Degrees without CAO points were meant to be a ‘game changer’. Why do so few students avail of them? – The Irish Times

Underwhelming Enrollment in Ireland's Tertiary Degree Program

Ireland's tertiary degree program, designed to provide university-level education without the traditional CAO points system, has not gained widespread popularity, despite initial promises of being a 'game changer'.

Reasons for Low Enrollment

Several factors contribute to the low participation rates:

• Lack of Awareness: Many students remain unaware of the program's existence.
• Stigma Surrounding Further Education: A lingering stigma views further education as 'second best', deterring students.
• Limited Course Selection: The program offers limited high-demand courses, focusing instead on those less popular through the CAO system.
• Implementation Issues: The rushed introduction of the program led to unresolved issues, including staff pay rates and insufficient linkages with universities.

Despite these challenges, the program's offerings are expanding, and there are signs of increasing demand.

Positive Aspects and Future Outlook

Positive aspects highlighted include the program's accessibility, smaller class sizes offering personalized support, and the option of pursuing degrees previously unreachable due to CAO points requirements.

The Irish government remains optimistic about the program's growth, emphasizing its potential to provide more accessible higher education opportunities.