Number of degree courses outside CAO system set to double

'I have a very clear message to students filling out that form that there are other options and alternatives to the points race,' said Further Education Minister Simon Harris.

A major expansion of degree courses outside the Central Application Office (CAO) process is being announced today to give Leaving Cert students alternative options to the points race.  

The doubling in the number of such courses comes ahead of this evening's 5pm deadline for normal applications to the CAO for entry to all first-year undergraduate courses this year.