Ask Brian
The latest education advice from The Irish Times Education analyst Brian Mooney
My daughter has been offered a deferred place, but at what cost?
There are a number of circumstances under which your daughter can qualify under the Free Fees initiative
Is it too late to apply for a college grant?
Susi administers two types of grants: maintenance grants and fee grants
How can my daughter make the most out of her visit to Higher Options 2026?
She is developing her perspective on future careers and RDS exhibition is a good place to start
‘I’d love a new interest or hobby, but not anything too formal or academic’
Ask Brian: The social side is one of the most underrated benefits of adult education
My daughter’s classmates have left for a grind school and she is desperate to join them
Grind schools have grown in popularity but they are not a guarantee of high achievement
Are there opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship while studying?
Across Irish universities there is a growing focus on helping students test ideas, solve real-world problems and, in some cases, develop start-ups
Hear and Dare: Your questions answered at this stage of CAO process
Hear and Dare connect students to supports including financial assistance, academic guidance and orientation
With my daughter planning to go to college, what financial supports are available?
Ask Brian: Maintenance grants and fee grants are available to eligible undergraduate students
‘Could my son lose a college offer if CAO details incorrect?’
Parents should ensure that the correct Leaving Cert number is recorded when the Central Applications Office email arrives
‘Is a year studying abroad of sufficient value to justify the cost?’
If taking an undergraduate business degree in Ireland, your daughter will be in a highly internationalised setting. But there’s no substitute for studying abroad
‘My dyslexic son refuses to engage with school support services. Should I force the issue?’
Accepted Dare applicants receive the support of the university disability services throughout their college years
I was previously in care - what education supports might be available?
I am exploring options for further or higher education or training - can you suggest possibilities?
‘My son has an Irish language exemption. Is there anything we need to do?’
National University of Ireland communicates exemption data to the Central Applications Office, which will add it to an application
‘I would like to become an airline pilot. How do I begin the process?’
There are several ways into this lucrative and rewarding career
‘I think my daughter would be suited to a job with a strong hands-on element or apprenticeship’
A three‑year OEM engineering apprenticeship opens doors internationally and provides access to further study in higher education
‘My son is anxious about the Irish orals. How can we help him prepare?’
Immersion in the language is key – as is understanding the structure of the assessment
‘My four children are all using AI in various ways in their studies’
Spending hours doing traditional academic work that can be generated by AI in seconds just seems wasteful
‘Are there paths into careers in technology other than through the university route?’
As tech evolves at an unprecedented pace, employers increasingly value what you can do today and how quickly you can learn
‘I’m in my 50s and would like to learn something new. What options are there?’
Re-engaging with education later in life is about curiosity, confidence and enjoyment
‘I think my daughter would prosper in a more practical degree course’
‘She finds the school environment a little stifling but really enjoys organising events’
‘The Leaving Cert mocks were a wake-up call for my son’
For a student who has focused more on sport than study, realising they are not match fit in an academic sense can be sobering
Post-Leaving Certificate courses play growing role as routes to work and higher education
Exploring PLC options is now considerably more straightforward in Co Dublin, thanks to a clearer, unified application system
What are the key factors to be aware of when filling out a CAO application form?
Every year some students miss out on round-one offers due to errors, omissions or failure to spot an important message
‘My daughter, along with most of her classmates, seem laser-focused on going to UCD or Trinity’
She could sit down with her guidance counsellor in school and explore how her interests and learning style align with the available options
Education matters: Places on medical and paramedical degrees in Ulster University
Ask Brian: There are places open to Republic of Ireland students, but applications must be submitted to UCAS by January 14th
Which CAO programmes must be listed due to portfolio, interview or performance criteria?
Ask Brian: All you need to know about the restricted application courses for 2026
‘My son is considering a trade or apprenticeship option, but should he make a CAO application too?’
Ask Brian: Now is the peak season for conversations among sixth years about their next steps
Where CAO points are likely to settle in 2026
Ask Brian: Gradual reduction in grade enhancement begun this year will continue for the next four or five years
Education matters: ‘My son is overwhelmed by college and is considering dropping out’
Ask Brian: Combination of new environment and a course that does not fit can leave even the most capable young people adrift
Nursing and midwifery offer careers for those with aptitude, curiosity and compassion
A degree in nursing or midwifery is a foundation for lifelong learning, with job opportunities across diverse settings
‘What funding support is available if I secure a place in university?’
Budget changes to Susi funding include an increase in income threshold for the €500 student contribution grant
Should I consider allowing my child to study abroad?
About 90% of programmes in the Netherlands do not have a selection procedure and require only minimum entry requirements
CAO applications: How can I help my son complete the process properly?
Any correspondence from the Central Applications Office must be dealt with promptly
‘We are considering encouraging our son to skip transition year’
Ask Brian: This programme shakes up the traditional, formal education system and introduces students to new ways of learning
‘I was horrified that any parent would give a nine-year-old a smartphone’
Ask Brian: More than a quarter of primary schoolchildren and a third of secondary school students are now using artificial intelligence
My daughter got her top CAO choice after a recheck. I’m not sure she should take it
There are financial implications parents should be aware of in these circumstances
My son plans to drop higher-level Irish for the Leaving Cert. Is this a good idea?
Many students mistakenly believe they can score more CAO points by dropping ‘difficult’ subjects
I’m a second-level teacher but want to be a guidance counsellor. Is this possible?
Postgraduate course are an option in what is a demanding career where stresses among teens are on the rise
How will Hpat changes affect my chances of securing medicine?
Reforms come into effect in 2027 which look set to raise CAO entry points
Is it too late to apply for a college grant?
Thousands of students with household incomes of up to €100,000 are missing out on college grants
My Leaving Cert daughter cannot decide what she wants to study. Can you help?
An education expert says: There is no rush - she has until the end of June to finalise her choices in most cases
I missed out on my first choice in Trinity. Will CAO points drop in round two?
Entry points tend not to drop for very high-demand courses, but there are alternative pathways
‘Check your spam’: Six things to know ahead of CAO deadline day
No CAO applicant should allow the 1st July deadline to pass without reviewing their course choices
‘I worry that my anxious son will buckle under pressure during the Leaving Cert’
Simple steps can help students navigate stress and promote greater resilience
Does my daughter need a postgrad to get a decent job in engineering?
Degrees with integrated work placements help students can gain essential industry skills and personal attributes which employers look for
My son wants to be a pilot. Is there any way of learning without breaking the bank?
It is very expensive, but joining the Air Corps can provide a route into civilian aviation
Will CAO points drop due to efforts to tackle grade inflation this year?
Why students on bumper grades from recent years will have an advantage in race for college places
Could my son really lose a college offer if his CAO details are incorrect?
Many students are left devastated each year due to errors or omissions in their applications
My son wants to study sustainability but has no idea what course to choose. Can you help?
There are lots to choose from at university, with new options well worth considering
My son is struggling with his college course. Should he drop out ahead of his final year?
There are lots of options – but some can carry a heavy financial cost
I want to do a master’s degree but they’re so expensive. Are there grants available?
Grants for postgraduate courses were axed during the recession but have been restored in recent years
My daughter loves science but can’t decide what to study at third level
Many new science degrees incorporate training that addresses skills gaps employers have identified
My daughter wants to be a therapist but CAO points are high. Are there other options?
The Government is funding places for students from the Republic on healthcare courses in the North
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