The weekly disposable income of the average Irish student has fallen from E86 in 2009 to E62 in 2010 - a fall of 28pc, research conducted for AIB by market research agency W5 show.

According to the research, part-time work now accounts for 31pc of a student's source of income down from 40pc in 2008 and 35pc in 2009.

Parents continue to be the main source of income at 38pc (no change on 2009).

Students from Dublin tend to have the highest disposable income, E20 more per week than in Leinster.

By faculty, Law, Medicine and Business tend to have the highest disposable income.

This research coincides with the start of the annual back-to-school battle between the banks for new customers with the launch of AIB's third level package for 2010 that, it says, includes incentives aimed at supporting students during their time in college.

"The student market is an absolute priority for AIB. We want to build long lasting relationships with students and support them during their time in college and beyond," said Rory Connolly, Youth Market Manager, AIB.