Summary
CAO offers direct entry to university/IT courses based on Leaving Certificate points. PLC (Post Leaving Certificate) courses are 1-2 year further education programmes that provide vocational training and can serve as an alternative pathway to higher education through reserved places and QQI links schemes.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | CAO (Direct Entry) | PLC Course |
|---|---|---|
| Duration to degree | 3-4 years | 4-5 years (1-2 PLC + 3 degree) |
| Entry requirement | CAO points | Leaving Certificate (any level) |
| Cost | Free fees + €3,000 student contribution | Usually free or low cost |
| Qualification | NFQ Level 6/7/8 | NFQ Level 5 or 6 (QQI) |
| Class size | Often 100+ in lectures | Usually 15-30 |
| Assessment style | Mainly exams | Continuous assessment + projects |
| SUSI grant | Yes | Yes (for eligible courses) |
What is CAO Entry?
The CAO (Central Applications Office) is the standard route to higher education in Ireland. Students apply with their Leaving Certificate points and are offered places based on their results and course preferences.
- Direct entry to degree - faster to graduate
- Full university experience from day one
- Wider range of course options
- No need for additional applications
- Competitive - requires sufficient points
- Large class sizes in many courses
- Less hands-on, more academic focus
- Higher student contribution fee
What is a PLC Course?
PLC (Post Leaving Certificate) courses are further education programmes offered by colleges of further education throughout Ireland. They provide practical, vocational training and can be a stepping stone to higher education.
- No CAO points required
- Smaller classes, more support
- Continuous assessment (fewer exams)
- Practical, hands-on learning
- Often free or low cost
- Reserved places in some higher ed courses
- Adds 1-2 years to reach degree
- Limited course selection compared to CAO
- Progression not guaranteed
- Not all PLCs have higher education links
How PLC Leads to Higher Education
Leaving Cert
Any result
PLC Course
1-2 years
QQI Level 5/6
Distinctions = more options
Higher Education
Via reserved places or CAO
Progression Routes
- Reserved Places: Many higher education courses reserve a percentage of places for QQI/FETAC applicants. These are often less competitive than CAO entry.
- QQI Links Scheme: Specific PLC courses link directly to degree programmes. Strong results (distinctions) can secure a place.
- CAO with QQI Points: QQI results can be converted to CAO points (max ~400), usable alongside or instead of Leaving Cert results.
Which Path Should You Choose?
- • You have the points for your preferred course
- • You're ready for the university environment
- • You want to complete your degree faster
- • Your course has no equivalent PLC pathway
- • You prefer exam-based assessment
- • You didn't get the points you needed
- • You want to try a subject before committing to a degree
- • You prefer smaller classes and more support
- • You learn better through practical work
- • You want time to mature before university
- • Cost is a significant factor