TU Dublin is Ireland’s most applied-to university as record CAO demand highlights growing appeal of practice-based education

Published: Friday 21 August 2026 - 14:16

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TU Dublin has experienced its highest-ever level of CAO demand since the University’s formation, with more than 30,000 applicants applying for one or more programmes for the 2026/27 academic year and 109,703 mentions of TU Dublin programmes on CAO forms, making it the most applied-to higher education institution in Ireland.

A total of 30,377 applicants applied to study at TU Dublin, representing an increase of 3,416 applicants compared with 2025 – a year-on-year growth of 12.7%. This marks the second-highest increase in applicant numbers among any higher education institution in Ireland this year.

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The University also saw strong growth in programme mentions, with TU Dublin programmes receiving 109,703 mentions on CAO applications across Level 6/7 and Level 8 programmes. This represents an increase of 16,316 mentions compared with 2025, a growth of 17.5% - the largest year-on-year increase of any higher education institution in Ireland.

TU Dublin also made 2,333 Round Zero offers to 1,844 CAO applicants earlier this month, representing 26% or just over one in four of all Round Zero offers made nationwide. The Round Zero process applies to applicants who are not competing with those awaiting their 2026 Leaving Certificate results, including mature and QQI applicants.

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The continued growth in applications reflects the increasing appeal of TU Dublin’s distinctive approach to higher education, where academic excellence is combined with practical experience, industry engagement and a strong focus on student success.

Speaking about the strong CAO performance, President of TU Dublin, Dr Deirdre Lillis, said:

“With more than 30,000 prospective students applying to TU Dublin and over 109,000 programme mentions on CAO forms this year, this is a significant milestone for the University. It reflects the growing demand for an education that combines academic excellence, practical experience and strong links to industry.

Our practice-based approach combines academic learning with real-world experience, giving students the skills, confidence and industry engagement they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

We pride ourselves on our distinctive focus on practice-based learning; the record level of CAO interest is a strong endorsement of this approach and the opportunities it provides for students to prepare for successful careers.”

TU Dublin University Registrar, Dr Dominic Dillane, said:

“Student success is at the heart of TU Dublin. We want our students to graduate not only with the knowledge associated with their chosen discipline, but also with the practical skills, experience, and confidence to progress successfully into employment and further study.

Our strong links with industry and professional communities, combined with the academic, personal and wellbeing support we provide, help create an environment where students can thrive and prepare for their future careers.

The strength of our graduate outcomes reflects this approach. The HEA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024 shows that 70% of TU Dublin undergraduate Level 8 graduates are in full-time employment, the highest rate in Dublin, while 77% of taught postgraduate graduates have secured full-time roles, also the highest in Dublin.

The record CAO demand we are seeing is a strong endorsement of the opportunities available at TU Dublin and of the value students place on an education that prepares them for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.”

The strong demand for TU Dublin programmes reflects the University’s unique position as Ireland’s largest technological university, offering a broad portfolio of courses across areas such as engineering, computing, business, science, arts, hospitality, tourism, media, health, sport, and the performing arts.

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TU Dublin has introduced three innovative programmes for students seeking future-focused career opportunities. The flexible four-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (TU980) allows students to explore a wide range of subjects while developing skills in critical thinking, creativity, communication and adaptability.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Design (TU841) prepares students for careers in Ireland’s world-leading medical technology sector, combining technical skills with design, innovation and emerging technologies. The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Health Informatics (TU848) combines computing, data science, AI and healthcare, equipping graduates with the skills to support the continued digital transformation of healthcare.

TU Dublin’s close links with industry and professional communities ensure that programmes remain responsive to the needs of society and the economy, providing students with opportunities to develop the skills, experience and networks that support successful careers.

Prospective students interested in applying to TU Dublin in 2027 can visit the University’s CAO Hub for information on upcoming events, application guidance and opportunities to explore their study options.