Strong demand for third level education
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 12:15
The current academic year has seen the largest ever jump in numbers accepting college places through the Central Applications Office.
Figures from the Higher Education Authority show that the number of computing and science place acceptances is up 25% on last year, with science at its highest level in ten years.
The HEA says an 8.3% rise in acceptance of CAO places was recorded this year, bringing the first year numbers in higher education institutions to 45,582.
This compares with just over 42,000 last year and nearly 40,000 in 2007.
The authority says the jump brings the number of full-time undergraduate students in Ireland to over 110,000, which is more than the total number engaged in farming and related activities in this country.
The number accepting places in institutes of technology has outstripped the numbers commencing courses in the seven universities for the first time.
In addition, more people are also returning to or accessing higher education through routes other than the CAO.
HEA Chairman Michael Kelly said: 'These are phenomenal numbers. They clearly show the strong demand for higher education.
'Up to two out of every three 18-year-olds are now taking a place in third level.
'The system has responded well to this increased demand but will be under significant pressure as we expect that demand to continue to grow.'
