While it’s most definitely tempting to forget about the exams altogether and enjoy the relaxation of being exam free, it is important to have a look back over the choices you made in the CAO now too. You have up until 5.30pm on July 1^st to review and change the choices you have made and it is well worth your while making sure that you are fully happy and certain with your decisions. The exams themselves are obviously a big deal, but it’s the choices you make on your CAO that will ultimately decide your future at the end of the summer.

Earlier in the year, after research into various courses and career paths, you picked up to twenty courses and listed them in your order of preference. These courses have probably been swimming around in the back of your mind when you sat your exams; reminding you why every point you could get was vital and, more importantly, how there would be life after your exams. However, even if you were certain at the time of what you wanted to do, now is still a good opportunity to make sure that you are completely happy with how you have planned out your future.

Firstly, it is important to make sure that the choices you have made are yours and yours alone. It’s easy to be swayed by those around us; from parents, teachers and friends, but at the end of the day, they will not be the ones doing your course and living your life in the college years to come. Just because all your friends are going to do the same course or going to the same college, doesn’t mean that it’s right for you. Parents obviously only want the best for their children but what they might think is interesting may not be what makes you tick at all. Just remember that you will be the one attending the lectures, doing the exams and ultimately, working in the job.

Going with a choice that you are not fully certain of will only cause you a lot more hassle down the line and more money too. If you are not fully interested or committed to what you are studying, chances are you will not enjoy the lectures and find the exams difficult too. When you enjoy what you’re doing, you are always more motivated and, in turn, more successful than those who are forcing themselves through the motions. If college is a struggle then working in that field will only be worse and no one wants to spend their life in a job they hate.

Sure, there are plenty of options these days and people drop out of and change courses all the time, but I’m sure if you asked those people, they would tell you that they would’ve preferred to have known what they wanted to do at the start. It costs money to change to a new course, money that most of us these days just don’t have. Even if you decide to stick with a course that you don’t really like, chances are you will find the course more difficult than if it had been something you enjoyed and this may lead to failing exams and repeating years which again means more money.

One more thing to bear in mind when reviewing your choices; don’t let exam doubt creep in and change your mind for the wrong reasons. If you had a certain course chosen and you feel an exam didn’t go well and that you won’t have enough points as a result, best to put those doubts away with your school books and old notes. We are all our own worst critics and it is quite possible that the exam went better than you imagine. Aim high and make sure your chosen courses really spark a genuine interest in you.

So really, is it that much of an inconvenience to check and review your CAO choices over the next few days when the alternative is much more stressful and complicated? Right now you have the exciting opportunity to create your future and pick the career that you will have. Take a look through your list, take a look through the courses on this website and make sure you have put down courses that will almost make you look forward to dusting off that pencil case at the end of the summer.

Author:
Fiona McBennett

View CAO course listings at http://www.findacourse.ie/cao-courses-ireland.html

Today the college hosts over 5000 students who travel from all over Ireland to study Degrees, Masters and Doctorate Level Programmes. Students even come from as far afield as China, India, Nepal and Nigeria to join the increasing Erasmus student population at DkIT from across Europe, including France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Lithuania and Estonia.

The college also has an increasing Mature Student Population. With over 50 courses at level 6, 7 & 8, and several postgraduate courses along with part-time programmes through the Lifelong Learning Centre.

The Institute is divided into four schools:
•    School of Business & Humanities
•    School of Engineering
•    School of Informatics and Creative Arts
•    School of Health & Science

Click here to view more information and courses offered by Dundalk Institute of Technology >>

Yes, there are rankings for Irish Universities, but like any chart rankings – sometimes the gems don’t make it to the top. Here at CAOcourses.ie, we decided to try to highlight the best Universities in Ireland, whilst looking to the ‘not so obvious’ colleges and what they have to offer. Of course, colleges do have a bearing on course choice and all one has to do is look at the points differences between similar courses in different HEIs to see how popular one college is over another. Yes, when choosing a college, to pursue your course of studies, there are a number of factors you should consider and keep in mind in the decision making process. Going with the flow of popularity or because your friends are going there – well, isn’t that wise a move. Research has shown that students who do their research on colleges and courses, are less likely to drop out in first year.

