Students Await CAO Offers Amid Record Applications and Points Rise

This afternoon, tens of thousands of students across Ireland will discover whether they have been successful in securing a place in their desired third-level course. The Central Applications Office (CAO) will release the first-round offers, following a record-breaking surge in applications, which has reached over 89,000. This marks a 7 percent increase from the previous year, with approximately 19,000 applicants having completed their Leaving Certificate prior to 2025.

Demand for college places is particularly high for some of the most competitive courses, leading to concerns about the impact of rising points requirements and the use of random selection in the allocation process. Despite universities’ efforts to minimize reliance on random selection, it remains a factor this year. As a result, students who achieve the maximum possible score of 625 points may still find themselves unable to secure their first-choice course.

In light of these developments, the Irish Times is inviting students to share their experiences if they feel disappointed with their CAO offers. This could be due to a significant increase in the points required for their chosen course or the influence of random selection. The publication seeks to understand the human impact of these changes and how they affect students’ academic journeys.

Students are encouraged to submit their stories, limited to 400 words, through a provided form. For verification purposes, submissions should include a contact number, although anonymity can be requested. The Irish Times will curate a selection of these stories for publication, though not all submissions may be featured.

As the education landscape evolves, students navigating the Leaving Certificate and their further education options face new challenges. The growing number of applications highlights the need for accessible and equitable pathways to higher education. Students and families are urged to stay informed and proactive in exploring all available opportunities as the academic year progresses.