Irish Times Higher Options

‘Could my son lose a college offer if CAO details incorrect?’

Brian Mooney answers a question from a worried parent about the implications of their child having incorrect details on their CAO application.

Click below to read his response👇

‘Could my son lose a college offer if CAO details incorrect?’ Parents should ensure that the correct Leaving Cert number is recorded when the Central Applications Office email arrives

Final countdown: Exam survival guide for Junior and Leaving Cert students (and parents).

Know your child’s examination schedule. Pin the timetable up prominently at home, with each exam to be taken highlighted🖊️

Click below to read Brian Mooneys article👇

Final countdown: Exam survival guide for Junior and Leaving Cert students (and parents) It is normal for students to feel stressed coming up to the written papers. Here are some simple tips that can help you to dial down the anxiety

Thinking of applying for a postgraduate course? Here are six things to consider before doing so🎓

While every circumstance is unique depending on your career goals, interests and skills, here are a few general factors to consider before deciding whether a postgraduate course is the right next step.

Click below to read Kate's piece👇

Six things to consider before embarking on a postgraduate course Working towards a postgraduate qualification requires careful thought and understanding of motivation and long-term goals

You don’t have to do a master’s: alternatives to traditional postgrad pathways🎓

From microcredentials to Moocs, here is a quick guide to some of the faster, cheaper and more flexible education routes.

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You don’t have to do a master’s: alternatives to traditional postgrad pathways From microcredentials to Moocs, here is a quick guide to some of the faster, cheaper and more flexible education routes

Are you considering a postgraduate course in Ireland or abroad?🛫

Brian Mooney, guidance counsellor and education columnist, has a look at the types of courses available and where you can source further information.

Click below to read the full piece👇

What to consider when deciding on a postgraduate course in Ireland or abroad From PhDs to master’s, research programmes or taught: we look at the types of courses available and where you can source further information

‘Are there paths into careers in technology other than through the university route?’🎓

One reader asked "I'm completing a Level 5 IT course and have applied to university via the CAO, but financial constraints make a multi-year degree difficult to fund."

Click below to read Brian Mooney's answer👇

‘Are there paths into careers in technology other than through the university route?’ As tech evolves at an unprecedented pace, employers increasingly value what you can do today and how quickly you can learn

‘The Leaving Cert mocks were a wake-up call for my son’

One reader asked Brian Mooney, guidance counsellor and education columnist, what advice he would give for the run-in to the State exams?

Click below to read the full piece👇

‘The Leaving Cert mocks were a wake-up call for my son’ For a student who has focused more on sport than study, realising they are not match fit in an academic sense can be sobering

Post-Leaving Certificate courses play growing role as routes to work and higher education🎓

One reader asked "What options should students consider to give themselves the widest set of options when they receive their Leaving Cert results in late August?"

Read Brian Mooney's response by clicking the link below👇

Post-Leaving Certificate courses play growing role as routes to work and higher education Exploring PLC options is now considerably more straightforward in Co Dublin, thanks to a clearer, unified application system

Key dates for 2026 CAO applications: from early-bird applications to Leaving Cert appeals🎓

Here is every important date in the CAO calendar along with important links, reminders and information about fees.

Click below to read👇

Key dates for 2026 CAO applications: from early-bird applications to Leaving Cert appeals Here is every important date in the CAO calendar along with important links, reminders and information about fees

What are the key factors to be aware of when filling out a CAO application form?

The CAO deadline is creeping up! ⏳ With first-round choices closing this Sunday at 5pm, don't let a simple mistake trip you up. Check out our latest article by Brian Mooney - he’s breaking down the common errors, omissions, and easy-to-miss messages that every student needs to know.

Read below👇

What are the key factors to be aware of when filling out a CAO application form? Every year some students miss out on round-one offers due to errors, omissions or failure to spot an important message

Don't forget! Colleges across the country will be hosting open days this month.
Check out our listing below to make sure you don't miss out on visiting the college you are interested in! 📝

College open days 2025/26: Key details for NCI, NCAD, technological universities and other institutions What to know and what to expect at open days around the country