Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD is encouraging students to get their CAO applications in before the reduced fee deadline.
Anyone applying to the CAO can avail of the reduced fee of €30 until Saturday, 20 January.
Applications made after that date will have to pay the standard fee of €45.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “I am encouraging all students to get their CAO applications in early this week.
“This application doesn’t require you to have course choices finalised. Applying early means a small saving for you and your family.
“You do have the opportunity to add and remove courses when the change of mind facility opens later in the year.
“Having to choose your courses can be a stressful and worrying task for some, as many start thinking about what they want to study and what they want to become in the years ahead.
“By applying early you’ll save money and avoid the pressure on February 1st, when the application process closes.”
In 2023, nearly 60% of students received their first choice offer while 85% of students received one of their top three preferred courses.
There are also more course choices on offer for students in 2024, as well as many different third-level options, including new courses outside of the CAO points race.
Minister Harris added: “When making your choices, I am encouraging students to follow their passion and interests.
“There are so many different pathways available in further and higher education.
“If university is the route you are following, there are many options available to you.
“If you don’t feel university is the path you want to follow at this time, you could find the course you want in a Further Education college or you might want to take up an apprenticeship.
“Only last week I announced we were increasing the number of apprenticeships coming on stream with close to 100 different courses available this year, these range from Robotics, to Social Work, to Digital Marketing and so much more.
“The CAO website has information about PLC and further education courses as well as apprenticeships so please go visit the website and take your time choosing your future.”
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