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Going To College 2027
An Guide for Students & Parents
DECISIONS! DECISIONS!
Making important career decisions can be difficult, it is important to make sure you are well informed and avail of whatever support is there. In the first instance you should consult with your school’s Guidance Counsellor and get access to careers information and advice. The YMCA Youth Information Service has produced this publication as a further support, providing practical information and advice for students and their parents on the full range of education and training options available to school leavers, together with details of application procedures and education finance. A companion webpage called Options 2028 will be produced at the end of next summer to coincide with Leaving Certificate results.
RESEARCHING COURSE OPTIONS
Before considering making an application to the CAO, it is essential to thoroughly research all your course options and not be too restrictive in your choices. In the first instance you should get access to career information and advice through your school Guidance Counsellor.
It is advisable to visit college websites and, where possible, attend college open days. The website www.qualifax.ie is another excellent resource, containing information on courses available nationwide. It includes information on course contents, calculating points, basic entry / course requirements and career possibilities. Another searchable course database is the Careers Portal website www.careersportal.ie. These resources also have career interest assessments / preference exercises that will prompt you with a list of courses that may suit your career preferences.
If at this point you are still unsure of your exact career or course choice, you can still submit an application and then, if necessary, use the CAO “change of mind” facility to change your course choices and order of preference. However, check the restrictions on applications on the CAO website.
BASIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the leaving certificate points system, each 3rd level institution may have its own basic or minimum entry or matriculation requirements, and some courses may also require particular subjects / grades. For exact requirements check the website of the relevant college.
IMPORTANT! – NOTE ON CAO DATES
As CAO dates are subject to change, make sure to check their website regularly to keep yourself accurately informed of important dates regarding application procedures, offer acceptance deadlines and more.
CAO APPLICATION PROCEDURES
- Each applicant will be offered the highest preference course to which their results may entitle them (if any) under each category: Level 8, Level 7, Level 6 etc.
- You must list your course choices in genuine order of preference, always putting the course you would most like to do as your first preference at the top of the list. It is very strongly advised that you fill in all of the available preferences to allow yourself the maximum opportunity to obtain a college course place.
- If you are not successful in obtaining your first choice this will have no effect on your chances of getting a place in one of your lower preferences.
- Additionally, there are several ‘Rounds’ of offers (i.e. Round 1, 2, 3 etc). You may be offered your first choice or higher preference in one of these later ‘Rounds’. This can occur as points may change in subsequent Rounds to fill any remaining or newly available course places.
- Furthermore, if you accept a lower preference offer in one of the initial Rounds, and are then offered one of your higher preferences in a later Round, you can simply accept this new offer and your previous acceptance will be cancelled.
- There are different categories (e.g. Level 8, Level 7, Level 6). You can list up to 10 choices in each category (REMEMBER – You should list your choices in genuine order of preference).
- Listing courses in more than one category is strongly advised. As it means that you can receive more than one offer simultaneously, with the option to accept the one you prefer. This will also keep your options open if things don’t go exactly according to plan.
CAO ONLINE APPLICATIONS
You can apply at www.cao.ie from Thursday, 5th November 2026. Applications should be done well in advance and it is recommended to register on the CAO system early to obtain your CAO application number. As of the 2025/26 academic cycle, the fees for CAO applications are as follows;
- Early Online Discounted Rate: €35 (if applied by 5:00 PM on 20 January)
- Normal Application Fee: €50 (by the 1 February closing date at 5:00 PM)
- Late Application Fee: €65 (for applications submitted during the late application window)
- Course Choice Amendment Fee: €10 (for changing course choices online during designated change periods)
- Change of Mind: Free during the official Change of Mind period
- Available Places Fee: €50 for new applicants (free for existing applicants)
- Duplicate Application Penalty: An extra €10 charge applies if you submit more than one application.
IMPORTANT: See CAO.ie for details of application deadlines. (NOTE: These amounts may change by the time applications open in November).
