Any Leaving Cert student who came to Ireland from a non-EU country at the start of fifth year, must apply to the CAO before next Monday. The charge for these applications is also different - it's £36, compared with £18 for Irish students.

This applies to non-EU students who have had full-time second-level education in Ireland or another EU state for less than three years or for the five years immediately before the date of the proposed admission to third level.

Non-EU applicants who intend staying in Ireland to study at third level, should make appropriate enquiries at the institutions of their choice to check about application procedures.

They must apply directly to UCC, All Hallows College, the American College, LSB College, Mater Dei Institute of Education, Milltown Institute, Portobello College and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The other institutions require application through the CAO with the exception of professional courses mainly in the health-care area.

It's best to be on time, because late applications from certain categories of applicants, such as non-EU applicants or mature applicants, will not be considered by all institutions. Before submitting a late application, which will cost non-EU applicants £54, individuals should enquire from the appropriate admissions office about the policy of the institution on such applications.