There are many criteria to address when searching for the college that suits your individual needs but lately another obvious factor comes into the play – the recession. The cost of living in a particular city might not be an option if you are solely dependent on a college grant to survive. Ironically, in comparison, going to a certain college at a geographical distance from your home might ensure you get a grant. Choosing a college that happens to be situated in a popular tourist destination or one that is extremely popular with students – is going to ensure accommodation and living is going to be on the expensive side.

So what should you consider before picking your college? (not all on this list will be relevant to your requirements)

• What are the number of contact hours for lectures and tutorials?
• Is there a work placement (if desired)?
• Is it possible to spend a year abroad (Erasmus)?
• Is there a tutor/mentor system?
• The size and location of the college
• Library Facilities
• Sport Facilities
• Clubs and societies
• What are the support services available?

So, how do you go about choosing the college for you? If you were going to book into a hotel for three to four years – the chances are that you would go onto their website – and delve into their gallery and facilities section. Then you might go onto Trip advisor to read reviews from other guests. So, the same research should go into choosing a college for you. Firstly, it is important to know yourself and reflect on what you want from a college and what is important for you before you embark on your research. For example, some prospective students need to live in a trendy city or live in the capital to feel they are alive – yes there are those of us who need a city buzz like others need oxygen. Whilst others might crave intimate college campuses and settings in scenic locations.

Do ask friends what they think, but don’t follow friends to a college of their choice. You might be close, but let’s face it; we all have different tastes and needs at the end of the day. Branching off the beaten path and moving out of that comfort zone of ‘old friends’ might be a good thing.

Some college applicants also choose colleges according to sports and interests that are important to them whether recreationally or competitively. There are numerous societies and clubs that will enhance your lifestyle or development and add to your college experience.

However, when it comes down to the line, the course you choose is essentially important and you being employable at the end of it. Therefore, make contact with past students and look up the college prospectus. The course co-ordinator is easily contactable by email. Some students pick a course and fail to look at the entire course content. A course title might be endearing but its’ content might not be entirely what you are looking for or what you are able for. RESEARCH! Look also at college’s connections with industries/businesses relevant to your course/career of interest.

The below colleges stood out for us, for a number of different reasons: location, campus, commitment to student well-being, research, innovation – yes, some colleges ticked all the boxes, whilst others excelled in some of these areas. There are a lot more colleges that should have made it to the list – but that is another article for another day!

DCU

Dublin City University is a young university situated on an 85 acre campus, only 15 kilometres away from the Dublin Airport. The University was founded to meet national requirements for a highly skilled workforce in the areas of science, engineering, communications, business, and languages. The University emerged with lot of innovative ideas, broke traditional moulds and came to be known as an ‘unconventional university’. Today, the University is known worldwide for its academic excellence.

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. A 2011 survey of our most recent graduates (those who graduated with a degree in 2010) demonstrated that nearly 90% of those who responded to the survey were either in employment or in further study. This is a very high percentage and much higher than the national average measured across all Irish universities. A key factor in the success of their students on graduation is their INTRA Internship Programme, where students gain relevant, paid work experience as part of most of our degree programmes. They also run a Generation 21 programme which aims to shape their graduates into rounded individuals who are Creative and Enterprising, Solution-Oriented, Effective Communicators, Globally Engaged, and Active Leaders.

Their recently announced ‘DCU Online’ initiative will introduce on-line elements and technology-enabled learning enhancements to most of our degree programmes over the coming years, thereby ensuring that DCU students experience the cutting-edge of learning developments.

