First preference applications to veterinary medicine courses have risen by 75% this year, according to the Central Applications Office (CAO).

A total of 88,817 applications were received by the CAO by the February 1 deadline – an increase of 5,393 applicants or 6.5% on the previous year.

The data shows that interest in Level 8 agriculture courses increased by 15% to 1,926 applications, compared to 1,668 in the previous year.

However, the number of applicants selecting these courses as their first preference has dropped by 10% to 303.

3,890 applications were made for Level 8 veterinary courses, which is up by 96% on 2025 (1,982 applications).

1,443 applicants selected these courses as their first preference, which is up 53% on the previous year (945).

CAO

According to the CAO, there were 2,692 applications for veterinary medicine, up almost 200% on the 902 applications last year.

1,082 applicants have selected veterinary medicine as a first preference, up 75% on the 2025 figure (618).

The surge reflects an increase in options to study veterinary medicine in this country from this year.

Two new vet schools at South East Technological University (SETU) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will create an additional 80 places annually.

Applications

The CAO noted that interest in interdisciplinary programmes and qualifications involving agriculture, forestry, and veterinary was up 3% with 2,198 applications.

However, interest in Level 6 and 7 in agriculture courses is down 10% this year to 1,294 applications. There were 481 first preference applications for these courses, down 9% on 2025.

The interest in level 6 or 7 courses in veterinary increased by 18% with 3,210 applicants, of which 1,115 were first preferences.

Most CAO applicants will be permitted to use the Change of Mind facility when it opens on May 5 to add, remove, or re-order course choices.

Late applications are also being accepted up to 5:00p.m on May 1.