Mature student applications for third-level courses rise by 10%

THE number of mature students who applied to the Central Applications Office for third-level courses increased by 10% this year.

However, opposition TDs say there is still not enough being done by the Government to encourage such students into higher education.

Of the 65,401 applicants to the CAO this year, 8,807 applications came from mature students. That is compared with 7,988 in 2006.