Figures show just over 73,000 third-level applications were made to the CAO this year - slightly up on last year.

It's an increase of 391 people (around 0.5%) compared to 2018 figures.

There's been an 8% drop in the number of over 23s applying.

Applications from Northern Ireland and Britain, meanwhile are down 18% and 13% respectively.

DCU said they've seen a "steady rise" in applications for STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), humanities and language-related courses

The CAO stresses that their own figures are subject to change due to both late applications and the 'change of mind' facility.

Eileen Keleghan, communications officer for the CAO, explained: “The majority of CAO applicants will be permitted to use the change of mind facility when it opens on 6 May to add, remove or re-order course choices, which will result in changes to the figures released today.

“Late applications are also being accepted up to 1 May at 5:15pm."

She added: “All CAO applicants will receive a Statement of Application Record before the end of May. This Statement will contain details of important information held on file for an applicant - including course choices and examination details.

"Any errors or omissions identified in this document must be communicated to CAO immediately."

CAO applicants can access the change of mind facility between May 6th and July 1st.