OTHER KEY CAO DATES*
*IMPORTANT: As dates and fees are subject to change, check www.cao.ie regularly to stay accurately informed
| Normal closing date for applications (€45) | 1st February (17:00) |
| Online facility to amend choices (€10) | 5th February (12:00) |
| Closing date for amending courses | 1st March (17:00) |
| Closing date for HEAR/ DARE applications | 1st March (17:00) |
| LATE Application Facility Opens | 5th March (12:00) |
| HEAR/ DARE documents closing date | 10th March (17:00) |
| Closing Date for LATE Applications | 1st May (17:00) |
| Online Change of Mind facility opens (restrictions apply). (NO FEE) | 5th May (12:00) |
| Change of Mind facility closes. | 1st July (17:00) |
HEAR & DARE INFO
What is HEAR?: Each year The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) reserves a number of places for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds that show an ability to succeed at third level.
What is DARE?: The Disability Access Route To Education (DARE) is a college course access scheme for people under 23 years of age that have a disability or diagnosed learning difficulty.
For more information on the HEAR and DARE Schemes visit accesscollege.ie. For DARE and HEAR applicants, the CAO website contains a page specifically dedicated to the DARE / HEAR process, including key dates and much more. Visit cao.ie for details.
HEAR or DARE Applications
When applying for HEAR, indicate this on your CAO form. For DARE applicants select “modify disability/SLD” status on your CAO form. See the table above for other key CAO dates and important HEAR/DARE application dates. For further information see accesscollege.ie and/or visit the Access Offices in the participating colleges.
AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
AFTER APPLYING
CAO will communicate with applicants via post and email, and in some instances telephone and SMS text message, at various intervals throughout the application process. All CAO correspondence must be read carefully and any errors or omissions notified to CAO immediately via the ‘Contact form’ on the website (cao.ie).
CHANGE OF COURSE CHOICES FACILITY
Subject to certain restrictions, course choices and order of preference can be changed, free of charge, as often as desired, up to 1st July at 5pm. Changes will be acknowledged by a Statement of Course Choices.
LEAVING CERTIFICATE RESULTS & CAO OFFERS
Leaving Certificate results are usually issued in mid August, with CAO first round offers normally made within days. Once again, check the cao.ie for accurate dates and times, closer to August. With regard to offers, should there be a delay in receiving any documentation, contact CAO using the ‘Contact Us’ facility on the website.
COLLEGE OPEN DAYS 2026/2027
For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of upcoming college open days visit and search the ‘College Events’ page of careersportal.ie
COLLEGE EVENTS: https://careersportal.ie/colleges/cd_events.php
CAO POINTS SYSTEM
| Higher Level Grade (%) | Points | Ordinary Level Grade (%) | Points |
| H1 (90 – 100) | 100 | ||
| H2 (80 – 89) | 88 | ||
| H3 (70 – 79) | 77 | ||
| H4 (60 – 69) | 66 | ||
| H5 (50 – 59) | 56 | O1 (90 – 100) | 56 |
| H6 (40 – 49) | 46 | O2 (80 – 89) | 46 |
| H7 (30 – 39) | 37 | O3 (70 – 79) | 37 |
| H8 (0 – 29) | 0 | O4 (60 – 69) | 28 |
| O5 (50 – 59) | 20 | ||
| O6 (40 – 49) | 12 | ||
| O7 (30 – 39) | 0 | ||
| O8 (0 – 29) | 0 |
MATHS BONUS POINTS
25 bonus points will be awarded for Higher Level Mathematics for H6 grades and above. For example, if an applicant receives a H6 grade an additional 25 points will be added to the 46 points already awarded for a H6 grade i.e. Higher Level Mathematics now carries a points score of 71 for this applicant. Click here to view a more detailed description of the Bonus Points Scheme for Higher Level Leaving Certificate Mathematics, with some examples.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme GRADES
Distinction: 66 points
Merit: 46 points
Pass: 28 points
IMPORTANT: All HEIs award points for results in Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Link Modules, in place of a sixth Leaving Certificate subject. However, not all HEIs count LCVP as meeting eligibility requirements in regard to passing subjects. Applicants should refer to HEI literature for full details.