DCU also caters for those students who want a campus to deliver on entertainment outside of the lecture theatre – and with over 100 Clubs and Societies along with The Hub Student Centre; there is no shortage of opportunities for excitement and entertainment. Yes, there is a real buzz around this campus, which features multiple bars, restaurants, bright, modern campus residences, and the world-renowned Helix theatre.

DkIT

Dundalk Institute of Technology has undergone enormous change over the last five years. These changes are most visible in the transformation of the physical appearance of the campus, most particularly with the Wind Turbine, the T. K. Whitaker building, the Nursing and Health Studies building, Faulkner Student Services building and further expansion to the Regional Development Centre. The new ‘Black Box’ theatre’, opened in 2007, is a welcome addition to performance venues in the Institute.

Dundalk Institute of Technology is a 90 acre modern day campus situated between Dublin and Belfast (each approximately 50 miles away). Of course, US Company, PayPal, recently gave Dundalk town a massive endorsement by their announcement to create a new centre in the town, employing 1000 people. Good news for the graduates of this institute as well!

Along with the Institute expanding physically, the range and level of the programmes offered has been extended.

There are four Schools in the Institute as follows:

• School of Business and Humanities
• School of Engineering
• School of Informatics, Music and Creative Media
• School of Nursing, Midwifery, Health Studies and Applied Sciences

While the Institute continues to offer programmes in areas that it has traditional strengths such as Engineering, Science, Technology and Business, it has also more recently diversified into Humanities, Arts, Music, Social Studies and Health. The Institute has also grown its research capability in line with developing programmes at honours degree and postgraduate degree level. There are now research centres in the following areas:

• Entrepreneurship
• Software Technology
• Smooth Muscle
• Renewable Energy
• Freshwater Studies

This Institute recognises the importance of students getting involved in clubs and societies.  Their Student Activity Awards is acknowledgement of this. Their awards night is to recognise students, staff and or individuals for their involvement and contribution to Student based activities at DkIT. The awards, which is a Black Tie event is held every year in late or early April. They also actively run various awareness weeks – including: Fitness For Life, Health Awareness and Sexual Awareness Week amongst others.

This is an holistic Institute with an awareness of students’ needs. They are extremely pro-active in ensuring that students’ needs are catered for, both inside and outside the lecture hall.

NUIG

Now to NUIG, the university, that opened its doors to 60 students in 1845. Today it is an award winning, internationally recognised university, catering for the educational needs of 17,000 people. First up, it is hard not to mention the fact that NUIG has an unrivalled and enviable location. This university is a few minutes walk from the Galway City Centre; you travel over the Cathedral Bridge and take a right down a leafy walk-way and you are on campus.

NUIG recently was awarded a 5 Star rating awarded from QS – the World University
Stars Rating System. Three Irish universities competed for the first ever global university rating system and NUI Galway joins University College Cork in securing the overall five star rating. NUI Galway was rated five out of five overall, receiving maximum ratings in several key areas, including research, teaching, internationalisation, facilities, engagement and innovation. We decided to see for ourselves why NUIG deserves five stars. Since the University opened the doors of the Quadrangle in the nineteenth century, the campus has always been developing to accommodate ever-increasing numbers of students. From the majestic Arts Millennium Building to the Marine Science Institute, and the Cairnes Graduate School of Business and Public Policy, Galway’s large campus and buildings reflect the many disciplines and students that are catered for. The campus offers high class facilities for teaching and research and a wealth of amenities for a rich and fulfilling student life. Students can take part in many sports and recreational activities in the Student Centre. There are 82 student societies and 41 sports clubs. The on-campus Sports & Leisure club adds to NUIG’s attractive campus, where the old meets the new in a friendly, laid back campus atmosphere.

NUI Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence in the fields of arts, social science, and Celtic studies; business, public policy and law; engineering and informatics; medicine, nursing and health sciences; and science with an excellent Adult Education Programme on offer to prospective adult learners. The University’s approach to innovative programme development means that courses are developed to reflect the ever-changing needs of the job market and the economy.

