Ministers urge students to consider all their options ahead of CAO deadline
With the 5pm, 1 February deadline approaching, Ministers highlight 'more choices than ever before' including 1,000 extra college places and 78 Apprenticeship routes now open to students
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD and Minister of State Marian Harkin TD are urging students to consider the full array of options available to them ahead of the upcoming deadline for CAO applications.
Anyone applying to the CAO should do so before 5pm on 1 February for the standard fee of €45. Applications made after that date will incur a fee of €65.
Minister Lawless said: “My message to students is simple, get your CAO application in early so you have the time and space to think through your choices properly. You don’t need to have every decision made right now. Getting the application in before the 1 February deadline reduces pressure and helps you stay in control during what can be a busy period.
“And the good news is that you have more choices than ever before. Whether you are considering a university degree, an apprenticeship, a FET course or one of our new tertiary degree programmes, there is a wide range of high‑quality pathways available. I would encourage every young person to take the time to explore these options and find the route that best suits their interests and ambitions.”
Students are encouraged to consider the wide range of apprenticeships, further and higher education and tertiary degrees options that allows learners to take a variety of routes to achieve their education and skills goals.
In recent years, approximately 1,000 additional permanent places have been created in high‑demand CAO courses in the health and social care disciplines. In 2026, further places will be added, across existing programmes such as Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy while new courses will be launched, including Veterinary Medicine in SETU and ATU, as well as Pharmacy in SETU.
Outside the CAO system, the range of apprenticeship options continues to expand, spanning traditional skilled trades such as electrical and plumbing, as well as areas including cybersecurity, software development, engineering and newer programmes such as the Accounting Technologist. There are now 78 apprenticeship programmes available, covering levels 5 to 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Free or heavily subsidised Further Education and Training (FET) courses are available in a variety of areas, offering practical, hands-on learning that builds real-world skills while helping learners identify their strengths and interests. One-year PLC courses can provide a valuable opportunity to gain experience and demonstrate aptitude in a chosen field and can lead directly to employment or provide a pathway into higher education.
Tertiary programmes allow students to begin a degree course in further education, before transitioning on to complete their degree in a higher education setting and are also available outside of the CAO system.
As of late 2025, there were 38 tertiary degree programmes available where students start in an ETB and progress to a higher education institution to complete their bachelor’s degree. Tertiary degrees complement existing Further Education/Higher Education pathways facilitated through the Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). HELS remains the main Further Education/Higher Education pathway, with access to 91% of higher education courses available through this scheme.
The Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses, launched in 2024, covers the fees of eligible part-time students attending specified undergraduate courses leading to a major award with a minimum average of 30 credits and maximum of 50 credits per academic year. The scheme was developed to support more flexible learning for students considered underrepresented in Higher Education, particularly students who are socio-economically disadvantaged and may not be in a position to participate in full-time programmes.
Minister Harkin, who has special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills urged students to look across the system to find the right career path for them.
“I would encourage students to be aware of the broad range of pathways and alternative routes available.
“Through an ever-growing further education and skills training system, there are many ways to follow your passion. From apprenticeships to Further Education courses and Tertiary degrees, the right path for you is out there.”