Foundation Level Mathematics
F1: 20
F2: 12
CAO POINTS CALCULATOR
A Points Calculator is available on the CAO website at www.cao.ie
CONDITIONS REGARDING POINTS
- The 6 best results, in recognised subjects, in one Leaving Certificate Examination will be counted for points computation.
- One sitting only of the Leaving Certificate Examination will be counted for points purposes.
- For certain subjects, e.g. Foundation Level Maths or Foundation Level Irish, some HEIs may not award the points shown above. If in doubt, check with the Admissions Office of the appropriate HEIs.
- You must first meet the minimum entry requirements in order to be considered for entry to a course. The bonus points are included in the overall points calculation only when Maths is one of the applicant’s best six subjects following the addition of the bonus.
IMPORTANT NOTES (Specific HEI’s / Courses)
NCAD (National College of Art and Design): NCAD does not use the traditional CAO points system for programs that require a portfolio submission. Instead, offers are based on the applicant’s portfolio score, provided they meet the minimum academic entry requirements. To see the NCAD Portfolio Submission Guidelines see their website.
Applicants for undergraduate medicine courses: To be eligible to compete for entry to undergraduate medicine in 2027, applicants must…
1. Achieve a minimum of 480 points
2. Meet the minimum entry requirements for each Medical School for which they have applied
3. Complete the required admissions test (HPAT-Ireland) in 2027.
Criteria 1 and 2 above must both be met in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination, or equivalent. Pre 2027 Leaving Certificate results may be presented but the HPAT must be presented in the year of entry.
CAO PROCESS
1. Transfer of Grades to CAO:
All students’ grades are transferred directly to the CAO. Following this the offers process begins and you will be notified if you have been offered a college course place. See ‘Important CAO Dates’ above for the provisional timetable of dates regarding offers.
2. Accepting an offer:
If you wish to accept a CAO offer, there are some things you need to know:
- A Reply Date will be printed on Offer Notices. If you wish to accept an offer, you must do so by this Date.
- If you are unavailable, someone else may accept on your behalf, as long as they have the offer notice
- Offers will also be presented online at the CAO website, and you may accept an offer online
- If you receive an offer from both lists (Level 8 or the Level 6/7 list) you must choose between them i.e. you can only accept one offer, in any one round.
- If you don’t want to accept the offer you’ve received, then simply do nothing, and wait for the next Round of offers.
- Can I accept more than one offer?: If you receive more than one offer, acceptance automatically cancels any previous acceptances. You can have only one current acceptance in the entire CAO system. This means that whichever course you accepted most recently is the course you have a place on. You have given up your place on another course by accepting the new offer.
3. Available places:
After the initial CAO offers have been issued, CAO will post a list of courses that still have places available with no waiting list. If the course you were hoping to get into is listed, or if there is another course in the list that you are interested in, you can apply online. Visit the CAO website to view the list of available places. Check the site regularly to see if there are any new places available. You will need to meet the minimum requirements in order to get into the course.
DEFERRING OFFERS
If you wish to defer an offer of a place you do not accept your offer. Instead, you must email the Admissions Office of the appropriate HEI immediately. You must give your name as it appears on your CAO application, quote your CAO application number and the course code of the offer you wish to defer, and set out the reason(s) for the request. Applicants must mark “DEFERRED ENTRY” clearly in the subject line of the email.
You can also check the website of the relevant HEI to see if they have a deferral policy available online that you can refer to. The email must arrive in the Admissions Office of the institution at least two days before the ‘Reply Date’ shown on the Offer Notice. The HEI will communicate their decision to you directly.