Unique courses include:

BSc Marine Science

BSc Podiatry

BE/MEng Engineering Innovation

BE/MEng Sport and Exercise Engineering

BA CONNECT

Research at NUI Galway is global in scale as they are recognized as world-leaders in their particular areas of expertise. Their research strengths include Biomedical Science and Engineering; Environmental Science, Marine science, Human rights law, Internet technology, digital humanities, social gerontology, child and family research.

The recent 5 star rating is indeed a realistic testament to this vibrant and innovative National University.

Tralee IT

Tralee Institute of Technology is another CAO college worth putting the spotlight on. If you like the South West of Ireland, and you are picking a CAO college, Tralee IT has so much to offer, even if it is on a smaller capacity compared to larger colleges. Sometimes good things do come in small parcels after all!

The Institute’s two campuses are set amidst the beauty of Kerry – renowned for its culture, music, arts and heritage. Both of their campuses are walking distance from the town centre.  Many students who go there say this IT is extremely supportive from start to finish. Renowned for their friendly environment, this college has a team of students who act as mentors for all newcomers each year – to help ease that transition from secondary to third level.

Located adjacent to Shannon Developments Kerry Technology Park, the institute has fostered close links with companies based in the park. The campus has become a national role model and currently hosts a number of global companies and internationally recognised research centres. The Young Entrepreneur Programme and the Endeavour Programme are two initiatives which aim to instil a spirit of entrepreneurship in students.

Their courses are characterised by choice, flexibility and career relevance. What is great about this college, is that they offer a range of full-time and part-time courses from foundation level, through to certificate, degree, post-graduate and doctoral level. Therefore, offering a stepping stone to attaining qualifications. Even after one year, you can leave most courses and come out with a certificate if you don’t wish to progress further.

They also have a new library and Information Resource Building and the campus also features world class sporting facilities. Tralee IT have a policy of ‘Sport for All’. The majority of their sports teams now compete at the highest level in intervarsity sport. Even if competitive sport is not your thing – they have many recreational sporting activities that you will be encouraged to sign up to on ‘Clubs Day’. This college has a number of very active societies – including ultimate computer games, music, radio and film – to name but a few.

Whether you want to live it up in a city based University or escape to the south-west and enjoy picturesque scenery, whilst you study; one thing is for certain, there is a college type for every personality type. Knowing yourself first, will help you find the right college for you. Don’t become another statistic of early college leavers due to lack of research or becoming another story for Guidance Counsellors to tell. Many can relay stories of students picking a college first and then finding a course in that college that will enable them to go to that particular college or to live in a certain city. There are even stories of students not pursuing a particular desired field of study when it becomes apparent to them, they would have to leave what they believe is ‘the true capital of Ireland’!

Whatever decision you make – like all the other decisions we make in life – it should be an informed one. Have no regrets when it comes to your college of choice. Sometimes regrets cost money and time.

• All Hallows College, Dublin 9
• American College Dublin
• Athlone Institute of Technology
• Carlow College
• Church of Ireland College, Dublin 6
• Colaiste Mhuire, Marino
• Cork Institute of Technology
• Dublin Business School & DBS School of Arts
• Dublin City University
• Dublin Institute of Technology
• Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
• Dundalk Institute of Technology
• Galway-Mayo Insititute of Technology
• Grafton College of Management Sciences, Dublin City
• Griffith College Cork
• Griffith College Dublin
• Griffith College, Limerick
• IBAT College, swords
• Independent colleges dublin
• Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown
• Institute of Technology, Carlow
• Institute of Technology, Sligo
• Institute of Technology, Tallaght
• Institute of Technology, Tralee
• Letterkenny Institute of Technology
• Limerick Institute of Technology
• Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick
• Mater Dei Institute of Education, Dublin 3
• National College of Art and Design, Dublin 8
• National College of Ireland, Dublin City
• National Counselling and Psychotherapy Institute of Ireland, Limerick
• National University of Ireland Galway
• National University of Ireland, Maynooth
• Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin City
• Shannon College of Hotel Management, Limerick
• St. Angela’s College, Sligo
• St. Patricks College, Dublin 9
• St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth
• St. Patrick’s College,Thurles
• Tipperary Institute
• Trinity College
• University College Cork
• University College Dublin
• University of Limerick
• Waterford Institute of Technology

