Almost 30 tertiary degree courses outside the CAO 'points race' open for applications

The new Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless said 'students can now begin their studies at a local further education institute before seamlessly progressing to higher education, without relying on the CAO points system.'

New degree courses in subjects like nursing, ICT and social work available outside of the CAO 'points race' are open today for applications. 

Originally launched in 2023, tertiary courses have grown rapidly. A total of 41 new courses will be available this year, with 27 open for applications on Saturday. A further 14 will be launching in March.