Window for early CAO applications narrows

Students have less than a fortnight to avail of a reduced fee for applying for third-level colleges this year.

The Central Applications Office charges just €25 for anyone submitting course details online by January 20, with the fee rising to €40 for anyone who applies between then and the main deadline of February 1.

Although official figures are not currently available, most people avail of the early application discount, with 61,235 out of almost 80,000 total applicants in 2014 doing so.