If the deferral is not granted you may then accept the offer for the current year providing you accept the offer by the ‘Reply Date’. You must send all communications about deferrals to the appropriate Admissions Office and not to CAO.
HIGHER EDUCATION LINKS SCHEME (HELS)
Under QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland)
The Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS) gives learners the opportunity to use their QQI Level 5 or 6 major award to apply, through the CAO, for a place in the first year of a higher education programme. Programmes leading to Level 5 and Level 6 Major Awards are available through providers who have programmes validated with QQI. Applications to participate in these Level 5 and 6 courses are made directly to the college’s in question.
Linked awards, special requirements and available higher education programmes are published by the admissions office of the individual higher education institution and on www.cao.ie
For more information and guidance on HELS see www.qqi.ie
FURTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING COURSES (LEVEL 5 / LEVEL 6)
Colleges of Further Education offer FET courses mostly accredited by QQI (Level 5 & Level 6). These courses are designed to act as a pathway to higher education or to prepare students for direct employment.
CORK FURTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING COLLEGES
Cork College of FET – Morrison’s Island Campus
Address: Morrison’s Island, Cork City
Tel: (021) 422 2100 / Mail: morrisonsislandcampus.ie/contact / Web: morrisonsislandcampus.ie
Cork College of FET – Tramore Road Campus
Address: Tramore Road,Cork City
Tel: 021 496 1020 / Mail: info@csn.ie / Web: csn.ie
Cork College of FET – Douglas Street Campus
Address: Sawmill St, Cork City
Tel: 021 425 5500 / Mail: info@stjohnscollege.ie / Web: douglasstreetcampus.ie
Cork College of FET – Knocknaheeny Centre
Hollyhill, Knocknahey, Cork City.
Tel: 021 439 1782 or 086 103 5343 / Mail:
laura.dwyercanton@corketb.ie / Web: citynorthcollege.ie
NORTH & EAST CORK FET COLLEGES
Carrignafoy Community College
Address: Cobh, Co. Cork
Tel: 021 481 1325 / Mail: cobhcc@corketb.ie / Web: cobhcommunitycollege.com
Cork College of FET – Mallow Campus
Address: Mallow, Co. Cork
Tel: 022 43 309 / Mail: info@mallowcollege.ie / Web: mallowcampus.ie
WEST CORK FET COLLEGES
Cork College of FET – Clonakilty Centre
Address: Technical School, Western Road, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Tel: 086 020 4681 / Mail: brid.m.murphy@corketb.ie
Maria Immaculata Community College
Address: Bantry Road, Dunmanway, Co. Cork
Tel: 023 885 6030 / Mail: miccinfo@corketb.ie / Web: micc.ie
Cork College of FET – West Cork Campus
Address: Rossa College, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
Tel: 028 21 644 / Mail: westcorkcampus@ccoc.ie / Web: westcorkcampus.ie
McEgan College of Further Education
Address: Maghereen, Macroom, Co. Cork
Tel: 026 41 076 / Mail: info.office@mcegan.ie / Web: mcegan.ie
Cork College of FET – Kinsale Campus
Address: Bandon Rd, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Tel: 021 477 2275 / Mail: info@kinsalecollege.ie / Web: kinsalecollege.ie
PRIVATE THIRD LEVEL COLLEGES
Griffith College Cork
Address: Wellington Rd, Cork City
Tel: 021 450 7027 / Mail: admissions.gcc@griffith.ie / Web: griffith.ie
STUDYING IN NORHTERN IRELAND, UK & EUROPE
UCAS Offers – Tariff Points
UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) is the central applications body for full-time undergraduate courses in the UK (including Northern Ireland). If you have applied for a UK college place, UCAS will receive students’ grades from the relevant awarding bodies and pass them on to their chosen colleges.
