Dublin: Applications to Irish third-level institutions through the Central Applications Office have increased by 6.5% this year, continuing a strong upward trend following an 8.5% rise in 2025.
By 1 February, the CAO had received 88,817 applications for entry to colleges in September, an increase of 5,393 compared with last year. Population growth is believed to be a key factor behind the surge.
Health-related programmes remain the most popular choice among applicants, with first-preference applications rising by 17%. Interest in specialised areas has grown significantly, with veterinary medicine applications increasing by 75% following the introduction of new programmes at South East Technological University and Atlantic Technological University. Pharmacy applications have also climbed by 41%.
Arts degree courses have seen renewed interest, with first-preference applications rising by 7%, making the field the third most popular choice after health and business. Applications for education programmes have also increased by 7%, including a 12% rise in secondary teaching.
The number of students applying through the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) has grown by 15%, while applications under the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) have slightly declined.
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