Last year, there was a significant rise in the number of Irish students applying to study in the UK. This increase has been attributed to the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland and the difficulty many Irish students face in securing suitable accommodation. Many universities in the UK and Northern Ireland guarantee on-campus accommodation for first-year students, making them an attractive option for Irish applicants.
The UK has become particularly appealing for those aiming to secure high-points courses, especially in the health sciences. Although grade requirements remain high, some UK courses do not require the HPAT, and certain universities may offer places to students with slightly lower grades.
Applying through UCAS
You can apply to universities in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service ) at www.ucas.com You'll need to create your own account and can apply for up to five courses. UCAS applications open in September 2025, with the main deadline for most courses being January 31, 2026. However, there are earlier deadlines for specific applications:
October 15, 2025 for applications to Oxford or Cambridge, as well as all Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Dentistry courses.
October 2, 2025 for conservatoire music, dance, drama, and musical theatre applications.
If you’re considering any of these specific courses or universities, it’s crucial to begin your application early and aim to submit it as soon as possible. Each course and institution may have unique deadlines, so it's important to research your chosen course well in advance to understand the requirements and plan accordingly.
UCAS extra and clearing
On February 26, 2026, UCAS Extra opens. This allows any applicant who has used all five choices and is not holding an offer to add an additional course choice. The last date to use UCAS Extra is July 4, 2026.
Clearing is another UCAS system that allows students who didn’t receive an offer — whether due to a change of mind or not meeting grade requirements — to find and apply for a remaining place on a course. Clearing begins in July, and the last date to add a Clearing choice is October 19, 2026.
Tuition fees and financial support
Different courses and universities charge varying fees, so it is advisable to check tuition fees before applying. In some cases, it is possible to claim a SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland ) grant to study in the UK, but this must be confirmed with SUSI directly.
Irish students may also be eligible for student loans for tuition fees and/or maintenance in the country where they plan to study. It is essential that students research their financial options thoroughly before submitting an application. Regardless of location, I always advise choosing a university that is easily accessible.
Steps to apply via UCAS
Here are the main steps in a UCAS application: Create an account on the UCAS Hub.
Then fill in your:
Personal details.
Education history.
Employment history (if any ).
Personal statement (500–600 words explaining your suitability for the course ).
Reference from a teacher or guidance counsellor.
Pay the application fee: £28.95 for up to five courses.
It's important to request your reference well in advance of the deadline. You might consider preparing a short summary of the course you're applying for, your reasons for choosing it, and why you're well suited to it. This can help your teacher or counsellor write a stronger reference and also form the basis of your personal statement.
Writing the personal statement
Your personal statement must be no longer than 4,000 characters or 500–600 words. It will be read and assessed by each university you apply to. They will evaluate:
Your motivation to study the course.
What makes you a suitable candidate.
Evidence of your relevant skills, subject knowledge, and interests.
How your academic and extra-curricular experiences support your application.
You should aim to start your personal statement early, ideally before returning to school, and tailor it to suit all your chosen courses. Your statement should be original and authentic, reflecting your personal experiences, skills, and attributes. Use clear, direct language and always ask someone to proofread your final draft. Some teachers and guidance counsellors may be able to assist with this, depending on individual circumstances.
Many students who apply through UCAS and receive offers often report reduced stress levels, knowing they have a backup option. I strongly encourage anyone applying to high-points courses — particularly those uncertain about achieving the required grades — to also consider submitting a UCAS application. Doing so not only provides an alternative pathway but also encourages students to research their options early, often leading to more confident and informed decisions about their future.
Claire Murphy obtained her masters in career guidance and counselling in Trinity and has over 15 years’ experience working in education and career guidance counselling at both second level and third level. She is as a guidance counsellor with www.galwayguidance.com
To book an appointment for a CV review, interview skills or help with CAO choice, email [email protected].
