Receiving Leaving Cert results and CAO offers is a major milestone, but it is not the only route into further education or employment. As students reassess their options following the first round of college offers issued today (Wednesday August 26), a wide range of alternative pathways are available.
Dr Clare Finegan, guidance counsellor and psychotherapist, says: “There are all sorts of disappointments and really, it’s about sitting with that disappointment for a while and allowing yourself to deal with the emotions before you think about what your next step is.”
Disappointment is not a sign that everything has gone wrong, Dr Finegan says: “Even if a student got their first course choice, they may still be disappointed with certain grades.”
There are, however, many options still open to students. Many colleges in countries such as Cyprus, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, Georgia and Hungary are still offering Irish students places in medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses.
However, students must complete an entrance exam, which is mainly based on science subjects and does require some preparation.
Irish students can seek the support of private companies such as medicalpoland.com, medeuropecareers.com, MedicalHungry.com and IrishDoctorsBulgaria.com. These companies guide students through the admissions process.
According to Dr Finegan: “Studying abroad builds life skills and broadens students’ education,” and “students are at a real advantage when competing for paid internships and jobs. Employers love to take on students who have reaped the benefits of living abroad and surviving.” CAO Available Places Another option for students who do not obtain their required points is the CAO Available Places facility.
This is a scheme whereby some CAO courses listed on the CAO website are still accepting students, even if those courses were not included on their original CAO application. If places remain unfilled after all offers have been made, vacancies will be advertised through the CAO Available Places facility, provided requirements are met.
There are all sorts of disappointments and really, it’s about sitting with that disappointment for a while and allowing yourself to deal with the emotions before you think about what your next step is
Students who are interested in the Available Places scheme should explore their options, advises Dr Finegan.
For some students, reluctantly accepting their second- or third-choice course can see them thriving in college. But for a small number of students who enrol in their chosen course and then have a change of heart early on, alternative options exist.
Dr Finegan says an alternative pathway exists within many universities, whereby students “can apply to transfer to another course, but they have to meet all the entry requirements and satisfy any additional requirements, such as a project, portfolio or specific subject grades”. Seeking employment Dr Finegan says: “Some Leaving Cert students may change their mind about attending college full-time and may opt to get a job and take a break from their studies.”
Many companies offer specialised training and may go on to offer employees sponsored part-time education.
Those that have gained experience in the workplace can later look into Springboard courses, as the Government has launched a new suite of courses designed to cater for skills shortages in Ireland.
These specialised courses, offered at certificate, degree and master’s level, are heavily subsidised and are open to those who do not have a qualification, although some entry requirements may require experience in a certain area or specific skills.
Looking forward
It is important not to let Leaving Cert results define a student or their future. Many students will be disappointed, but that should not prevent them from pursuing their dream course or career.
Dr Finegan said: “The CAO is only one stage of a much longer journey,” and “what’s really important is that students see their career as a lifelong journey and this is just the first step. There are lots of ways forward.”
Helplines
The Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) helpline, which can be reached on 1800 265 165. Students can also text ‘Guidance’ to 086 1800 0685 to receive advice. The helpline operates until 29 August 2026.
SHARING OPTIONS