Make a list of the courses you’d really like to do, then check into how many points are required for each and eliminate the courses you have no chance of getting enough points for.  Don’t be too pessimistic though.  If you leave off a course you’d really like to do because you think you probably won’t get the points for it, you could end up kicking yourself in August if your exams go well.  Try asking your teachers how they think you’ll do – they should be more objective than you and their comments might surprise you.  It certainly won’t hurt to ask!  Once you’ve decided what’s out of reach, arrange the remaining courses in order of preference.  This is vital.  You will be offered the highest-placed course on your list that you have enough points for, so think carefully about which one you want most.  Even if you don’t get it in the first round of offers, there’ll still be a chance you could get it in the second round.  When you read your CAO handbook you‘ll see that it tells you:

“It is MOST IMPORTANT that you state your course choices in view of genuine preference and/or career plans.  IT IS A MISTAKE to base your choices only on your present expectation of examination performance or the points levels of previous years.  There is no need to fear that a statement of your genuine order of preference will militate against you.  If you are not successful in your first choice, this will have no effect on your chances of obtaining a place in one of your lower preferences.”

Despite this, every year students end up being offered a course other than the one they really wanted because they didn’t think they’d get the points.  Try not to be one of them.

Another thing to bear in mind, especially if you’re worried that your results might not be as good as you’re hoping for, is that there are often “back doors” into a career.  For example, if you’re interested in medicine you can do a degree in biology and then go on to do medicine.  Also, you don’t necessarily have to become a doctor.  You could choose nursing, physiotherapy, radiology or pharmacology.  For those interested in business there are business courses but also management, economics and accounting.  There are ways round the points requirements if you really want to do something, but you must bear in mind that the way around will often take longer and cost more.

The actual application is pretty simple but the CAO recommends that you use the online process as it’s practically foolproof and it’s very unlikely you’ll make an error using it.  There is also the option on the website of going through an interactive “demo” application procedure before filling in your actual application. The form has two lists; Level 8 (for honours degree courses) and Level 7/6 (for ordinary degree or higher certificate courses).  You can apply to both lists, they operate independently of each other.  Some courses, e.g. Art and Design or music degree courses, are “restricted application”.  These courses will be noted in the handbook and must be applied for by Feb 1 (though you can use the correction or amendment facility between February 5 and March 1).  An application to these courses will not be considered in a later application unless you’ve applied for them first time round, as some of them have extra assessment procedures, e.g. music tests, that take place usually in March or April.  So, if you are interested make sure you put them on your list.  You can always remove them later if you change your mind.  Although the deadline for initial applications is 1st February, you may change your mind up until 1st July.  To apply online, visit www.cao.ie.  As well as making your application, you can get lots of helpful information from the website, which has links to each college.  This means you can get lots of information on the colleges and on each course.  It’s a good idea to check out the website in advance of making your decision.

Finally, in spite of what a lot of people will tell you at this time, remember that this is NOT the most important decision you’ll ever make.  Apart from the fact that it is, after all, reversible – you can always change courses or do more than one – there is more to life than study and if your decisions turn out to be incorrect you will have other chances at furthering your study and career.

The programme sets out to recognise the talents of all students and to provide opportunities for developing personal responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge. The programme focuses on the talents of each student and helps students apply what they learn to the real world.

The two-year programme consists of four half-year blocks called sessions. Achievements are credited in each session.

Courses are offered in three main areas:

* Vocational preparation, involving work experience, enterprise and communication
* General education, offering lifeskills, the arts, social education, leisure and language
* Vocational education.

