Universities pull out all the stops to ease pressure on students - Highest ever level of 1st round CAO offers for top 3 preferences

The seven universities represented by the IUA have all increased the number of places available to first-year students to a record level across all programmes, in response to the demand for places through the CAO. Over 1,350 of the additional 2,225 places have been made available by the universities as part of a coordinated response to the exceptional circumstances this year. These additional places have been fully funded by the government in addition to a further 4,100 places that had already been planned. The IUA and its member universities wish to acknowledge the support of Minister Harris, his Department and the HEA for their management of a coordinated response to the challenges arising in this unique year.

The overall number of third level places has risen by an unprecedented 12% as compared with last year. While there are particular challenges for applicants presenting Leaving Certificate results from a previous year, the universities are delighted that so many of these are receiving a 1st round top-3 preference offer this year.

The IUA congratulates all students on their grades and the universities look forward to welcoming all new students and have put in place a series of additional supports and measures to ensure their academic success over the coming year.

Ends.

For more information contact:

Lia O’Sullivan | Head of Communications
Irish Universities Association | lia.osullivan@iua.ie | www.iua.ie

Tel: +353 (0)1 6764948 | Direct: +353 (0)1 7996022 | Mob: +353 (0)85 714 1414