Maths – Second Chance
Missed the Maths grade you needed for your dream CAO course? You are not alone, and it is far from the end of the road. Several Irish colleges and universities offer Second Chance Maths examinations each August, giving students an alternative pathway to meet Maths entry requirements for Science, Engineering, Computing and more.
What Is a Second Chance Maths Exam?
Each year, a number of students receive their Leaving Certificate results only to discover they have the CAO points for their preferred course but have fallen short of the specific Maths grade required for entry. For courses in Engineering, Science, Computing and Technology, a minimum of O6/H7 in Maths is commonly required, while many Level 8 Engineering and Computer Science programmes ask for a H4 or higher.
To address this, several Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) run their own Second Chance Maths examinations in the days following the Leaving Certificate results. These exams are designed exclusively for students who have applied to the institution through the CAO and who meet all other entry requirements apart from the Maths grade. The sole purpose of the exam is to demonstrate that the student has the mathematical ability to succeed on their chosen programme.
A pass in the Second Chance Maths exam does not award CAO points. Instead, it satisfies the specific Maths entry requirement, allowing the CAO to process a Round 2 offer for the student, provided they have sufficient overall points and the course still has available places.
Key Takeaway
The Second Chance Maths exam is not a repeat of the Leaving Cert. It is a separate, institution-specific test that covers the mathematical knowledge needed for that college’s programmes. It is a genuine second opportunity, not a consolation prize, and many successful graduates began their journey through this exact pathway.
Which Colleges Offer Second Chance Maths?
The following institutions have historically offered qualifying Maths exams. Dates, fees and formats can change year to year, so always confirm directly with the college once Leaving Cert results are released.
Munster Technological University (MTU)
MTU runs one of the most established Second Chance Maths exams in the country, available at both Cork and Kerry campuses. Paper 1 covers Ordinary Level content and is compulsory. Students applying for courses that require H4 Maths must also sit Paper 2, set at Higher Level, and achieve a 70% average across both papers. A 40% pass on Paper 1 alone satisfies the O6/H7 requirement. Results can be carried forward for up to two academic years.
University of Limerick (UL)
The Faculty of Science and Engineering at UL offers a special Maths entrance exam for students who have the required CAO points and satisfy all other entry requirements but did not achieve the necessary grade in Higher or Ordinary Level Maths. The exam typically takes place in the week following Leaving Cert results, with results processed in time for CAO Round 2 offers. Prior registration is essential.
University of Galway
The College of Science and Engineering runs the Engineering Mathematics Qualifying Examination (EMQE) for prospective Engineering and Computer Science students. A free preparatory course is offered the week before the exam. Places are allocated in strict order of merit based on EMQE performance, so achieving a high score is important. The EMQE is available to CAO applicants and EU students.
South East Technological University (SETU)
SETU offers a Second Chance Maths Entry Exam at their Waterford and Carlow/Wexford campuses. The exam follows the format and standard of the Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level and consists of two papers. Results count only with respect to explicit Maths requirements, and offers are subject to available places made in the next available CAO round. No previous exam papers are available for practice; students are advised to use past Leaving Cert Ordinary Level papers.
Maynooth University
Maynooth University has offered a qualifying Maths exam for students who failed to gain the required Maths grade for their Engineering programmes. The exam is typically held within two weeks of the Leaving Cert results, with results available in time for CAO Round 2. Details and registration are published on the Maynooth website in August each year.
Other Institutions & the CAO
The CAO itself lists qualifying exams under its "Important Dates" section each year. Additional institutions such as ATU and TU Dublin may also offer specific qualifying pathways depending on the programme. Always check the CAO website and the admissions pages of your chosen college immediately after Leaving Cert results day for the latest information.
How the Second Chance Process Works
The window between Leaving Cert results day and the Second Chance Maths exam is extremely tight, often just a few days. Here is the typical sequence of events each August.
Leaving Cert Results Released
Results are published online via the SEC Candidate Self Service Portal. You discover whether you have met the Maths requirement for your preferred course. If you have the points but not the Maths grade, this is your signal to act immediately.
Check College Websites & CAO
Visit the admissions pages of every college where you have applied through the CAO. Look for “Second Chance Maths,” “Qualifying Exam,” or “Special Maths Exam.” Note registration deadlines, fees, and exam locations. Many close within 24–48 hours of results day.
Register & Prepare
Complete the registration form and pay the exam fee. If a preparatory course is offered (such as at University of Galway), attend it. Otherwise, revise using past Leaving Cert Ordinary Level papers and focus on core topics such as algebra, functions, geometry, and statistics.
