There has been a significant increase in the number of students applying for third level places via the Central Applications Office.
This year's initial deadline was 5pm yesterday and by then 83,447 applications had been received.
This compares to 77,049 registrations at this time last year.
The strong rise is unusual and comes amid rising demographics at second level.
Since 2021, February application figures have hovered between 77,000 to just over 79,000.
The CAO’s normal closing date is 1 February at 5pm, however, an exceptional application facility was introduced this year for those impacted by Storm Éowyn and students were given until 6 February.
A late application facility opens on 5 March and runs until 1 May, and additional applications are expected over this period.
A Change of Course Choices facility has now opened, which all registered applicants can use at a cost of €10.
A free Change of Mind facility opens on 6 May, and closes on 1 July at 5pm.
Speaking about the application process, CAO Head of Communications Eileen Keleghan said: "Most applicants who have already applied to CAO will have opportunities to change their course choices in May or June for no extra charge.
"If an applicant has forgotten to apply for a restricted course, or if they are a mature applicant wishing to make changes to their courses, they should avail of our Change of Course Choices facility which opens on the 7 February and is available until 5pm on 1 March for a fee of €10.
"The late application facility can be used by most applicants, however restrictions apply in the case of mature applicants. This facility becomes available on the 5 March and closes on the 1 May at 5pm.
"The Late Application fee is €60 for online applications," she said.
Applicants for the DARE and/or HEAR schemes should have applied to CAO by the 1 February deadline (or the 6 February at 5pm for those impacted by Storm Éowyn) and must complete the online forms by the 1 March at 5pm.
The deadline for submission of supporting documents for the DARE/HEAR schemes is 15 March at 5pm, and the CAO advises such applicants to allow sufficient time to gather and submit the relevant documentation.
