Overview
- Round one offers were published on Wednesday and total 90,866 offers to 62,166 applicants, with an online acceptance deadline of 1 September at 3pm and round two scheduled for 7 September.
- The CAO allocation is an automated, merit-based process and this round contains 56,618 level 8 offers and 34,248 level 7/6 offers, with 48% of level 8 places matching first preferences and 76% matching one of the top three.
- Application numbers have risen to about 95,710 this year while State Examinations Commission data show fewer top Leaving Cert grades, a mix that analysts say could push points up for some courses and ease them for others.
- Student, parent, teacher and principals’ groups urged urgent reform, saying the current points-focused system creates a 'pressure-cooker effect' on young people, and the Minister defended the CAO as fair while inviting stakeholders to engage on reforms.
- Guidance counsellors and CAO advice note multiple pathways remain open, including PLCs and non-CAO tertiary programmes, and students are urged to seek support and check upgrade rules before deciding on acceptance.