Beyond the CAO: The range of options open to school leavers

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

Ireland was transformed as a society by the introduction of free second-level education almost 60 years ago. It enabled children to build careers based on the pen rather than the shovel but left in its wake an unhealthy focus on the third-level academic pathway through the CAO application system as the preferred option of most parents for their children.

A career that moves: Discover maritime studies at NMCI

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

What is the best thing about working in the maritime industry?

The accommodation race - A growing challenge for third-level students

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

For the thousands of students receiving CAO offers this summer, securing a college place is just the first hurdle. Finding somewhere affordable and suitable to live has become an increasingly difficult challenge, where demand for student accommodation continues to outstrip supply.

Study abroad options available for Irish students

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

Completing a degree outside of Ireland has become particularly attractive, especially to those who are trying to access high-points courses. Many degrees in Europe offer high-quality education, lower fees, and flexible entry requirements. Luckily, the number of options to study abroad for Irish students continues to grow. This is largely due to the high cost of living and the difficulty in securing both university and private accommodation in Ireland.

Everything you need to know about the CAO change-of-mind deadline

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

Now that the examinations have drawn to a close, for those of you applying to higher and further education, you should now redirect your focus to your options once you receive your results in August, particularly your CAO course choices.

Staying at home or moving away?

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

For many students in Galway, deciding where to live during their third-level education is almost as significant as choosing what course to study. While some students opt to remain at home and commute to college, others choose to move away and experience student life in a new city or town.

Home4Home - the answer to Ireland’s student accommodation crisis?

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

Every summer, thousands of Irish families face the same challenge: finding affordable accommodation for students heading to college. What should be an exciting milestone often becomes a source of stress, uncertainty, and significant financial pressure. With student rents continuing to rise across Ireland’s major university cities, many families are now spending €8,000 to €10,000 a year - or even more - simply to secure a room.

A career in architecture

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

Irish architects have long been renowned for their exceptional talent and craftsmanship - it was an Irish-born architect who designed the White House in Washington, DC. Ireland has a proud tradition of producing outstanding architects such as Róisín Heneghan, whose company Heneghan Peng Architects won a global design competition of 1,500 entries, with their unique design being used to build a billion-dollar museum in Egypt.

High quality occupations through apprenticeships in an uncertain employment world

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

For the final two years of their school lives, Leaving Cert students are regularly targeted through the marketing departments of all the course providers offering places on further and higher education courses both at home and abroad. Employers who are open to or seeking apprentices have no such access to students, nor do students have a CAO type application process to secure an apprenticeship.

Discover a stress-free route to a degree with GRETB and ATU

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

Did you know that CAO points are not the only way to get a degree? Whether you are a school leaver planning your next move or a mature learner ready to return to education this September, the path to an Honours Degree has never been more accessible.

New tertiary degrees

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

The National Tertiary Degree Office has recently announced additional tertiary degree programmes across Ireland. These programmes offer an alternative pathway into further education, particularly for those who are underrepresented in higher education. They are aimed at specific groups, including lone parents, carers, care-experienced students, mature students, and those from low-income backgrounds, as well as anyone who has experienced educational disadvantage.

The wisdom of taking a gap year

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

In a world where young people often feel pressured to move directly from school to university or employment, the idea of taking a gap year can seem unconventional. However, a well-planned gap year can be one of the wisest decisions a person makes. Far from being a year of inactivity, it can provide valuable opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the wider world.

Mark your diaries – CAO key dates

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

July 1, 5pm
Final date for any amendments to course choices and order of preference on all CAO applications for entry to college in September 2026. Most current year Leaving Cert applicants make their final course choice decisions/amendments during this change-of-mind period in May-June each year.

What is happening to Arts education at University of Galway?

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

The Irish Times reported last March that academic staff at the University of Galway have said they were “blindsided” by a report proposing a reform of its arts degrees, with the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) warning of a potential dispute due to a “lack of engagement”.

Grow your gardening career with Galway training provider

Thu, Jun 18, 2026

National Learning Network in Galway supports people at different stages of life to build skills, gain qualifications and move towards employment, further training and greater independence in their communities.

Pathways to success at Galway Community College of Further Education

Thu, Jun 11, 2026

Galway Community College (GCC) of Further Education offers a wide range of courses designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed for success in today’s evolving job market. The diverse programmes span multiple disciplines and are carefully aligned with industry demands, creating strong pathways to further education and employment.

Staying focused for week two of the Leaving Cert

Thu, Jun 11, 2026

As Leaving Certificate students across Ireland enter the second week of exams, many will be feeling a mix of relief, pressure, and fatigue.

New international opportunities for University of Galway research students

Thu, Jun 11, 2026

University of Galway has announced new international opportunities for research students as part of the ENLIGHT University Alliance.

ATU expands tertiary nursing access route

Thu, Jun 11, 2026

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has announced an expansion of its Tertiary Access Route into Nursing.

ATU students recognised for road safety campaign

Thu, Jun 04, 2026

Students from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) have received national recognition for a road safety campaign highlighting the devastating consequences of speeding.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.