For many students, bonus points for higher-level mathematics can play a decisive role in CAO applications. Understanding how these points work, and why they matter, can help applicants plan their preferences and maximise their chances of gaining a place in their chosen course.
Bonus points are additional CAO points awarded to students who achieve a H6 or higher in higher-level Leaving Certificate mathematics. These points are added on top of the points calculated from the student’s best six subjects, potentially giving a significant boost to their overall score.
Students can receive up to 25 bonus points for higher-level mathematics. For example, if a student earns 85 points from their top six subjects, including a high score in higher-level maths, the additional 25 points could raise their total to 110 points. These bonus points can make a difference for courses with competitive entry points, especially in STEM-related fields, business, and some health sciences.
Bonus points are particularly valuable for mathematics-dependent courses, such as:
Engineering
Computer Science and IT
Actuarial Science
Accounting and Finance
Some science and technology programmes
For these courses, even a small increase in points can improve the likelihood of securing a place, especially in popular programmes at universities with high demand.
While bonus points can be helpful, there are some rules to keep in mind:
Bonus points are only awarded for higher-level mathematics. Ordinary level mathematics does not qualify.
Points for mathematics contribute to the total of the best six subjects, but only up to the maximum of 600 points.
Some courses, particularly those not maths-dependent, may not see a practical advantage from bonus points.
Students who take higher-level maths should consider how bonus points might influence their choice of courses. Including courses where maths is an advantage can make strategic sense, but it’s also important not to rely solely on bonus points to gain entry into competitive programmes.
Bonus maths points are a valuable tool for students aiming for mathematics-intensive or high-demand courses. Understanding how they work allows applicants to make informed decisions, optimise their CAO application strategy, and increase the likelihood of achieving their preferred outcomes.
