From:Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, is reminding CAO applicants thatWednesday, 1 July, is the final day to make changes to their college course choices through the CAO Change of Mind facility. Applicants have until5pmon 1 July to review, add, remove, or re-order their course preferences before the deadline passes.

Encouraging students to take time to carefully review their applications, Minister Lawless said: "I would encourage all CAO applicants to carefully check their order of preference and ensure their personal details are correct before the deadline. It is also important to remember that CAO is just one of many routes available to young people as they consider the next stage of their education journey"."Alongside CAO, there are also excellent options in further education, apprenticeships and other pathways. Every student's journey is different, so it's important to choose the path that's right for you," he said."Post-Leaving Certificate courses are available nationwide across a wide range of areas, from art and design to STEM and healthcare. They offer strong progression routes to employment and higher education, with approximately 40% of PLC graduates progressing to higher education"."One option I'm particularly pleased to see expanding again is the Tertiary Degree Programme. These programmes allow students to begin their studies in local Further Education and Training colleges before progressing to higher education to complete a degree. This year, there are 78 degree programmes available through this route. I'd also like to highlight that applications are now open through SUSI for part-time fee grants for eligible undergraduate courses for the coming academic year. Part-time study options, which operate outside the CAO system, can provide a more flexible way to learn and help students balance study with work and other commitments."

The Minister also encouraged students and families to avail of free guidance supports available through their local Education and Training Board (ETB) Adult Educational Guidance Service when considering their education and training options.