Just over 47,000 Leaving Cert students will this morning receive at least one offer in the first round of CAO offers.
However, even though the number of students taking the Leaving Cert has fallen, there are fewer college places available. This year 47,099 applicants will get offers (72 per cent) compared with 75 per cent (47,578) last year.
Among the reasons for this is that more than 5,000 students failed ordinary-level maths, and many of them are not eligible for courses.
The CAO has reported 73 per cent of degree applicants and 92 per cent of diploma/certificate applicants are due to receive on of their top three choices this morning.
Industrial action by sub-contracted postal staff means that some applicants in rural areas may not receive a letter from the CAO until later this morning. But all offers are available at www.cao.ie.
A helpline is open between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. at 1850-200790.