More than 750 places on degree level courses in areas including Occupational Therapy (OT) and Nursing are being offered to applicants outside of the CAO points system for this coming September.
The courses in OT and Nursing are among six new programmes that have been added to existing programmes designed and supported by the National Tertiary Office in what is a relatively new college entry route first introduced in 2023.
Unlike traditional third level programmes, under the NTO courses students begin their studies in further education colleges run by the Education and Training Boards before transferring after one or two years to complete their studies at a nearby university.
Announcing details of the six new courses on offer, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, said the initiatives "are giving more students than ever the chance to pursue their ambitions without being tied down by the CAO points race".
As well as having no points requirement students are not charged tuition fees for their first one or two years of study.
The six courses include:
Occupational Therapy beginning in Cork College of Further Education and Training or Kerry College of Further Education and progressing at UCC; Nursing at Waterford and Wexford ETB and South East Technological University; a BA in Politics, Society and Media at Ballyfermot and Rathmines FET colleges and Technological University Dublin; a BSc in Digital Arts in Tipperary ETB and Technological University of the Shannon; a BA in Social Care Practice offered by Cavan and Monaghan ETB and Atlantic Technological University.
Applications have already opened and students can apply through the National Tertiary Office, at NTO.ie.
The first Tertiary Bachelor's Degrees opened in 2023 with 13 programmes on offer. Since then the number has trebled to 38. Twenty programmes are being offered for the first time this year.
Minister Lawless said: "I understand that many young people feel anxious about their educational future, worrying each year if their Leaving Certificate results will be enough to get into the course they want. These programmes ensure that your exam results won't limit your options.
"If you're willing to study and work hard, there's a path for you in tertiary education."
The National Tertiary Office said the courses are designed in partnership with industry to tackle skills shortages and equip students for careers in sectors that need them.
NTO Deputy Director Tanya Jones said: "Learners should be able to pursue a degree regardless of their background, family circumstances, or financial situation. No points are required, and there’s no fees in the early years. There are no compromises; students earn the same Bachelor’s Degree, it’s just a different route."
Ms Jones said demand was increasing year on year, demonstrating the need for and importance of more accessible routes.
