‘After a summer of unemployment, there was a massive change in my life’
‘What I learn in college becomes real for me during my working week’ – ATI apprentice Niall McClave
Open Days
Articles, news and guidance on college courses and open days
What to focus on at college open days
Key to moving to higher or further education is to concentrate on curriculum content, college facilities and accommodation or public transport
College open days 2025/26: Key details for NCI, NCAD, technological universities and other institutions
What to know and what to expect at open days around the country
When are university open days taking place?
Here are the key dates and what to expect at Ireland’s university open days
What questions should a prospective third-level student ask?
Going to college open days can help you figure out what might suit your student life
Returning to education: ‘I dreamed of doing more but those dreams seemed out of reach’
Demand for adult education is rising, yet resources are shrinking, says AONTAS
FET: a pathway to endless opportunities for students
Further education and training offers school-leavers a wide selection of career-focused choices
Finding the perfect fit: What type of third level would best suit me?
There are multiple types of third-level institutions to be considered, but how do they differ?
University open days: when they take place and what makes each university unique
Key details about 2024-2025 open days for UCC, UCD, TCD, UL, Maynooth University, University of Galway, DCU and RCSI
Open days at technological universities and other higher education institutions: everything you need to know
Key details about 2024-2025 open days for National College of Ireland, St Patrick’s University, IADT, NCAD, Munster Technological University and more
What to focus on during college Open Days
Do your homework first. Open days offer prospective students a valuable opportunity to get a flavour of college life
‘I really wanted to proceed from nursing to veterinary medicine’
How I got here: Olga Keenan on signing up for UCD’s Access course and entering veterinary medicine
Attending a third-level college open day? Do your homework first
Open days offer prospective students a valuable opportunity to get a flavour of college life
College open days: 10 tips to help you prepare
Advice to help ensure you make a well-informed decision about where and what to study
Open days: A selection from Ireland’s technological universities
When is open day? What will it look like? Key information about 2023-2024 open days
Sample questions you could ask during open day
Open days offer a valuable opportunity for students to explore their higher education options
Open Day advice: what to do on a university tour
Most college open days include workshops on subjects such as admissions and scholarships
‘I knew accountancy as a profession was somewhere I wanted to end up’
How I got here: Paul Hurley is participating in the Accounting Technicians Apprenticeship programme
Parents who attend open days are ‘in a good position to help their child’
If a parent or guardian is attending an open day with their child, agree to the ground rules first
Attending an open day? Do your homework first
Open days let you gauge how good a fit your course and college choice will be
How to select the right college for you
Consider many factors, including course content, college location and student life
CAO countdown: The dos and don’ts of supporting your child’s course choices
Third-level education is not the only route and having an open mind is key
Parental guidance: Should you be involved in open days?
Here is what to consider before deciding whether to go along when colleges throw open their doors to prospective students
What to ask on open day
Make sure you take full advantage of open days by asking as many questions as possible
Selection of open days in universities around the country
When is open day? What will it look like? Key information about 2022-2023 open days
Selection of open days in technological universities around the country
When is open day? What will it look like? Key information about 2022-2023 open days
Clubs and societies are important for a well-rounded education
Clubs, societies and other student activities can enhance the college experience
Other institutions: All you need to know about open days
A diverse range of courses are on offer for prospective students
Don’t focus on one course: be open to whatever is out there
While some students will want to follow their heart, their choice should be based on research and likely realistic outcomes
Open Days: Should you bring your parents?
This year, you can’t leave them at home but they will still be interested in what you do
Higher Options 2020: What you can expect from the virtual experience
We asked Janet Stafford of Higher Options what the expo will look like this year
What’s left of the social side? Discover all you can
For many students, the social side of college life sometimes eclipses academic life
How much can you learn about a college from a virtual tour?
Virtual tours explained: Different third-levels are taking different approaches
Questions students should ask at Higher Options
It is always worthwhile for prospective students to take some time to do some groundwork before attending Higher Options or a third level open day.
Selection of open days in universities around the country
When is open day? What will it look like? Key information about 2020-2021 open days
Going beyond the prospectus: The very real value of open days
Open days offer prospective students a unique opportunity to sample life on campus
Everything you need to know about Ireland’s institutes of technology
Life on campus: here is what the country’s IoTs have to offer
Choosing a course? Do your homework first
Open days give you a great chance to gauge how good a fit your course and college choice will be
Brian Mooney’s 10 things to consider about college open days
What you need to know to make sure you take full advantage of your open day opportunity
What Ireland’s specialist third-level institutions have to offer
Life on campus: Institutions around the country offer a diverse range of course options for prospective students
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
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Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices