7.5% rise in students offered early CAO courses

The number of students offered college places in the early stages of the Central Applications Office (CAO) process is up 7.5% on last year.

The categories of students who can be offered a third-level place before the main offers after the Leaving Certificate results in mid-August include overseas students coming to Ireland, who may require early confirmation to facilitate visa arrangements.

Although official figures for non-EU applicants are not yet available, some colleges have reported increased interest from international students since the Brexit referendum vote last summer.