WIT News

As students nationwide consider their CAO offers this week, Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) is rising to the challenge of the country’s economic circumstances by announcing an increase in the number of offers available to students wishing to study at WIT.

WIT Registrar Dr Derek O’Byrne said: “This year, we are delighted to be able to offer more opportunities to students nationwide who wish to study at third level. In fact, WIT has seen an eleven percent increase in the number of offers to students on last year’s figures with over 2,200 students set to come to WIT when term begins in September.” In addition WIT is offering two new programmes for first year entry, in sustainable engineering and business with Irish, which also increases opportunities in critical areas of employment and future skills needs.

“It is important for the region that WIT rises to the challenge of building a sustainable knowledge base of students ready to take their place in the knowledge economy when the economy recovers. It is very encouraging that we can do this, particularly at a time when unemployment is rising and there are fewer opportunities for young people starting their careers. It’s crucial that we make third level education more accessible to students who are vital to the development of our smart economy, and we are delighted to be taking in additional students in response to these difficult times.”

“While we hope students get their preferred courses, in some cases there may be some who are disappointed. Even if you don’t get your preference, remember you also have plenty of other opportunities.” says Dr O’Byrne. “Check out the vacant places lists from other colleges, which are published on the CAO website. Also don't discount the various routes through FETAC or PLC routes that in many cases also offer entry to third level. If you are offered a place on a programme and you are not sure whether you want to accept it or not, try discussing the programme with the college concerned, consider visiting the campus and discussing the programme with the admissions team or better still the academic faculty. WIT are organising a drop-in week where potential students can visit the college.”   

First round offers will be made on Monday 23rd August (on www.cao.ie from 6am) and acceptances must be in by the following Monday 30th August. Dr O’Byrne advises students to be available to receive offers this week: “You really need to be available to deal with offers during this week. If you are going to be away from home without internet access, then make sure that there’s someone there who can accept an offer on your behalf.”

For further information on studying at WIT, visit www.wit.ie

New college students should start getting organised as soon as they accept a place. Registration in WIT is on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd September and lectures begin on Monday 6th September. And if you are moving away from home, don’t leave it until you arrive in Waterford to organise accommodation. WIT offers campus accommodation (see www.wit.ie for more information).