Less CAO interest in agri

The number of students planning on starting a third level agriculture degree in 2015 has fallen by 19%, according to statistics released by the Central Applications Office (CAO).

The statistics show, as of July 1, out of 70,006 applicants to the CAO system, 657 applicants had listed agriculture or horticulture level 8 courses as their first preference.

The 19% drop in the number of first preferences for agriculture and horticulture courses is in sharp contrast to recent years.

In 2013, the number of applicants listing agriculture or horticulture level 8 courses as their first preference increased by 10%, in 2014 the increase was 12%.

This year’s drop is also evident in level 6 and 7 agriculture and horticulture courses. The drop coincides with an increase in the number of applicants interested in courses in architecture, engineering/technology and built environment related courses.