For students currently holding a conditional offer, these offers will become unconditional, as long as students meet offer conditions (usually related to grades). The UCAS system is based on a different points system known as Tariff points. For information and details on UCAS and the Tariff Points system, you can visit www.ucas.com
TRACKING – Monitoring Your UCAS Application Progress
If you have applied for a UK course, you can track the progress of your application by logging in to the UCAS ‘Track System’ by visiting www.ucas.com/undergraduate/after-you-apply/tracking-your-ucas-application
UK COLLEGE FEES FOR IRISH STUDENTS
IMPORTANT: The following information is meant only as a guide. It references fees and dates for the 2026/27 academic year as that is the information available at this time
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland:
- Fees: For the 2026/27 academic year, universities in England and Wales can generally charge up to £9,790 per year for a standard full-time undergraduate course.
- Northern Ireland: Fees in Northern Ireland differ: students ordinarily resident in the Republic of Ireland may qualify for the NI/ROI fee rate, which is £4,985 per year at universities such as Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.
- Fee levels and eligibility can vary by institution, course and the student’s residency/fee status.
- Fee Loan: You can apply for a tuition fee loan to cover these fees. Repayment of this loan begins once you have graduated and are earning above a certain threshold.
- Maintenance Support: EU students are usually not eligible for the same level of maintenance support as UK home students.
Scotland:
- Fees: Irish citizens ordinarily resident in the Republic of Ireland who move to Scotland to study can generally qualify for the Rest of UK (rUK) fee status rather than international fees. For the 2026/27 academic year, the applicable tuition-fee rate is £9,790 per year under the Scottish arrangements for these students.
- Tuition Fee Loan: Irish students may be eligible for a tuition-fee loan from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) subject to the applicable residency and eligibility conditions.
- Maintenance Support: Eligible Irish students studying an approved undergraduate course in Scotland may apply to SUSI for a maintenance grant. However, SUSI does not provide a tuition-fee grant in this case.
Funding Information:
- Irish Student Grant Scheme (SUSI): You may be eligible for a maintenance grant through the SUSI scheme if you meet the criteria. This does not cover tuition fees for studying in the UK..
Further Information: For detailed information on grants and funding, you should consult susi.ie, hea.ie, and the GOV.UK websites for the latest details on financial supports available to EU students applying to study in the UK.
SUSI GRANTS FOR THE UK
It is possible to apply for a maintenance only grant in Ireland for approved undergraduate courses in the UK via Ireland’s SUSI grant scheme. Visit SUSI.ie for more information on the application process as well as relevant dates and details.
STUDYING IN EUROPE
The European Universities Central Application Support Service (EUNiCAS) provides information on College courses in Europe taught through English. Check the website for further information www.eunicas.ie
ALTERNATIVES TO THE CAO/UCAS ROUTE
APPRENTICESHIPS
An apprenticeship is the recognised way people are trained in a craft trade or profession. The main craft trades and professions have been designated by an organisation called SOLAS (solas.ie). Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training with an employer and generally last for 2 to 4 years, during which time you will spend different periods in off-the-job training. When you complete an apprenticeship programme, you will get a recognised qualification at Level 5 or above (depending on the complexity of the trade or profession) on the NFQ framework.You can start an apprenticeship from age 16. However, some apprenticeships may have higher minimum age requirements, typically up to 18 years, depending on the nature of the trade or the employer’s preferences. For more advice on apprenticeships: Freephone 1800 794 487 from 12 noon to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Craft Apprenticeships
A craft apprenticeship will usually last for 4 years, during which time you will spend 3 different periods in off-the-job training. Generally, the first training phase will take place in an Education and Training Board (ETB) Training Center, while the remaining off-the-job training phases will take place in an Institute of Technology or Technological University.
The skills you develop will be assessed through on-the-job competence testing as well as off-the-job module-based assessment and exams and, if you complete these assessments successfully, you will be awarded an Advanced Certificate – craft (level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications).
Craft apprenticeships include:
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Motor Mechanics
- Electrical Apprenticeships
New apprenticeships in other areas of industry
Apprenticeships introduced from 2016 on lead to an award between Levels 5-10 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Each apprenticeship programme can be for between 2 and 4 years.