Course structure

Each course consists of a number of modules. Each module takes place over half a year. There is also a wide range of practical courses, called vocational specialisms, from which the student can choose.

Assessment and examinations

Assessment is continuous throughout the course and there is a final examination.

Assessment takes place on the completion of modules and practical activities that allow the student to integrate the learning from different courses.

The final examination must be taken in the following areas:

* English and communication
* Two vocational specialisms
* Mathematical applications
* Language
* Social education.

There are written and oral examinations in all languages. There are practical examinations in the vocational specialisms. The written examinations take place in June, at the same time as the examinations for the established Leaving Certificate.

The certificate awarded

Students who successfully complete the programme are awarded a Leaving Certificate from the Department of Education and Skills. The certificate is awarded at three levels:
Level Marks and Credits Required

• Pass 60-69% (120-139 credits)
• Merit 70-84% (140-169 credits)
• Distinction 85-100% (170-200 credits)

Candidates who get less than 60% (120 credits) or who do not complete the course, are awarded a record of experience.

A pass in the Leaving Certificate Applied is the equivalent of 6 Grade Ds at Ordinary Level in the established Leaving Certificate.
Eligibility for further education and third-level courses

A student who has been awarded the Leaving Certificate Applied can go on to a very wide range of Post-Leaving Certificate courses (PLCs). These are available in local post-primary schools and colleges.

The PLC courses can lead on to a National Certificate Level 2 (FETAC Level 2). These are generally one-year full-time courses. There are also some part-time courses that can be taken over a longer period.

There are more than 50 awards available in five broad areas – Art/Design, Business, Science, Services/Leisure and Communications/Media studies.

Students with the Leaving Certificate Applied cannot gain direct entry through the Central Applications Office (CAO) system to the universities or Colleges of Technology.

However, those who get a Further Education and Training Awards (FETAC) Level 2 award can be eligible for some third-level courses in the Institutes of Technology and through these to some degree programmes.

Students cannot go directly to nursing but may be eligible to apply as a mature student with certain FETAC qualifications or relevant experience.

Students with the Leaving Certificate Applied can also go on to FÁS Apprenticeship programmes. Many students go directly to employment.

Rates

The fee for entry for school-based students of the Leaving Certificate Applied for 2010 is €109. Further information on State examination fees is here.

Candidates who hold a current medical card or who are dependent on a parent or guardian who holds a current medical card are exempt from paying examination fees. Applicants who are claiming exemption from fees on this basis must provide medical card details to the Commission. Applications from external candidates received after 29 January 2010 are subject to late fees even if the initial fee has been waived.

How to apply

If you are a post-primary school student, your details will be sent to the State Examinations Commission by your school. If you are an external (non-school) candidate for the Leaving Certificate Applied you can apply online or on the application form available from the State Examinations Commission (SEC). You can find the written examination timetable (pdf) and the timetable for practical work (pdf) on the SEC website. You can view previous Leaving Certificate Applied examination papers here.

Where to apply
State Examinations Commission
Cornamaddy
Athlone
Westmeath

Tel: +353 (0)90 644 2700
Fax: +353 (0)90 644 2744
Homepage: http://www.examinations.ie/

The third-level education sector in Ireland consists of universities, institutes of technology, and colleges of education – collectively known as higher education institutions or HEIs. Third-level qualifications are Levels 6-10 in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The Framework is a system of 10 levels which allows national and international educational qualifications to be compared.

