A third of students who dropped out of university did so for mental health reasons, according to a new report.

Research of 510 adults who did not complete their studies at university also found one in five suffered from alcohol or drugs abuse as a result.

Nearly half of people who dropped out of university did so because they chose the wrong course (47 per cent).

Almost the same number (45 per cent) believe their long-term career was harmed by failing to finish their degree.

The research was carried out by www.myunichoices.com, a website which helps prospective students find the right course in higher education.

Dr Charles Johnson, chief psychometrics adviser, MyUniChoices said: “Time at university should count among the best years of any student’s life.

“So it is heart-breaking to see so many young adults drop out of university because of poor mental health - as much as it is that many are currently thinking about dropping out, or wishing they had done a different course.”