There are a number of models of on-the-job and off-the-job training, as well as different models of delivery and different target groups. Industry-led groups, which work with education and training providers and other partners, oversee the development and roll-out of new apprenticeships.
New apprenticeships in ICT, finance and hospitality include:
- Software development
- Accounting Technician
- Commis chef
You can find information about new apprenticeships on apprenticeship.ie
SOLAS
Solas offers Further Education and Training programmes. Part-time, full-time, day, evening and online courses. Programmes include apprenticeships, traineeships, skills to advance, eCollege and the European Globalisation Fund.
Visit solas.ie for more information
The Defence Forces
Recruitment competitions are held as required for the Defence Forces. Visit their website for more information – military.ie
An Garda Síochána
Applications should be made online to the Public Appointments Service through their website www.publicjobs.ie. It is recommended that applicants do not use a tablet / iPad or mobile device to apply. To apply, candidates must have a “User Account” on www.publicjobs.ie. If you have not already done so, you must register as a ‘New User’ to create your Profile (register a New Account). Once registered, you can set up a job alert for positions within An Garda Síochána.
STATE TRAINING AGENCIES
Teagasc (The Agriculture and Food Development)
Address (Main Office): Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow R93 XE12
Tel: (059) 917 0200 / Mail: info@teagasc.ie / Web: teagasc.ie
*Also see CAO for related courses through MTU & UCC.
** Teagasc also has various regional offices nationwide
CETB (Cork Education & Training Board)
Address (Main Office): 21 Lavitt’s Quay, Centre, Cork
Tel: (021) 490 7100 / Mail: info@corketb.ie / Web: corketb.ie
*A range of training and apprenticeships
National Maritime College of Ireland (NCMI)
Address: Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork
Tel: 021 433 5600 / Mail: reception@nmci.ie / Web: ncmi.ie
*Applications for all degree programmes made through the CAO
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) – Irish Sea Fisheries Board
Several Locations Nationwide – See bim.ie for details
COLLEGES FOR REPEAT LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Cork College of FET – Morrison’s Island Campus
Cork (Non-private)
Tel: (021) 422 2100 / Mail: morrisonsislandcampus.ie/contact / Web: morrisonsislandcampus.ie
Bruce College
Audley House, St. Patrick’s Hill, Cork
Tel: (021) 450 4122 / Mail: susan@brucecollege.ie / Web: brucecollege.ie
Hewitt College
24, Patrick’s Hill, Cork City
Tel: (021) 455 0430 / Mail: admin@hewittcollege.net / Web: hewittcollege.ie
Deane College
Fitzgerald House, 73-75 Grand Parade, Cork
Tel: (021) 427 4722 / Mail: info@deanecollege.ie / Web: deanecollege.ie
GRANTS
THE STUDENT GRANT SCHEME
Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland’s national awarding authority for all further and higher education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students, in approved full time third level courses at approved institutions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Any student wishing to undertake a course of study at a private college (e.g. Griffith College, Dublin Business School etc) will not qualify for a grant as the list of approved institutions does not include private HEI’s. Students attending these colleges will also be required to pay the relevant fees.
ELIGIBILITY FOR SUSI GRANTS
- Residence & Nationality: You must be an Irish, EU, EEA, UK or Swiss national or have a specific immigration status or leave to remain with permission from the Department of Justice. If you have been living in the EU, EEA, UK, or Swiss Federation but not in the Irish State for three of the last five years, you are a tuition student. This is any student that has been resident outside of Ireland but within the EU, EEA, the UK or Switzerland for three of the last five years. A tuition student, if they meet all eligibility criteria, is eligible for the fee grant only and will not receive a maintenance grant. Therefore, please note that a tuition student who wishes to pursue a PLC course would not be eligible for any grant funding from SUSI.
- Course: You must be attending an approved course in an approved institution, and those who secure a course place will have met the academic requirements.
