Over 50,000 apply for college places

Almost 54,500 people have already entered the race for college places this autumn up to last Friday’s early Central Applications Office (CAO) deadline.

The figure is 2,730 higher than the 51,761 who did so by the same time last year, but the rise could be explained by a rush to avail of a reduced fee. The main cut-off is on Wednesday, Feb 1, although late CAO applications will be accepted up to May 1 and will require payment of a higher fee.

With tuition fee rises in English, Welsh and Northern universities this year, there is already evidence of falling Irish applications to study in Britain, which could create more pressure for places in August. The CAO received over 76,000 applications last year, and filled 45,700 college places.