Getting into college with a PLC (the QQI/FET links scheme, explained)
You do a one-year PLC in a further education college, finish the full award, then apply through the CAO by 1 February. You are scored on your PLC results instead of Leaving Cert points, and you compete for the places the college keeps for PLC applicants.
What you actually do
- 1Look up the degree you want and check which PLC courses that college accepts, by name and award code.
- 2Enrol on one of those PLC courses in a college near you, usually starting in September.
- 3Complete the full award. Not some modules, all of them.
- 4Apply through the CAO by 1 February, listing the degree as normal, and tick that you hold a QQI award.
- 5You are scored on your PLC results and offered one of the places set aside for this route.
The dates that matter
CAO applications close 1 February. Late applications close 1 May at a higher fee.
The hard part, said plainly
Two thirds of colleges do not publish how many places they set aside, so you cannot know the odds in advance. Some want five distinctions, and a few want them all in one sitting, which means repeating a single module can put you out.
Courses you can get into this way
0 courses in our 2026 research set have this route. Type a course or college to narrow it down.
Questions students ask about this route
Can I get into college with a QQI Level 5?
Yes, if you complete the full award. You apply through the CAO and are scored on your PLC results rather than Leaving Cert points, for the places reserved for PLC applicants.
Do I need distinctions?
Often yes. Many courses require a set number of distinctions, and competitive courses fill on distinctions alone. Check the course page for the exact requirement.
Does a PLC cost anything?
Usually a course charge of around €200 plus the €200 student contribution, waived for medical card holders and many social welfare recipients. SUSI grants apply.