Pictures/ DKIT
Dundalk Institute of Technology has welcomed a new cohort of first-year students to campus, with almost 1,500 registrations recorded to date for the 2026/27 academic year.
DkIT says its first-year intake has increased this year, driven by a combination of higher application levels and an increase in the number of places offered by the Institute.
Overall CAO applications to DkIT rose by more than 20%, according to the college.
Programmes including Biopharmaceutical Science and Arts recorded increased demand, while several new computing courses also proved popular with incoming students.
New computing courses attract students
Among the new programmes available for 2026 are courses in Computing in Cybersecurity and Computing Infrastructure, and Computing in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
DkIT offers both Level 7 and Level 8 routes in these areas, with the programmes beginning this September.
The Institute also reported strong demand for programmes in the Built Environment, including Quantity Surveying and Architectural Technology.
Biopharmaceutical Science was another area to see increased interest. DkIT’s Level 8 programme includes practical laboratory work and industry-focused training, with work placement included as part of the course.
More students progressing from Further Education
DkIT also reported a significant increase in the number of students progressing from Further Education into third-level courses.
This includes, for the first time, students progressing from Louth and Meath ETB and Cavan and Monaghan ETB into first year of Intellectual Disability Nursing at the Institute.
The growth in Further Education progression provides another route into higher education for students across the North East and neighbouring counties.
New students welcomed to campus
First-year students recently attended two days of induction at DkIT’s Dundalk campus.
The programme gave students the opportunity to take part in guided campus tours and hear from staff and the Students’ Union about academic, welfare and support services available during their studies.
DkIT’s first-year registration process is currently underway for the 2026/27 academic year, with registration and induction information being issued to students following each round of CAO offers.
DkIT President Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan welcomed the new students.
“It is wonderful to see such a buzz on campus, with so many new students ready to take on a variety of courses in their chosen areas,” he said.
“I wish you all success and happiness at DkIT and look forward to hearing what you all accomplish in your time here with us and beyond.”
