payments, enrollment status, and deadlines. Everything is in one place, easy to access, and crystal clear.

Learning Management Systems can provide students with immediate feedback on assessments, as well as insights into their overall progress. It helps them stay engaged, spot areas for improvement and feel more in control of their learning.

Career Readiness and Skill Development

A recent IrishJobs.ie survey found that professional training and development ranked high among their job search priorities for Gen Z. This means that Irish universities need to provide the courses and training applicable to today’s work. It’s no longer enough to focus solely on theory—students want to graduate with real-world skills that employers value.

With the right Learning Management System, universities can offer industry-aligned courses, microcredentials, and even soft skill development. Students can learn at their own pace while building a portfolio that proves they’re job-ready.

On the other side, a smart Student Information System (SIS) helps track every step of a student’s journey. From internship placements to completed certifications, students and advisors get a clear view of what’s been achieved and what’s still needed. That means better planning, smarter advising, and a more personalised path to success.

Emphasis on Mental Health and Wellbeing

According to The Irish Examiner, more students across Ireland are seeking help for stress, anxiety, and other well-being concerns. Today’s learners aren’t just looking for academic support—they want universities to create safe, responsive environments where mental health is taken seriously.

With an SIS, institutions can monitor engagement patterns, flag early warning signs, and reach out before small issues turn into bigger ones. It’s a proactive way to show students they’re seen and supported.

School Management Systems can also simplify access to mental health services. Instead of making phone calls or digging through outdated web pages, students can schedule counselling appointments or browse wellness resources directly through their student portal.

When mental health is built into the infrastructure, not treated as an afterthought, it sends a powerful message: your wellbeing matters here. For Gen Z, such care and responsiveness are essential. And it is expected. And it’s one more way Irish universities can rise to the occasion.

Classter: Built With Gen Z in Mind

Classter was built with Gen Z students in mind. It combines the power of a School Management System, Student Information System, and Learning Management System into one smart platform—perfect for meeting the demands of today’s learners. From mobile access and real-time updates to personalised learning paths and integrated wellbeing tools, Classter helps Irish universities deliver the seamless, student-centred experience Gen Z expects.

Whether it’s tracking academic progress, accessing course content, or scheduling support services, Classter keeps everything in one place—simple, connected, and future-ready. Discover Classter today and see how you can create a campus experience Gen Z will love.

FAQ’s