- Progression: You must be progressing from your previous level of study.
- Income: The means test for the 2026-2027 student grant is based on you or your family’s gross income for the previous full tax year (2026). However, if you or your family have had a change of circumstances (which is likely to be permanent) since 31 December 2026, your changed circumstances will be taken into account. The person/s whose income is taken into consideration will depend on which of the following two categories they fall into (NOTE: Most secondary students fall into the first category – i.e. Dependent).
APPLICANT CATEGORIES
- Dependent / Mature Dependent Student: You will be assessed on your parents/legal guardians income and your own income (if any).
- Independent Student: You will be assessed on your own income and that of your spouse/civil partner/cohabitant (if applicable)
Maximum Period of Grant Assistance For Undergrad Courses:
| Further & Higher Education | Level | Qualification | Max Period of Grant Funding |
| Further Ed | PLC Level 5 | Certificate | – Max 3 years funding at PLC level |
| Further Ed | PLC Level 6 | Advanced Certificate | |
| Higher Ed | UG Level 6 | Higher Certificate | – Max 2 years funding at undergrad level 6 – Max 3 years funding at undergrad level 7 – Max 4 years funding in total at undergrad level 6 & 7 – Max 4 years funding at undergrad level 8 (except where normal duration of course exceeds 4 years) |
| Higher Ed | UG Level 7 | Ordinary Bachelor Degree | |
| Higher Ed | UG Level 8 | Honours Bachelor Degree | |
| Higher Ed | PG Level 8 | Higher Diploma | – Max 4 years funding in total at postgrad level All previous attendance and attainment at postgraduate level are considered regardless of whether a grant was received previously or not. |
| Higher Ed | PG Level 9 | Diploma | |
| Higher Ed | PG Level 9 | Masters Degree | |
| Higher Ed | PG Level 10 | PHD |
STUDENT GRANT BREAKDOWN
Part 1. Maintenance Grant: This is a contribution towards day-to-day living costs and is paid directly to eligible students through nine monthly instalments over the course of the academic year. The total amount of grant payable will depend upon the level of a student’s reckonable income. (see threshold breakdown below)
Part 2. Fee Grant:
Fee grants pay tuition fees for students who do not qualify for the Free Fees Scheme (see below). Fee grants can also pay the Student Contribution and the cost of essential field trips.
Free Fees Scheme: Most undergraduate students attending publicly funded third-level courses do not have to pay tuition fees. Under the terms of the Free Fees Initiative, the Department of Further and Higher Education pays the fees to the colleges instead.
Qualifying for the fee grant
If you qualify for the maintenance grant, you will most likely also get the fee grant. However, some people will only be eligible for a fee grant (this will depend on the outcome of the Means Test). The fees grant is also means tested and follows a lot of the same conditions as the maintenance grant.
MAINTENANCE GRANT: ADJACENT & NON-ADJACENT RATES
If you’re eligible for a maintenance grant, it will be paid at either the adjacent rate or the non-adjacent rate. Currently the adjacent rate is paid when your college is less than 30 km from your normal residence and the non-adjacent rate is paid when your college is 30 km or more from your normal residence.
GRANT AMOUNT AWARDED
The total amount of the grant will depend on the level of a student’s reckonable income. The ‘Income Threshold’ table below illustrates the different income thresholds.
SPECIAL RATE GRANT:
Disadvantaged students can qualify for a special rate of maintenance grant. To qualify, you must fulfil all the normal criteria for the grant and have a total reckonable income in the tax year January to December 2026 of less than the relevant designated income threshold (see Income Thresholds table below), not including Qualified Child Increases and standard exclusions. This income must include a long term Department of Social Protection eligible payment. For a list of eligible Special Rate payments visit susi.ie/special-rate-awards/
RATES OF MAINTENANCE GRANT 2026 – 2027*
*IMPORTANT: Rates for the 2027/28 academic year may change.
