Students pin college hopes on business and science

STUDENTS are turning their hopes towards science, technology and business courses as they await the first round of college offers in just over a month.

The Central Applications Office (CAO) option for third-level college applicants to change their course lists closed a week after more than 55,000 students completed the Leaving Certificate. While students had to apply by February 1, with a late fee payable for anyone doing so up to May 1, they can alter their lists and the order of preference of their course choices up to July 1.

The number of applications is up almost 5,300 since the initial closing date in February to 77,124, with those listing a level 8 (honours bachelor) degree up 9% to 67,643.