College applications up by 10% with 3 weeks to go

THE numbers applying for college places next autumn are more than 10% higher than this time a year ago, with just over three weeks left before the deadline. The Central Applications Office (CAO) had almost 13,500 applications from those seeking entry to third level by Wednesday, up from less than 12,000 at the same stage last year.

The deadline for 2010 applications is 5.15pm on Monday, February 1, but those who apply online by January 20 can get a €10 discount on the €45 fee.

A record 74,000 people applied to go to college through the CAO last year, an increase of almost 5,000 on 2008 applications. Students can list up to 10 level-8 (honours bachelor) degrees and 10 level 7/6 (ordinary bachelor degree/ higher certificate) courses in order of preference on their CAO forms.

In an effort to cater for growing numbers of unemployed, state-funded higher education institutions provided an extra 6% places on their courses in 2009, with almost 45,600 places filled through the CAO, up from just over 38,000 in 2005.

Last summer, a shortage of interest from high-scoring Leaving Certificate students in dozens of engineering and business degrees meant places were offered to applicants who met the basic requirements in maths or English.

College applicants voted with their feet last year as demand fell for courses linked to careers which had benefited from the property boom, including engineering, technology and building.

However, there were gains in the numbers applying to study science, primary teaching, arts and health profession courses.

After the February 1 deadline, applicants can change their choice of courses and the preference orders on their CAO list as often as they wish, up to July 1.
An estimated 45,000 of this year's Leaving Certificate students will apply for college places, competing with mature students, those with further education qualifications and overseas students.