Students taking their Leaving Certificate exams this year may find they need more points than in previous years in order to secure entry to third-level education in Ireland, as the number of applications is said to be on the rise.

The Irish Times noted courses such as science and technology-based subjects will see the toughest points requirements due to an increase in demand.

Recently, it was stated by Chairman of the Higher Education Authority John Hennessy that parents should encourage their offspring towards these areas due to their better career prospects, the Irish Independent reported.

The Irish Times added there are several factors behind the expected rise in applications, such as a fall in the number of people looking to study in the UK, due to higher tuition fees in the country.

Applications from Irish students to institutions in Britain have dropped by 20 per cent, the publication stated, while many Irish colleges are expecting to see a rise in the number of Brits seeking cheaper options.

Further pressure on points may come from factors such as the extra 25 bonus points available to pupils studying higher maths in the Leaving Certificate, it was stated.

Details of the numbers of students from each school admitted to the different Universities and Institutes of Technology around Ireland in September 2011 are available to view on Schooldays.ie.

Written by Donal Walsh

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