Ministers Lawless and Harkin urge all learners to explore the unprecedented number of education pathways now available
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From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 29 December 2025
- Last updated on: 29 December 2025
Significant investment in apprenticeships, further and higher education, and tertiary degrees means that learners can take a wide variety of routes to achieve their education, skills and career goals in 2026.
These developments mean that the CAO points system is only one route of many. Encouraging learners to explore all of these options, including FET progression routes, access and foundation programmes, tertiary degrees and part-time study, alongside traditional CAO entry is central to ensuring that students discover routes that match their interests, strengths and circumstances.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD said:
“Ireland’s greatest national asset is our people, and we are investing in them more than ever before, creating more pathways than ever before. From apprenticeships to further education and training, and into higher education, the opportunities are endless. I encourage everyone to explore these routes: whether you want to master green technologies, develop digital skills, or embrace modern methods of construction, there is now a pathway tailored to your talent and ambition”.
Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD said:
“People are at the heart of everything we do, and this Government is committed to supporting them to build skills and opportunities throughout their lives. Learning today is no longer about a single route, it is about having real choices that reflect different talents, circumstances and ambitions”.
“Through apprenticeships, further education and training, and strong progression into higher education, we are backing practical pathways that lead to sustainable careers. Whether it is through climate and green technologies, digital skills, or modern methods of construction, there are options available that allow people to learn, facilitate progress and succeed in a way that works for them”.
2025 saw the largest cohort ever apply to higher education through the Central Applications Office (CAO), up 7.4% (6,139 additional applicants) on the previous year. This included over 51,000 applicants from the Leaving Certificate class of 2025 and significant numbers of mature students, FET graduates, and others with different school-leaving qualifications. More than 59,000 applicants received a round one offer, with 51% of Level 8 offers going to applicants’ first preference and 80% of offers falling within applicants’ top three choices, broadly in line with pre-COVID trends.
Minister Lawless said:
“CAO offers are an important milestone, but they are only one part of a much wider system of options. Further education courses, apprenticeships, FET-to-HE progression routes, tertiary degree pathways and the expanded part-time fee scheme all provide high-quality alternatives or complements to the traditional CAO route.
"When considering their CAO applications in 2026, I would encourage students to look beyond points, and to be aware of the full range of pathways and alternative routes available. When it comes to the Leaving Certificate, it is important to consider the options rather than just points alone.”
The Department is committed to removing barriers and creating alternative pathways through Further Education and Training (FET). FET offers accessible routes to Higher Education and employment. FET courses are available at levels 1 to 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications and include traineeships, Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses, community, and adult education as well as literacy and numeracy courses. These courses cover a broad range of subjects, including business, healthcare, and computer skills.
One-year PLC courses are a good way to build experience and demonstrate ability in a subject before entering university.
The Youthreach programme provides certification, typically at levels 3 and 4, for those aged between 16 and 21 with limited qualifications. Youthreach learners can progress onto courses at levels 5, 6 and beyond, or on to other skills training such as apprenticeships.
FET courses are free or heavily subsidised and learners may be eligible for a FET training allowance when participating in certain courses or, in the case of PLC learners, may be eligible for the SUSI grant.
Today’s apprenticeship programmes are transforming the way people begin and grow their careers. Offering practical training, financial support, and a clear pathway into skilled employment, apprenticeships provide a powerful, real-world alternative to traditional routes.
Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages and backgrounds and offer a practical entry point into industries such as logistics, ICT, construction, engineering, healthcare, and more. The range of apprenticeships has expanded significantly in recent years. The 78th apprenticeship, Accounting Technologist (Level 8), was launched recently. This is the first all‑island apprenticeship, marking an important milestone.
At the end of November 2025, 31,169 apprentices are in training, gaining relevant experience from day one. They work alongside professionals and develop the practical skills employers need, earn a wage and achieve qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications from Level 5 to Level 10. Careers such as social work or engineering, once only accessible through higher education can now be pursued through the apprenticeship route.
Learn more about apprenticeships at www.apprenticeship.ie.
Tertiary programmes, first launched in July 2023, are a new kind of educational provision which allows a student to begin a degree course in further education, before transitioning on to complete their degree in a higher education setting. As of Budget 2026, €4m is per annum is allocated towards the development of tertiary programmes in 2026.
Entry to tertiary programmes is outside the CAO system, providing an alternate pathway to a degree for individuals who may not have received the requisite points for a course they’re passionate about. The tertiary pathway also aims to increase access to higher education for those are excluded from the traditional pathway, particularly the priority access groups outlined in the National Access Plan.
September 2023 saw the first intake of 152 students enrolled on 13 tertiary programmes. This increased in 2024, with more than 220 students embarking on 19 degree programmes.
A total of 438 students are enrolled on 38 courses for the academic year 2025/26 including new courses in occupational therapy, nursing, social care and the creative arts, with more under development for the academic year 2026/27.
The most in-demand tertiary programmes are those offering an alternative route to train for key health and social care professions. Health and social care will be a key focus of tertiary provision in the future, and the National Tertiary Office is working closely with the HSE to implement a phased approach to expanding this kind of training.
Learn more about tertiary courses here: www.nto.hea.ie.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
In 2025, 89,308 applications were made to the CAO, an increase of 6,139 applicants (7.4%) on 83,169 in 2024. 51,350 applicants presented a 2025 Leaving Certificate.
Over 4,600 more students sat the Leaving Certificate, with 83% applying to the CAO (up from 80% in 2024).
In 2025, the median CAO points achieved was in the range of 400-409 (50.7% of students achieved points at or above this range). This is unchanged since 2022.
In CAO Round One, 59,201 applicants received 86,098 offers, including 54,256 Level 8 and 31,842 Level 6/7 offers. Of these, 27,897 (51%) were for applicants’ first preference, while 80% were within their top three preferences, broadly in line with pre-COVID trends.
Random selection was applied to 28 (2%) courses, out of a total of 1,400. Two 625-point courses were subject to random selection. While this is regrettable for affected students, places remain finite, and expansion in high-demand disciplines continues to be the Department’s focus.
There are 38 tertiary degree programmes where students start in an ETB and progress to a higher education institution to complete their bachelor’s degree.