Universities

Universities in Ireland are state-funded, but they are generally autonomous. University students qualify with Ordinary Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 7) or Honors Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 8). You can choose from 4 universities in Ireland. These include:

• The National University of Ireland (NUI), which is the umbrella university covering University College Dublin, University College Galway, University College Cork, and St. Patrick’s College in Maynooth. The NUI also has recognised colleges including the National College of Art and Design and the Royal College of Surgeons
• The University of Dublin, which is generally known as Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
• The University of Limerick (UL)
• Dublin City University (DCU)

Institutes of technology

There are 14 institutes of technology located around the country. In the Dublin area they are Dublin, Tallaght, Blanchardstown and Dun Laoghaire. Around the country they are in Cork, Waterford, Tralee, Dundalk, Athlone, Galway and Mayo, Sligo, Letterkenny, Limerick, and Carlow. These colleges run courses in Engineering, Computing, Science, Business, Catering and a wide range of other areas. Students generally qualify with Higher Certificates (NFQ Level 6) or Ordinary Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 7). Honours Bachelors degrees are also available.

Colleges of education

There are several colleges of education in Ireland, providing specialised training for primary school teachers.

Private colleges

In addition to the state-funded colleges, there are a number of fee-paying third-level educational institutions offering courses, mainly in professional vocational training and business. Some of these colleges are linked to universities or professional associations and their qualifications may be accredited accordingly. Others offer Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) accreditation. It is important to check out the accreditation on offer before you choose your course.

Picking a course

The Central Applications Office (CAO), which is based in Galway, operates a centralised applications procedure for all third-level colleges. The CAO website has a listing of all of the third-level courses on offer through their system. You can also check the Findacourse.ie website for lists of higher education courses. If you have identified some courses that are of particular interest, you can obtain more detailed information about them from the relevant colleges.

Rules

The points system

Entrance to third-level education in Ireland is generally decided by competition. At the end of their secondary school education, students sit the Leaving Certificate exam and their grades are converted into numerical points based on scores in their 6 best subjects. These points are calculated and third-level places are awarded on that basis. You can find more information in our document on applications procedures and entry requirements.

Recognition of qualifications from other countries

If you have taken your secondary school exams under another system in another country, you will need to check whether your qualifications will be sufficient to secure a place in the Irish third-level course of your choice. You can do this through the Qualifications Recognition service of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. You should then contact the college directly to confirm this before making your application unless it is a college in the Institutes of Technology Central Evaluation Forum.

English language requirements

English is the language of instruction at all third-level colleges in Ireland (some colleges also instruct in the Irish language) so you will need to show that you are proficient in the language before you will be accepted on a course. Colleges’ requirements differ but generally they look for an acceptable English language proficiency test, for example the TOEFL or equivalent. You may be able to take English courses at the college of your choice, but if these are not available there are a number of private English language colleges around the country.

Mature students

A small number of places are retained for mature students, those over the age of 23. These places are designed to improve access to third-level for adults who may not have sufficient points from their Leaving Certificate to compete with school-leavers. If you are interested in applying for one of these places, you should first contact the college of your choice. Some colleges require you to apply through the Central Applications Office and you must apply before 1 February of the year you start your course.

There are a number of part-time and modular courses and distance education options available if the full-time education option does not suit your circumstances.

Student visas and permission to remain

Non-EEA students

If you are travelling from a country that requires a visa to enter Ireland, you need to apply for a student visa. If you are not required to have a visa to enter Ireland, you do not need a student visa to study in Ireland but you should have your letter of offer of a place at the school, or educational institution and your other documentation ready for inspection at immigration.

Proposed changes to student immigration: The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has proposed changes to the immigration system for full-time non-EEA students including: from January 2010 a cap on the length of time they can stay in Ireland as students; and from January 2011 a visa requirement for all non-EEA students.

All non-EEA students must register with their local immigration officer to get permission to remain in Ireland. The website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) has details of what evidence is required. From September 2008 non-EEA students coming to Ireland for the first time may not get permission to remain in Ireland if they have their children with them, or intend their children to join them later on. There is more information about the children of non-EEA students on the INIS website.

EEA students

Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not need a student visa nor do they require permission to remain in Ireland.

