Third-level education in the Republic of Ireland

Quality and Qualifications Ireland, a State agency, can grant awards in other institutions directly, or delegate the authority to do so.

[1] The King's Inns of Dublin has a limited role in education specialising in the preparation of candidates for the degree of barrister-at-law to practice as barristers.

In contrast to practice in the rest of the education system, entry tends to be highly competitive for school leavers; the so-called "Points Race" administered by the Central Applications Office (CAO).

In 2001 the percentage of school leavers transferring to third level exceeded 50% for the first time, while as of 2005 it was in excess of 55% and expected to grow at approximately 1% per annum for the next decade.

Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge is the Irish language Department of the University of Galway and it has different off-campus centres throughout the Gaeltacht regions.

All but two of the eleven universities in Ireland offer "open" (omnibus entry) Bachelor of Arts degrees through the CAO where the student can choose their specialisation after their first year of study.

The two universities that do not offer "open" (omnibus entry) arts degrees, Trinity College Dublin and DCU, do still offer Bachelor of Arts degrees in specific areas of study such as Drama Studies, Journalism, Latin, History, Japanese, and International Relations.

Some also require a pass grade in a modern continental European language (French, German, Spanish or Italian).

With the outcome of the Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom in 2016, Ireland has grown substantially in popularity for international students[5] wanting to study higher education level degrees there.

Further education has expanded immensely in recent years helped by the institutions, and because of this the type and range of these awards have been formalised to restore confidence.

[citation needed] There are a number of schemes enabling progression for holders of QQI awards to universities and institutes of technology.

President Michael D. Higgins believes that it is due to grade inflation, and has expressed concern about the continued quality and value of university degrees.

Whatever the reason might be, employers increasingly examine graduates' extracurricular activities, work experiences, and soft skills as they search for the most able applicants.