Courses

Your Complete Guide
to Course Options

Whether you are applying through the CAO, considering a PLC, exploring apprenticeships, or looking at European universities — everything you need is right here.

1,500+
CAO Courses
6
EU Countries
70+
Apprenticeships
500+
PLC Programmes
Overview

More Pathways Than You Think

Most students focus solely on the CAO, but there are thousands of courses and routes available to you. From higher-level CAO degrees and Post-Leaving Certificate programmes, to earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships and tuition-free European universities — the right course depends on your interests, your strengths, and the kind of learning that suits you best. Use the sections below to explore each pathway and find the tools to help you plan.

Course Explorer

Search and filter the full database of Irish higher education courses by keyword, institution, level, and CAO points. Save favourites to your dashboard and compare side by side.

Explore Courses

CAO Points Calculator

Enter your predicted or actual Leaving Cert grades and see your estimated CAO points instantly. Use the target planner to work backwards from a course and find the grades you need.

Calculate Points

European Courses

Thousands of English-taught degrees across the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and Belgium. Many are tuition-free for EU citizens, and your SUSI grant still applies.

Browse EU Courses

PLC Courses

Post-Leaving Certificate programmes are a one-year route into higher education or directly into the workforce. Ideal if you want practical, hands-on learning with a QQI qualification.

View PLC Courses

Apprenticeships

Earn a salary while you train on the job. Apprenticeships now span well beyond the traditional trades — from accounting and finance to software development and biopharma.

Learn More

Where to Study Guides

Field-by-field comparisons of every Irish college offering your chosen subject — entry points, course structure, placement options, and what makes each programme different.

View Guides
Planning & Resources

Beyond the Application

Choosing a course is only part of the picture. These resources help you find funding, visit campuses, explore emerging career fields, and consider options you might not have known existed.

Scholarships Finder

Search 45+ scholarships across Irish universities, EU programmes, and private sponsors. Filter by category, institution, and value — many go unclaimed every year simply because nobody applies.

45+ Scholarships Interactive Search
Find Scholarships

College Open Days Guide

Every confirmed Irish college open day for 2026, alongside a step-by-step preparation guide, smart questions to ask lecturers and current students, a practical packing checklist, and advice for parents attending with their child.

15+ Events 12 Institutions
View Open Days

Green Careers Toolkit

Ireland's green economy is growing fast — renewable energy, sustainability consulting, ESG reporting, and circular economy roles are hiring now. Explore the careers, the courses that lead to them, and the apprenticeships available in the sector.

Growing Sector Apprenticeships
Explore Green Careers

Gap Year Opportunities

A gap year is not a year off — it is a year on. This guide covers 15+ structured programmes for Irish students, from fully-funded EU volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps to adventure and leadership programmes, art residencies, and career-focused internships.

15+ Programmes Funded Options
Browse Programmes

DARE & HEAR Toolkits

If your teen has a disability (DARE) or comes from a socio-economically disadvantaged background (HEAR), these access routes can reduce the CAO points needed for college entry. Our toolkits walk you through eligibility, evidence, and deadlines step by step.

View Toolkits

UCAS & UK Applications

Applying to UK universities from Ireland has its own system, deadlines, and personal statement requirements. This guide explains how UCAS works, how Leaving Cert grades translate, and what the post-Brexit fee landscape looks like for Irish students.

UCAS Guide

Not Sure Where to Start?

Take our Career DNA quiz to discover your strengths, then get personalised course recommendations matched to your interests.