More students choosing to study in west and north-west

New CAO 2026 data indicates notable shifts in higher education application patterns across the west and north-west, with emerging trends in both regional and cross-border demand.

The CAO has seen applications increase by 6.46% this year, from 83,424 to 88,817, highlighting a wider shift in student behaviour and demand for accessible pathways into higher education.

In the main ATU catchment counties of Donegal, Sligo, Mayo and Galway, applications rose from 11,408 to 11,866, a 4% increase that aligns with national trends towards expanded participation in higher education. Several counties recorded notable growth: Sligo applications increased by 8.13% and Donegal by 8.92%, both exceeding the national average.

Mayo grew by 4.37% and Galway by 2.11%, indicating sustained demand across the region.

Post-primary progression in the region also points to substantial changes. In Donegal, the proportion of students progressing to higher education within the region rose from 47% in 2022 to 60% in 2024. Similar patterns are emerging in neighbouring counties, suggesting that more school leavers are opting to study closer to home and that regional higher-education participation is strengthening year on year.

National CAO data shows that student interest is particularly strong in several fields related to health and applied sciences, including the three discipline areas where ATU has recently launched new programmes: Veterinary courses recorded a 96% increase in mentions this year, while pharmacy rose by 69% and physiotherapy by 26%.

There has also been an increase in CAO applications from Northern Ireland by 6.68% this year, with British applicants rising by almost 9.5%.

ATU’s own applicant data shows growth in the same period: mentions of ATU programmes from NI addresses increased by 36% between 2024 and 2026, and first-preference applications rose by 74% in the same period.

The university has undertaken targeted engagement work in Northern Ireland, including research on student decision-making and dedicated support from a schools engagement officer.

Commenting on the trends, Dr. Billy Bennett, Registrar and Chief Academic Officer, said: “The CAO data highlights continued growth in higher-education participation in the west and north-west, with more learners opting to remain in their region while accessing a broad range of study options. Across our region, the proportion of students progressing locally has increased significantly over a short period, indicating a meaningful shift in student decision-making.

“We are also seeing increased applications from Northern Ireland, supported by focused school outreach and research into how students make choices about where to study. These findings point to ongoing changes in both regional and cross-border applicant behaviour.”

Jacinta Ryan, admissions manager, said: “Over the last three years, between 75% and 80% of students accepting a place at ATU are being offered their first-preference programme. This consistently high level of alignment between student choice and course allocation further reinforces ATU’s standing as a university of choice, ensuring that the majority of applicants commence their studies in their preferred discipline.”

As participation rates rise, the region appears to be undergoing a structural shift in educational progression, with more students choosing local university options, increased demand for health-related and applied science programmes, and growing cross-border engagement. The CAO figures suggest that these trends are likely to continue to shape higher-education patterns in the west and north-west in the years ahead.