Here’s a study guide for the final months before the Leaving Cert exams
We got expert tips from two of Ireland’s leading study websites and their learning experts
College Choice
Forget the CAO: Here are some alternatives to college
Apprenticeships, traineeships and PLCs provide alternative routes to exciting, well-paid careers
Six things you need to consider before making your third-level and further education choices
CAO applicants for 2026 will need to register before February 1st at 5pm
Key dates for 2026 CAO applications: from early-bird applications to Leaving Cert appeals
Here is every important date in the CAO calendar along with important links, reminders and information about fees
What should you be thinking about when deciding on a third-level college?
Students should think beyond their course choices towards career options, experts advise
‘My daughter, along with most of her classmates, seem laser-focused on going to UCD or Trinity’
She could sit down with her guidance counsellor in school and explore how her interests and learning style align with the available options
Student money: An A-Z of college saving and spending
Tips on how to budget as a student and make the most of deals, offers and discounts at college
Minister hails ‘exciting’ degree where students spend two years working in industry
Programme for biopharma sector is joint venture between UL and leading international companies
Understanding university costs and funding
The cost of going to college in Ireland is high compared to European counterparts
CAO 2025: A guide to some lesser-known courses
From a bar management apprenticeship to a BA in content creation
‘It’s a whirlwind, but I’ve managed to strike a balance between work and fun’: Life as a third-level student
We caught up with two students – both called Hannah, but on different campuses on either side of the country – and asked about their experiences
Key dates for 2025 CAO applications: from early-bird applications to Leaving Cert appeals
The essential calendar for this year’s Leaving Cert students and CAO applicants
Seven factors to consider when making your college application
Applying for college this year? Whether applying for a course at home or abroad, here’s all you need to know
What should you consider when choosing a college course?
We asked two experts about what students should consider when choosing a college course
Why do so few students from Northern Ireland attend college in the South?
A-level conversion rates, the career guidance culture and cost of living are among reasons why just 1% of CAO applicants are from the North
My son in sixth year still has no idea what to do after he leaves school. Can you help?
No matter what option he eventually chooses, he has until the end of sixth year to make his choices
My son can’t find student accommodation in Dublin. Is it too late to change his CAO choice?
The rules of the CAO are explicit: applicants can move up, not down, their course preference list
The big move: How to prepare for college
Getting ready to go to college can be daunting as well as as exciting – but there are well-developed supports in place
My son wants to drop out of his college course. What should he do next?
There are lots of options available, but there is a financial cost to repeating or starting a new degree course
Thinking of changing your CAO course selection?
You still have time to revisit your CAO courses in case you need to make changes before the July 1st deadline.
‘Will CAO points for veterinary science drop in light of promised new college places?’
It is likely to be some time before we see a second veterinary faculty on the island of Ireland
College dropout rates climb amid concern over student mental health
Almost 7,000 students did not progress to the second year of their course in 2021/2022
Building a strong CV: Skills employers seek and how to stand out from the crowd
Students and graduates should develop skills outside of their college degree as well
Specialised or general: what type of degree should I study for?
Course choice depends on your individual preferences, career goals and the requirements of your chosen field
How expensive is college?: Counting the cost of third-level education
There are a lot of factors to take into account before college, with some being less obvious than others
Thinking outside the box: Unusual and unconventional college courses on offer
Being open to different ideas and approaches can lead to a more dynamic and rewarding career journey
Career profiles: from modern history to graphic design
Five people speak about the courses they took after school and the careers they led to
‘Things change really fast’: Things to consider when choosing a college course
Employers place value on skills such as adaptability, flexibility and dependability
Applying for college this year? Here’s all you need to know
Students planning to apply through the CAO will need to register now but have until July 1st to make a final decision on their course choice
Key dates for 2024 Leaving Cert students and CAO applicants
Timeline for this year’s college application process
‘UCD went out of its way to accommodate and encourage me’
How I got here: Clodagh Dunne started Criminology with Psychology at UCD in September
‘I really wanted to proceed from nursing to veterinary medicine’
How I got here: Olga Keenan on signing up for UCD’s Access course and entering veterinary medicine
‘I rent a double room for €250 a month. It’s three times that in Dublin. I feel incredibly lucky’
Studying abroad is growing in popularity due to a combination of factors such as accommodation costs and lower entry requirements
What could a postgraduate course offer you?
Seven students from a wide range of courses share their experiences and advice
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Common Ground
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
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Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices