Surge in student demand for health and business courses

Health and business courses are highly sought-after by CAO applicants this year, while green technologies, digital skills and modern construction skills are also favoured. Photo: iStock

There continues to be a surge in demand for health and business-related courses, while veterinary courses are proving to be a popular choice.

In this year’s CAO applications, health and business courses remain the most sought-after.

This comes as CAO celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026, as well as an increase in applications by 6.46% this year, from 83,424 to 88,817, highlighting a wider shift in student behaviour and demand for accessible pathways into higher education.

A breakdown of applications across different disciplines published by the CAO shows there is growing interest in courses in the field of health, with a 17% rise overall in first preferences for health-related degree courses.

This comes as students have reacted positively to news of expansion in specialist fields of health studies. 

Applications with a first preference in medicine rose by 20%, while physiotherapy climbed by 20%. This can be linked to a new ATU Donegal course.

Meanwhile, dentistry grew by 15%, with undergraduate medicine also expanding via a new option at the University of Limerick.

Meanwhile, applications spiked significantly for veterinary medicine, which can be linked to the offering of new programmes at ATU Donegal and SETU Waterford.

First preference applications to veterinary medicine courses have risen by 75%. Because of the launch of the new programmes, students will be able to study veterinary medicine outside of Dublin for the first time.

Some 2,692 students mentioned veterinary medicine courses on their CAO application for 2026, compared with a total of 902 students last year.

Applications to pharmacy have increased by 41%, after an increased number of additional places this year.

Art remains the third most popular field of studies, and first-preference applications have risen by 7% this year following a slight decline in applications last year.

Meanwhile, applications to education courses have risen by 7% this year with a rise of 12% in first preference applications for secondary teaching.

Courses related to the environment have seen an increase of 17%.

Courses relating to journalism and information, as well as mathematics and statistics, have also seen a notable increase in applications.

There has been a notable rise of 15% in the number of students applying under the special disability access route.

Meanwhile, compared to last year, an additional 1,814 students have applied in the DARE category.

CAO general manager, Joseph O’Grady, said the organisation continues to retain its foundation 50 years on.

"Fairness and transparency are the foundations of the system, as well as equality of treatment for both applicants and participating Higher Education Institutions," Mr O’Grady said.

As new options have been offered to students at ATU in Donegal, ATU admissions manager Jacinta Ryan said between 75% and 80% of students accepting a place at ATU have been offered their first preference programme in the last three years.

“This consistently high level of alignment between student choice and course allocation further reinforces ATU’s standing as a university of choice, ensuring that the majority of applicants commence their studies in their preferred discipline,” Ms Ryan said.

As participation rates rise, the region appears to be undergoing a structural shift in educational progression, with more students choosing local university options, increased demand for health-related and applied science programmes and growing cross-border engagement.

The CAO figures suggest that these trends are likely to continue to shape higher education patterns in the West and North West in the years ahead.

Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless, and Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education Marian Harkin have urged students to explore all routes, as a number of new programmes are available.

“Ireland’s greatest national asset is our people, and we are investing in them more than ever before, creating more pathways than ever before. From apprenticeships to further education and training, and into higher education, the opportunities are endless. I encourage everyone to explore these routes: whether you want to master green technologies, develop digital skills, or embrace modern methods of construction, there is now a pathway tailored to your talent and ambition,” said Mr Lawless.

Mr Lawless also urged students to look beyond points.

"When considering their CAO applications in 2026, I would encourage students to look beyond points, and to be aware of the full range of pathways and alternative routes available. When it comes to the Leaving Certificate, it is important to consider the options rather than just points alone,” he said.