As the CAO deadline for third level college places on the 1st February approaches, there are many factors for students to consider when filling out the CAO form and deciding on the shape of their future careers. IT Tralee has always been a popular choice for students from the greater Munster region and from all over Ireland, for many years now, mainly due to the multiple choices in high quality internationally recognised and accredited qualifications.

With a range of 51 CAO courses up to honours degree level to choose from there is something to suit all passions and ambitions, with 82% of graduates of IT Tralee employed in industry or pursuing further studies by October following graduation.

"IT Tralee values career prospects and progression. Excellent student to staff ratios mean that students receive that important personal attention from lecturers and course co-ordinators. At IT Tralee you are not just a number, you are part of a concise, tight knit, world-class community that values independent thinking and fosters academic scholarship, along with diversity and a fulfilling student experience.  With over 70 nationalities on campus and 100 international partner institutes, courses offered at IT Tralee range from Business and Computing to Agricultural Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, Nursing and Health and Leisure. Nowadays experience in industry is more valuable than ever and the majority of the 51 courses offered through the CAO include a work placement module that gives students the opportunity to gain essential industry experience and be work-ready, with many securing placements both nationally and internationally’ said President of IT Tralee, Dr. Oliver Murphy.

Dr. Murphy went on to outline that while study is a crucial aspect of student life, there are considerable lifestyle perks in choosing IT Tralee when deciding what path to take. Students and surfers can get from campus to the picturesque coast in just 10 minutes, enjoying some of the longest beaches and world famous surf spots on the west coast of Ireland. ‘Meeting and conversing with new people, many from different cultures, and making new friends, is all part of education for life, and IT Tralee has over 70 clubs and societies that students can get involved in. GAA is just one of the many sports played in the Kingdom and the importance of physical activity is a vital aspect to IT Tralee’s spirit. Sport plays a huge role in student life at IT Tralee, with over 30 sport clubs on offer and plans for a dedicated €15m sports academy opening in 2017,’ said President Murphy.

Lastly, President Murphy is keen to address the cost implications for families when sending their young adults to college. 

‘Parents and students will be glad to hear that the cost of living in Tralee is significantly lower than Dublin (50% less) and Limerick or Cork (25% less). There is a whole host of affordable, high quality student accommodation available here, all within walking distance of IT Tralee North and South campus and the many amenities that Tralee town and its hinterland has to offer.  This is surely an important factor when weighing up options’ he said.

For more information on the opportunities that studying at IT Tralee has to offer, and for queries from parents or students interested in knowing more, please visit www.ittralee.ie. Applications should be made via the CAO at www.cao.ie before 5.15pm on Monday 1st February 2016.