School-leavers should make themselves aware of options to study in Europe outside of the CAO system, European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly has said.

Speaking at the National College of Ireland in Dublin last night, she said students could study in colleges in the EU – "some with higher rankings than ours" – and at a lower cost, but this wasn't always communicated to them.

She was speaking at the launch of a new book by Irish Times education analyst and career guidance expert Brian Mooney. The school-leavers' guide Start Your Career Journey Here! is published by The Educational Company of Ireland. Ms O'Reilly said transition year was the ideal time to start thinking about college choices "even though in your 30s, 40s and 50s, you still don't know what you are going to do when you grow up".

Mr Mooney said the book was designed to help with college and career planning, highlighting important dates and application procedures.

“The book is about showing Irish kids and parents the whole European perspective.

“We are not only competing in an Irish environment. We are competing in a European environment,” he said.