A record number of applications for third level places have been received by the CAO this year.
There has been a 10% rise in applications, with 72,000 received so far. Last year there were 45,500 places for first year entrants.
The Institute of Guidance Counsellors has attributed the increase to the unemployment crisis, with students opting for third level, instead of apprenticeships or a highly competitive workplace.
Unprecedented numbers of mature students are also applying for places.
