The Union of Students in Ireland says the outcome of the Brexit vote will affect young people and new college graduates in Ireland.

One in twelve students who graduate will seek work in the UK, and the USI now warns that Britain leaving the EU will change that relationship. They are worried about tighter border controls and more complicated visa processes.

USI president Kevin Donoghue said "The outcome of the Brexit referendum is incredibly disappointing, not only for the future of Britain, but also for the future of Ireland."

The union, which represents over 350,000 students north and south of the border, believes that the factors influencing the decision to leave were racism, selfishness, intolerance and fear-mongering.

"More than eight per cent of Irish graduates pursue work opportunities in the UK, and Brexit will affect them, as well as the students who wish to study their undergraduates or postgraduates in the UK, or do the Erasmus exchange programme there."

Border controls between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is also a concern for the union, who said it could potentially damage years of progress in peace, economic and social relations between Ireland and the UK.

Sinn Fein has called for a referendum on a unified Ireland following the vote, which has been shot down by the Northern Ireland secretary.