CAO points levels for college courses could raise to their highest levels in decades, as a result of intense competition for places between students for science and technology courses.

Career experts have stated that the amount of points required for higher level eight science courses could be over 500 for the first time, the Irish Times reports

It is expected that points totals would also be higher for other higher level eight courses - which cover higher diplomas and honours bachelor degrees - such as engineering, computing and agriculture.

However, while points for courses in arts and business may rise, they will be less steep than those for science and maths.

One of the reasons behind the pressure on points for Leaving Certificate students this year is the new bonus point system, where 25 points are added to a grade D3 or above in higher level maths, meaning the overall points level increases.

There has also been a 20 per cent decrease in students going to the UK to study as a result of higher tuition fees, which has put more pressure on getting on to courses in Ireland.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments