With the Leaving Cert coming to its conclusion next Tuesday, attention now turns to the CAO. Students have until 5.15pm on 1 July to fill out their final CAO application before the change of mind facility is closes. The body have encouraged students not to delay their applications or leave it until the last minute.

The numbers

Overall, the total number of CAO applications is up 0.5% from 72,643 to 73,034 this year. Early indications would suggest an increased demand in agricultural courses, with CAO figures released in January noting a 14% jump in those applying for Level 8 agricultural courses. Almost 1,920 students have applied for Level 8 agricultural courses, with almost 400 of these putting the course as their first preference.

There was an 8% jump in environmental courses, with almost 1,900 applicants recorded. There was a 7% drop in Level 8 veterinary courses. Below Irish Country Living profiles the points requirements as of January 2019, for agri-food courses across Ireland.