Undergraduate & PLC Grant Rates (Maintenance Only: No Fees Payable)
Levels of Grant Maintenance (Non-Adjacent) Maintenance (Adjacent)
Special Rate €7936 €3230
Band 1 Full Maintenance €4722 €1774
Band 2 Part Maintenance €3532 €1343
Band 3 Part Maintenance €2702 €975
Band 4 Part Maintenance €1866 €612
INCOME THRESHOLDS 2026-2027
*IMPORTANT: Income Thresholds for the 2027/28 academic year may change.
Household income thresholds (for the purpose of means testing) are laid out in the table below and relate to Rates of Maintenance Grant (Adjacent or Non-Adjacent).
*Family’s Reckonable income must be under the listed amounts (Maintenance & Fee Grant)
| RATE | Less than 4 Children | 4 to 7 children | 8 or more children | Increase per additional person in college |
| Special Rate | €28,600 | €31,350 | €33,980 | +€4,950 |
| Band 1 (Full Maintenance) | €47,010 | €51,520 | €55,850 | +€4,950 |
| Band 2 (Part Maintenance) | €48,270 | €52,900 | €57,345 | +€4,785 |
| Band 3 (Part Maintenance) | €51,040 | €55,940 | €60,635 | +€4,785 |
| Band 4 (Part Maintenance) | €58,870 | €64,080 | €69,465 | +€4,785 |
*The following table outlines conditions relating to the Fee Grant (i.e. No Maintenance Grant) for household incomes under the the listed amounts:
| RATE | Less than 4 Children | 4 to 7 children | 8 or more children | Increase per additional person in college |
No Maintenance FEES: 50% Tuition or 100% Student Contribution | €64,315 | €70,490 | €76,410 | +€4,950 |
No Maintenance FEES: 50% Student Contribution | €71,300 | €78,145 | €84,710 | +€4,950 |
No Maintenance €500 Student Contribution | €120,000 | €131,520 | €142,570 | +€4,950 |
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
SUSI is currently accepting new grant applications for the 27/28 academic year. You can apply online at www.susi.ie Applications should be made as soon as possible. Use the Eligibility Reckoner on SUSI website, for quick assessment of your eligibility for a grant. There is also an Online Tracker available to check the status of your application.
For more detailed information on eligibility and the SUSI grant application process (including ‘tips for applicants’) visit susi.ie
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
FINDING ACCOMODATION:
If you have gained a place, contact your college as soon as possible before the start of the
academic year for advice and support in accommodation locally. Some college Students Unions
provide lists of suitable/vacant accommodation. Also check the college website. Other useful
websites include:
STUDENT SUPPORTS
There is a lot of help and support available to you when you start college – you just need to ask:
Admissions Officer: Often your first point of contact. They advise on the administration of college life, such as deferring courses, changing courses etc.
Access Officer: Assists students on various issues such as financial problems, education worries and facilities / resources for people with disabilities (some colleges have separate disability officers).
Student Services Officer: Plans for students needs such as orientation for newcomers, counseling, mentoring etc.
Student Union: Represents students and advises on student issues.
Contact info for all of the student supports above can be found on the relevant college websites.
WHILE EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS ACCURATE, THE YOUTH INFORMATION SERVICES CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LIABILITY INCURRED OR LOSS SUFFERED AS A CONSEQUENCE OF RELYING ON THAT MATTER.
YMCA Cork City
11/12 Marlboro Street, Cork
Tel: 021 4270187
Email: youthinfo@ymca-ireland.net
Opening Times: Wednesday
11am-1pm & 2-5pm
YMCA Information Consultation
Opening Times: Friday 10am – 1:30pm / 2pm – 5:30pm
Contact Ronan at 086 103 6467 (to arrange remote or in-person appointments)
YMCA West Cork
Tel: 023 8844009
Email: tj@ymca-ireland.net
Just contact us to set up an appointment at a time that suits you!
