A RECORD number of students have applied for college places this year, which could lead to a dramatic increase in Central Application Office (CAO) points for some courses.
The CAO estimates that 72,500 had applied by yesterday’s initial deadline, the highest figure on record. It compares to 66,500 for this time last year – an increase of about 10 per cent.
The record number of applications will also impose further pressure on facilities and resources at higher-level colleges.
Last month, chief executive of the Higher Education Authority Tom Boland hinted that a new cap on students could be necessary, as under-funded colleges struggle to cope with rising numbers.
While a cap on numbers is unlikely, the bad news for students is that the surge in demand for places will put upward pressures on CAO points. Career experts say 2010 could see a reversal of a decade-long pattern where points for most courses slumped dramatically.
CAO applications are at record levels and points could rise for a number of key reasons.
These include the unprecedented number of mature students (more than 15,000) seeking college places this year because of the economic downturn; the surge in the number of Leaving Certificate students, after years of decline, up by an estimated 2,000; new social welfare rules whereby those on jobseeker’s allowances risk the loss of benefit unless they are in education or training; and a directive from the Higher Education Authority that staff numbers must be cut by 6 per cent in the two-year period from December 2008 to December 2010.
Yesterday was the initial deadline for CAO applications. But students can also use the change-of-mind process to change their options before the July 1st deadline.
Career experts predict upward pressure on points for the most popular higher-level degree courses in arts, business and science. However, points will again fall for courses linked to the building industry. Student demand for some of these courses fell by 40 per cent last year.
After years of declining points, it is thought wide-ranging arts degrees could see a significant increase in points requirements.
Those studying arts far outnumber any other discipline, accounting for 25 per cent of all students.
The largest programme, the Bachelor of Arts degree in UCD, accepted 1,232 new students in 2009.
Arts faculties in the NUI universities in Cork, Galway and Maynooth offer about 1,000 places each. Trinity, University of Limerick, the colleges of education and a number of the fee-paying private colleges also offer comprehensive programmes.
Broad-ranging business degrees – which currently require about 430 points – could also see a surge in demand.
Another factor that will lead to increased competition for places in 2010 is the increase in the number of applicants who would in previous years have taken jobs; they are now seeking a college place instead.