Sinn Féin Spokespeople for Further and Higher Education Pádraig Delargy MLA and Donna McGettigan TD have welcomed further progress in providing equivalence in A-Level – Leaving Certificate admissions processes ahead of the 2025/26 academic year.
Teachta McGettigan said:
“This amendment to admissions processes is a significant step forward in opening opportunities for northern students to attain a university degree at institutions across Ireland.
“These changes are to be welcomed and will create parity for all in terms of admissions.
“Previous arrangements created inequalities for northern students in terms of having their grades recognised equally in points systems and admissions processes. The changes for the upcoming year help address that imbalance and in doing so will improve cross border student mobility.”
Speaking on this Pádraig Delargy MLA said:
“I welcome confirmation from Universities Ireland that the CAO process will be amended to improve access and open opportunities for A-Level students to access University courses in the south.
“This will be done through creating greater fairness and parity between those who complete A-levels and the Leaving Certs in admission processes.
“Going forward A-Level students will be given an equivalent 25 bonus points similar to Leaving Cert students when they complete a Maths A-Level. Furthermore, students will also have a fourth AS-level recognised so they can attain 600 admission points regardless of whether they drop that AS-level before they complete their A2’s.
“Sinn Féin has long called for these changes to be made so that northern students stand a fair chance to access courses and opportunities in universities in the south.
“With A-level students currently evaluating their options for the new academic year, my focus will be on lobbying the Department of Education and ensuring that students have the necessary information and guidance required to apply for courses through the Central Admissions Office process.
“Student mobility across the island is extremely important and students should have the necessary information and opportunities in order to apply for courses throughout the island.”
More information this can be found here; https://www.cao.ie/