Sit the Second Chance Exam
Arrive 30 minutes early. Bring your CAO number, photo ID, and any required materials. The exam format varies by institution but generally mirrors the Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level in difficulty. Some colleges also offer a Higher Level paper for courses requiring H4.
Results Processed & Offers Made
If you pass, the college notifies the CAO. Provided you meet all other entry requirements and have sufficient points, you receive a CAO Round 2 offer. You then accept and begin your course in September just like any other student.
Quick Comparison of Second Chance Maths Exams
This table summarises the key details for each institution. Always verify the latest information directly with the college, as dates and fees may change annually.
| Institution | Standard | Fee | Courses Covered | Carry Forward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTU (Cork & Kerry) | LC Ordinary & Higher | €30–€50 | All MTU courses requiring Maths | Up to 2 years |
| University of Limerick | LC Ordinary & Higher | Varies | Science & Engineering | Check with UL |
| University of Galway | EMQE (institution-specific) | Varies | Engineering & Computer Science | Check with UoG |
| SETU (Waterford & Carlow) | LC Ordinary Level | Varies | All SETU courses requiring Maths | Check with SETU |
| Maynooth University | Institution-specific | Varies | Engineering programmes | Check with MU |
Eligibility & Important Rules
Eligibility criteria are broadly consistent across institutions, though each college may have additional conditions. In general, to sit a Second Chance Maths exam you must have applied through the CAO for a course at that specific institution, you must meet all other minimum entry requirements (six subjects, English or Irish, specific subject requirements), and you must have achieved the required CAO points for the course. The only barrier should be the Maths grade itself.
You Are Likely Eligible If…
You have the CAO points for your preferred course and you meet all other entry requirements, but you fell short of the required Maths grade (whether O6/H7 or H4). You applied to the college through the CAO. You are a Leaving Certificate or EU applicant.
Important to Know
Passing the exam does not guarantee a course place. You still need the points, and offers depend on available places. The exam does not award CAO points. Results are generally institution-specific and cannot be used at other colleges. Non-EU/international applicants may not be eligible at certain institutions (e.g., University of Galway EMQE).
Why Maths Matters So Much in the CAO
Since 2012, students who achieve a H6 or above in Higher Level Maths receive an additional 25 bonus CAO points. This means a H6 grade (normally 46 points) is worth 71 points in total, making it worth more than an O1 at Ordinary Level (56 points). This policy was introduced to encourage more students to take Higher Level Maths, and it has been hugely successful in doing so.
Beyond the bonus points, Maths is a matriculation requirement for virtually all CAO courses. English (or Irish) and Maths are the two subjects that every student must pass to be eligible for a place. For STEM programmes in particular, a strong Maths result is considered a reliable indicator of a student’s ability to handle the quantitative demands of the course.
This is precisely why Second Chance Maths exams exist. Irish colleges recognise that a single bad day in June should not permanently close the door on a talented student who is otherwise fully qualified. The exam provides a measured, fair second opportunity.
How to Prepare for the Second Chance Exam
Time is short between Leaving Cert results and the exam, typically no more than one week. Here are practical strategies to maximise your chances.
Use Past Leaving Cert Papers
SETU and MTU both confirm that their exams follow the Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level format and standard. Work through recent exam papers from the State Examinations Commission website, focusing on questions you found challenging during your initial exam preparation. Marking schemes are available online and are essential for understanding how answers are scored.
Focus on Core Topics
Prioritise the topics that appear most frequently and carry the most marks: algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, statistics and probability, and number patterns and sequences. If you are also sitting a Higher Level paper (e.g., for a H4 requirement at MTU), add calculus and complex numbers to your revision list.
Attend Prep Courses If Available
University of Galway offers a free preparatory course the week before its EMQE. Other institutions may also provide support sessions. These courses are specifically tailored to the exam content and format, and attending one can make a significant difference to your confidence and performance. Check with your chosen college immediately after results day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Pathways If Maths Didn’t Go to Plan
Even if a Second Chance Maths exam is not available for your specific course or college, there are several alternative pathways worth exploring. A Leaving Certificate appeal through the State Examinations Commission allows you to have your Maths paper re-examined, and an upgraded grade can trigger a new CAO offer in later rounds or the following year.
A Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) course at a College of Further Education can provide an alternative entry route through QQI/FET qualifications. Many Level 5 and Level 6 awards are accepted by colleges as meeting entry requirements, and the experience gained can strengthen your application. Some students choose to repeat the Leaving Certificate the following year, either in a school setting or through a repeat centre, allowing them to retake Maths alongside other subjects.
Finally, the CAO Available Places (formerly “Vacant Places”) list, published in late September, contains courses that still have unfilled places. Some of these courses may have different or reduced entry requirements. While this is a less predictable route, it can open unexpected doors.