Third level graduate scheme

From 10 April 2007 non-EEA students who have graduated on or after 1 January 2007 with a primary, master’s or doctorate degree may be permitted to remain in Ireland for 6 months. The Third Level Graduate Scheme allows them to find employment and apply for a work permit or Green Card permit. They must be legally resident in Ireland and should apply for this 6-month extension of their student permission (stamp 2) to their local immigration registration office.

Rates

Each higher education institution sets its own fee rates. You should contact the ones you are interested in to find out more about their fees. You can find a list of higher education institutions on the website of the Department of Education and SKills.

Free fees: If you are a European Union national or have official refugee status and you have been normally resident in a EU member state for at least 3 of the 5 years before beginning third-level education, you will not be charged fees for approved full-time undergraduate courses in state-run universities and institutes of technology. You may however have to pay a small amount for registration, examinations etc. You may be eligible for a maintenance grant. Funding is not awarded where students already hold an undergraduate degree.

EU fees: If you are an EU citizen or have official refugee status and you have received all your post-primary in the EU but have not been resident in an EU state for 3 of the 5 years before beginning third-level education you may qualify for EU fees. Alternatively, if you are not an EU citizen but you have been residing in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years before entering third-level education you may be eligible for EU fees.

Non-EU fees: If you are applying for a place at third level as an overseas student, you will be charged full tuition fees and you will not be eligible for a maintenance grant.

If you choose to enrol in a private college, you will have to pay annual fees. These vary from college to college.

Tax relief: You may be able to claim tax relief on third-level tuition fees.

How to apply

Apply to the Central Applications Office (CAO) using a CAO application form. Make sure that you enclose the appropriate fee with your application.

For participating higher education institutions, application can be made on-line through the CAO.

Application deadlines for EU/EEA nationals

Your application should be submitted by 1 February of the year you wish to start the course.

If you miss the February deadline, you can submit your application up to 1 May. You will have to pay an additional “late fee”.

Application deadlines for non-EEA nationals

If you are now, or have been in the past, resident outside the EEA, you may be required to apply directly to the higher education institution (HEI). You need to contact the admissions office of the following HEIs to enquire whether you should apply through the CAO or directly to the HEI.

You should make your enquiries well before the closing date of 1 February and preferably not later than the previous 15 December. If you are applying to any other HEI you should apply through the CAO.

Although the normal closing date for applications to UCAS for 2010 is January 15 next, the application deadline for the receipt at UCAS of applications for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and veterinary science courses and for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge is October 15.

Q: I am applying now through the UCAS system for a college place in the UK next autumn. The application requires me to make a personal statement. What should I put in it? How long should it de?

A: UCAS’s own website, at www.ucas.co.uk, gives excellent advice on how to write a personal statement. Just follow the links for “Students”, then “Applying”, then “How to apply”, and you will find a description of all the steps involved, including “personal statement”.

As far as length is concerned, the website advises that you can use 4,000 characters of text including spaces, or 47 lines of text including blank lines, and this usually works out at about 600 words.

Explain why you want to study the course you are applying for.

Practice writing about yourself. Begin by making a list of your hobbies and achievements, and then decide which ones demonstrate your strongest skills and personality.

You could include details of jobs, placements, work experience or voluntary work, particularly if it’s relevant to your chosen course or courses. You should show that you understand what the course involves.

Q: How important is the personal statement in the UCAS application?

A: Some colleges find the personal statements very important, while others do not put much emphasis on them. Since applicants do not know which category of admissions officer or course tutor might be reading their personal statement, they should make it as good as possible.

Q: Does the Irish CAO (Central Applications Office) system require applicants to make a personal statement?

A: There is no provision for standard school-leaving applicants to make any statement, although non-standard and mature applicants should do so.

But the process of writing a personal statement, in which you are required to reflect on your own aptitudes and interests, and on the nature of the course you are applying to, is a valuable one.

School-leaving applicants in the CAO system might learn a lot about themselves and the courses they are applying for, if they prepared a mock personal statement.

Source: www.independent.ie