Students who did not accept a first-round CAO offer are being told there are other avenues into third level education.

The deadline for the first round passed on Friday, with the second round opening on Wednesday.

The CAO says there’s also the ‘Available Places’ facility – which contains courses that have spaces available and no more offers to hand out.

Communications officer Eileen Keleghan says a number of courses are already listed on the CAO website under the scheme:

“Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements for an ‘Available Places’ course but they can ignore the previously published points for these courses.

“There is a list of almost 200 courses available on the CAO website at the moment,” she explained.

People who have not already applied to the CAO, have the opportunity to attend college at Waterford IT this September through the ‘Available Places’ scheme.

Applicants and non-applicants of this year’s CAO, are eligible to apply to one of four courses in Arts, Engineering, IT and business.

The scheme is ideal for those who have not applied for a course or those who have their courses in the wrong order of preference.

Outreach Officer with WIT is John Power

“It’s a second chance for students to apply for courses they may not have considered.

“They may have considered other courses in the same discipline area.

“This is giving them a second chance to start college in September with everyone else and they don’t get left behind.”

John Power says there are four courses in the areas of Arts, Engineering, IT and Business.

“To give students broad-entry courses that they can go on and specialise afterwards.

“They don’t need to make their final decision, in some instances, students will have a year or two years to make up their minds fully.

“With the level six and seven courses, there is the option to progress to honours degree courses with ourselves.”

For more information visit see WIT.ie/availableplaces