Irish students continue to look to Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales for university opportunities, and for good reason.
More than 5,000 students from the Republic applied to UK universities in 2024, drawn by shorter degrees, less pressure from the points race, and often cheaper accommodation.
Applications to UK universities are handled by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), at www.ucas.com.
While somewhat similar to Ireland’s CAO (Central Applications Office) the UCAS process differs in style and timing.
It’s a pre-results system, meaning offers are made before Leaving Cert results are released, and then confirmed later if the applicant meets specific grade requirements.
While the main UCAS equal consideration deadline for most courses isn’t until January 14, 2026, this Wednesday, October 15, 2025, is the early deadline.
This earlier date applies to all undergraduate courses at Oxford and Cambridge and to Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary programmes in all colleges across the UK.
It should serve as a timely reminder for current 5th years to start planning now.
Timing and tests
For current 6th years who haven’t yet started, that October 15 deadline cannot realistically be met.
The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test), a prerequisite for Medicine and Dentistry assessing reasoning, decision-making, and situational judgment, closed for registration in mid-September, with the final testing day on September 26.
Current 5th years, however, have a real advantage. They can use this school year to research, draft their personal statement, and explore UCAS in depth.
Treating this year as a practice run means that by next autumn, you’ll be ready to meet that early deadline with confidence.
The good news for 6th years is that there is still plenty of time to meet the January deadline. However, start planning now.
You will need time to explore all that is on offer; nominate a referee for an academic reference; and write your personal statement.
Changes to personal statement
This year brings significant updates to the personal-statement process.
While applicants still write a 4,000-character essay explaining their motivation, skills and suitability, UCAS is bringing in a new structured format that replaces the traditional free-form essay with three guiding questions:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course?
- What else have you done outside education to prepare, and why are these experiences useful?
See here for detailed guidance and examples of how to approach these questions.
Interviews, tests and the MSAT exam
Another key difference between UCAS and CAO is that many UK universities require interviews or specific admission tests. As noted, the UCAT is required for Medical and Dental programmes.
Students applying for Ulster University’s Department of Health NI (DFH) funded courses – Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiotherapy, Radiography, Podiatry, Speech and Language Therapy – will need to take the MSAT Ulster exam in March 2026.
Introduced last year, this test is now a standard requirement. A separate article on these free-fee courses will follow in the coming weeks.
Finance and fees
Finance is another major difference between UCAS and CAO. In Irish universities (excluding private institutions), the 2026/2027 student contribution fee is set at €2,500.
In England, Scotland and Wales tuition fees are typically £9,535 per year, while in Northern Ireland they are significantly lower at £4,855 per year.
Irish students are granted “home fee” status, meaning they pay the same fees as UK students.
Another attractive feature is that Irish students may avail of a student finance/loan scheme to cover tuition fees (https://www.gov.uk/get-undergraduate-student-loan).
The loan does not need to be repaid until the graduate earns above approximately €30,000 per year.
Repayments are income-based (typically 9% of earnings above that threshold), and pause automatically during unemployment or further study. Parental income is not considered in the loan calculation.
For students eligible for SUSI, maintenance grants can travel with you. While SUSI will not pay tuition fees abroad, it can provide living-cost support (https://www.susi.ie/).
Some universities, especially in healthcare, also offer bursaries or fee waivers in return for post-graduation service within the UK health system.
Accommodation
The accommodation situation is easier too. Across the UK there isn’t the same shortage of on-campus or off campus housing, and in Northern Ireland Ulster University guarantees campus accommodation for first years who have made Ulster their “Firm Choice” (see here).
Choosing courses
The next major task is deciding what and where to study. UCAS lists almost 32,000 degree courses across the UK.
A great place to start is the UCAS course search, where you can filter by subject, location, and entry-point requirements.
With the exception of Northern Ireland, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the exact Leaving Cert grade requirements. Some universities list conversion points; others don’t.
However, UK admissions teams are generally very responsive to queries from Irish students.
As with CAO courses, review individual modules carefully when comparing degrees.
Then look at location. For Northern Ireland the choice is relatively simple, there’s Ulster University with campuses in Derry, Coleraine and Belfast; and Queen’s University in Belfast.
But for England, Scotland and Wales get out the map. Make use of the UCAS Location Guide. Research cost and ease of travelling back to Ireland.
Look at what facilities the university offers, and at facilities, clubs and societies. Talk to people who are there or who have been there. Make use of the UCAS Student Chat tool to speak with students currently attending your universities of interest.
And of course, make sure your selected courses tie in with your chosen Leaving Cert subjects and predicted grades.
Final thoughts
In summary, don’t dismiss the idea of going to college in the UK. Yes, it takes effort, but that effort can pay big dividends. Start now. Let your school know early.
School personnel will not be able to put required documentation together overnight. Request references, work on your personal statement. Do not miss the application deadline of 6pm, January 14, 2026.
This is a very handy UCAS application guide.
Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Follow on Instagram for regular updates and reminders about all things careers, or head over to the website to book a personalised guidance session.
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