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Representing the University at this event was the Market Engagement Team, who showcased our commitment to strengthening ties with prospective students from the Republic of Ireland.

The event, organised by The Irish Times, attracted 30,000 students, primarily Leaving Cert and Post-Leaving Cert students, over three days. With over 150 exhibitors, including every major Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Ireland and more than 20 UK HEIs, Higher Options is the most prominent recruitment platform for Irish students planning their academic futures. For Ulster University, the team was able to engage meaningfully with the thousands of students exploring their options.

During the event, the Irish Minister for Higher and Further Education, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., visited the University’s stand and met with the team to discuss student mobility across the island of Ireland.

Anthony McGrath, Head of Market Engagement, said:

"Our participation in this year’s event was met with great enthusiasm from prospective students, with many expressing keen interest in our diverse range of programmes and campus offerings. “As we look ahead to next year’s Higher Options in September 2025, Ulster University will continue to build on this momentum, ensuring we remain a top choice for students from across Ireland seeking a high-quality university education.”

Conán Meehan, Student Outreach Recruitment Officer (responsible for schools in Leinster), added:

“The annual Higher Options exhibition presents an extraordinary opportunity for us to engage with the massive pool of Leaving Cert and Further Education students the Republic offers. More than 60,000 students sat their Leaving Certificate exams in 2024, representing a huge opportunity for Ulster University to maximise our recruitment across our campuses and courses, while diversifying our student demographic.”

Find out more:

The Market Engagement team at Ulster University is responsible for all aspects of direct engagement with prospective students at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels.

For more information, visit https://www.ulster.ac.uk/departments/strategy-and-finance/academic-business-development/market-engagement

If you have any further queries, contact Anthony McGrath by email to a.mcgrath@ulster.ac.uk