I want to upskill but can’t do a full-time course. Are there grants for part-time study?
Funding for eligible part-time undergraduate students was introduced for the first time last summer
Ask Brian
The latest education advice from The Irish Times Education analyst Brian Mooney
I’m not sure my son will be organised enough to meet upcoming CAO deadlines. Can you help?
There is no great urgency in selecting courses, but it is very important to read up on all-important instructions
My daughter wants to study nursing but I worry that CAO points are too high. Are there other options?
For well-motivated Leaving Cert students, there are several alternative entry pathways into nursing
My son in thinking of going to college abroad due to high CAO points at home. Is this wise?
Courses can be demanding but are an excellent pathway for a student to study their dream course
Will CAO points fall next year due to reduction in Leaving Cert grade inflation?
Supply and demand of places, as well as applicants’ grades, determine CAO entry points for individual courses
I worry my daughter will drift during a ‘doss’ transition year. Should she skip it?
This can be particularly beneficial for students who thrive in interactive and collaborative learning environments.
One of best-kept secrets for access to college is a new route that does not require CAO points
One of best-kept secrets for access to third level is a new route that does not require Leaving Cert points
My daughter wants to drop to ordinary level Irish so she can focus on a top grade in other subjects. Should she?
It is common for students to be strategic in order to target high CAO points, but it is a misguided approach
My son in sixth year still has no idea what to do after he leaves school. Can you help?
No matter what option he eventually chooses, he has until the end of sixth year to make his choices
I narrowly missed out on my first-choice CAO course. Is there another route to university?
There are still options to secure the course of your dreams – even if you didn’t get a CAO offer
Five takeaways from CAO offers, from drop in points for medicine to why students are following the economy
Fly in ointment for many potential third-level students is finding a place to live
My son can’t find student accommodation in Dublin. Is it too late to change his CAO choice?
The rules of the CAO are explicit: applicants can move up, not down, their course preference list
My son wants to drop out of his college course. What should he do next?
There are lots of options available, but there is a financial cost to repeating or starting a new degree course
My son thinks his ‘inflated’ Leaving Cert results will give him an advantage in the CAO points race. Is this true?
Grades will begin to return towards more normal patterns from next year
My son still hasn’t selected his CAO courses - and the exams are around the corner
There is time after the exams to finalise choices which do not necessarily rely on Leaving Cert points
Am I entitled to a college grant due to changes in eligibility rules?
Grants are now available for undergraduate students where household income is under €100,000
How can I check my son’s CAO details are correct to ensure he doesn’t lose a college place?
Make sure your child’s correct Leaving Cert number is recorded when the CAO email arrives
‘I’m overwhelmed by the number of students with anxiety issues. I worry we’re letting them down’
Norma Foley is planning new supports to help schools. Whether it will be enough is another matter
‘I’d like to return to university, but worry about fitting in’
Third-level institutions welcome people at all stages of life; they add to the richness and diversity of the college experience
I want to do a postgrad, but they’re hugely expensive. Are there grants available?
Grants for postgraduate courses were axed during the recession, but have been restored in recent years
‘Why are CAO points so high if there are so many pathways to careers nowadays’
The points race is no longer the be-all and end-all thanks to the growth of alternative routes
‘Will CAO points for veterinary science drop in light of promised new college places?’
It is likely to be some time before we see a second veterinary faculty on the island of Ireland
‘My daughter is panicking about the Leaving Cert orals. It’s her first real exam’
The best approach is to immerse yourself in the language and understand how marks are awarded
My daughter loves Irish - but I’m not sure it’s a good career move for her
Many State companies are obliged to provide better public services in Irish and are recruiting accordingly
My son is choosing his Leaving Cert subjects, but has no idea what he wants to do after school
There’s no point selecting a subject you don’t enjoy in the hope it might increase your CAO points
My son struggles with Irish, but can’t get an exemption. Why is it still a core subject?
Those in favour and against Irish as core Leaving Cert subject generally agree that overhaul is needed
My son is studying a subject outside school for the Leaving Cert. How can he submit his coursework?
More and more subjects nowadays have practical or second components of assessment
My daughter suffers from exam anxiety. How will she cope during the Leaving Cert?
Simple process of familiarising yourself with exam papers and setting during mocks can help ease sense of panic
I’m not sure my disorganised son has registered for the Leaving Cert exams. How can I double check?
It is a relatively simple process, but a word of caution: do not use a Yahoo email address to register
I’d like to get a new qualification, but don’t want to start from scratch. Are my years of workplace experience worth anything?
Many universities now offer opportunities to learners where prior learning is recognised
My son dropped out of his college course and wants to start a new one. Is there a deadline to apply?
There are plenty of options in further and higher education with different cut-off dates
My son loves woodwork and furniture design. Are CAO options available?
There is strong demand for graduates in fit-out, furniture and woodworking industries
My daughter’s Leaving Cert oral exams will take place during the Easter holidays. Surely this is unfair?
Staging tests during term time may be preferable for some, but would be highly disruptive for schools
My daughter wants to go to college, but I’m worried about the cost. Will she be entitled to a grant?
Thresholds for financial support have increased, so it is well worth checking online to see if you are eligible
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