CAO

Ask Brian: Gradual reduction in grade enhancement begun this year will continue for the next four or five years

Points required for competitive courses are likely to remain high despite overall drop in grades

Any correspondence from the Central Applications Office must be dealt with promptly

There are financial implications parents should be aware of in these circumstances

Many students mistakenly believe they can score more CAO points by dropping ‘difficult’ subjects

Reforms come into effect in 2027 which look set to raise CAO entry points

A host of high-points courses such as dentistry, veterinary and pharmacy are set to be expanded

Thousands of students with household incomes of up to €100,000 are missing out on college grants

Higher Options will have many people to help you decide what to pursue after the Leaving Cert

Practical and financial help and guidance are available for students with a disability or other additional needs

From Abigail Ruth Freeman on science and IT to Artur Banaszkiewicz on studying in Poland, there are many to choose from, so plan ahead

There’s a right and a not-so-right way to approach your visit to the RDS

Higher Options, Ireland’s largest education expo, is back in Dublin from Wednesday to Friday, September 17th to 19th.

Some applicants have been offered preferred courses after initially losing out on random selection

For those considering further and higher education, the expo has information that could shape the path ahead

Whether you choose a PLC, an apprenticeship or the straight-to-college route, there’s more than one way to take the next step

Remaining focused on CAO points means overlooking ‘wonderful’ alternatives such as apprenticeships and tertiary degrees

Those who have received an offer today will have until Wednesday, September 10th at 3pm to accept it

Heading to college is a big step, and while most of the young adults preparing to fly the nest will be excited at the prospect of independence, parents might have some concerns about what this will mean

‘Flying the nest is the natural next step ... we weren’t going to be all maudlin and upset around them’

While studying in Ireland has its appeals, going abroad offers the experience of a different culture or language and fees are often lower

Irish students are entitled to study at any university in the EU under the same conditions as nationals

An education expert says: There is no rush - she has until the end of June to finalise her choices in most cases

The period between Leaving Cert results and the first week of college goes by in an instant

‘Nobody’s future should be decided by a lottery,’ says student

If you want to accept a round one offer and haven’t done so yet, make sure you do in the next few days

We answered a variety of questions as grade deflation kicked in for the 2025 Leaving Cert class

Do have questions about CAO offers, appeals or deferrals? Our experts are here to help

More than a dozen international students share how they find life and study in Ireland

There are many sources of support that can lessen your chance of dropping out

Random selection for some courses applies again, but some universities have increased places to try to meet demand

The early school-leaver is now pursuing a full time undergraduate degree in history

The majority of CAO applicants were offered one of their top three preferences

Funding levels were slashed after the financial crash and have never recovered

Whether you want to accept or defer, take time to think clearly and do your research before you act

The dates for third level education next steps after Leaving Cert results day

How to maximise chances of finding a student place to live and figuring out costs

All you need to know about taking an alternative route into higher education

The number of CAO applications this year is 7% higher than in 2024 leading to additional pressure on college places

My college offer came while I was sitting in the back of my family’s car, and I screamed so loud that I almost caused a collision