In 2025, 213 students from Northern Ireland began university courses in the Republic of Ireland. The prior year saw 190 such students. These figures emerged at Stormont's economy committee.

Claire, 18, from St Ronan's College in Lurgan, plans to study building surveying at Dundalk Institute of Technology. She found the application process very difficult with limited guidance on using the website, which seemed outdated.

Tiarnan, also 18 from the same school, faced issues with evidence requirements in the Republic's process. He chose Ulster University's Coleraine campus instead, noting simpler applications for northern universities.

Sean, 18, from St Ronan's, considered Dundalk but opted for a higher level apprenticeship in construction management in Northern Ireland. He cited the two-week earlier A-level results timing and high housing costs as factors.

Olivia Geoghegan, careers teacher at St Ronan's College, said students avoid risking confirmed UK places for later Republic offers. Students prefer sorted accommodation and planning.

Cathal Ó hÉigeartaigh from Belfast, a civil engineering student at University of Galway, found Republic application information scarce in school. He learned the Central Applications Office process independently and ranked preferences without a personal statement.

Prof Stephen Byrne from University College Cork told assembly members barriers include offer timing, living costs, and place availability. UK universities issue conditional offers months earlier, while Republic ones wait for Leaving Cert results.