As CAO applications continue to grow year on year, the 2026 cycle is showing clear trends in what subjects Irish students are prioritising, offering useful insight for prospective applicants, careers advisers, and third-level institutions alike.
The latest Central Applications Office figures show a significant rise in the number of students applying for third-level places, with total applications up by around 8.5 % compared with the previous year. This increase reflects both demographic changes and renewed interest in higher education pathways overall.
Health-related degrees remain the standout choice among CAO applicants, with thousands of students listing programmes like nursing, medicine, dentistry and physiotherapy among their preferences. Health subjects not only attracted the highest volume of mentions overall, but also saw strong growth in first preferences , reflecting both persistent workforce demand and student interest in caring professions.
Significant increases were also recorded in nursing and allied health courses at some universities, with notable jumps in CAO points requirements and first preference figures.
Alongside the increase in health courses, agriculture and veterinary programmes are also trending upwards. There has been a measurable increase in the number of students selecting agricultural science and veterinary courses as first preferences, showing growing interest in areas ranging from animal care to sustainable food production.
This shift suggests that beyond traditional academic pathways, students are increasingly recognising the value and career opportunities in sectors tied to both science and rural economies.
Irish applicants are showing enthusiasm for STEM subjects too. Mathematics and statistics applications are up significantly, while engineering and architecture continue to attract robust interest.
In the business and social sciences sphere, courses in economics, business administration, law and related disciplines remain popular choices, often featuring strongly in first-preference lists at many institutions.
While health, STEM and professional-oriented programmes dominate the overall picture, arts, social sciences and interdisciplinary courses continue to maintain strong appeal. This diversity in preferences indicates that many students are embracing the flexibility and breadth of options offered across the Irish higher education landscape.
With rising demand, CAO points requirements have shifted for many courses. For example, some courses, particularly at high-demand institutions, have seen points rise sharply, reflecting increased competition for places.
This makes strategic choice ordering and having a balanced range of options more important than ever for students preparing for CAO offers.
Overall, the CAO trends for 2026 show a clear prioritisation of practical, career-oriented programmes (such as health, veterinary and STEM) alongside enduring interest in business, arts and interdisciplinary studies. With overall application numbers rising and competition gathering pace, students are encouraged to plan carefully:
Balance aspirational choices with realistic backup options
Research entry requirements early and align them with Leaving Cert strategy
Consider emerging sectors where demand (and future careers) is growing
