Growing demand for university places across ATU’s nine campuses

September 16, 2026

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has seen a strong increase in CAO acceptances as many students choose to pursue their higher education locally. This year, there have been more than 5,200 CAO acceptances at the university, with CAO intake seeing growing demand across a diverse range of programmes.

Photograph shows a large group of students walking through a brightly lit college corridor. Students carry books, drinks and bags, while green-and-black striped flooring, green-framed doors and directional signs create a busy campus scene.

Interest continues to be seen in disciplines such as education, health sciences, design and creative industries, science, social sciences, business, computing, engineering, agriculture, and humanities. After Round 2 of CAO offers, acceptances were up by 9.5% compared to 2025, with further rounds of offers yet to come.

The positive trend demonstrates growing recognition among prospective students of the quality, relevance, and accessibility of university education available throughout the region.

ATU continues to support learners across a range of entry pathways, including CAO entry, apprenticeships, access programmes, and other flexible routes, emphasising its role in serving communities, supporting regional growth, and widening participation in higher education.

With campuses embedded in communities across the region, the university continues to provide opportunities for students to access world-class education while remaining connected to their families, local networks, and communities.

Demand has also been supported by a number of new and emerging programme offerings, including areas such as cybersecurity, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and veterinary medicine and surgery.

In addition, ATU continues to expand its apprenticeship provision and has welcomed significant numbers of apprentices across a range of programmes and sectors in recent weeks, including apprenticeships in Quantity Surveying and Civil Engineering.

Students are increasingly choosing to study close to home, benefiting from smaller class sizes, strong student support services, industry engagement opportunities, and access to a high-quality university education within their region.

This year’s figures demonstrate growing confidence in the university’s mission to deliver academic excellence while addressing the needs of students, industry, and society.

Dr Billy Bennett, Registrar & Chief Academic Officer, commented, “The strength of this year’s intake reflects the breadth and relevance of our academic offering and the dedication of our staff across the university. We are seeing exceptional demand across programmes in health, education, science, design, social sciences, engineering, business and many other disciplines that prepare graduates to become career-ready professionals and make meaningful contributions to society. We are proud to provide opportunities that enable students to realise their ambitions while supporting the continued development and prosperity of our communities and economy.”

Fiona Kelly, Marketing Manager at ATU, added, “The strong CAO intake is a clear indication of the strength of our reputation and the confidence that students, families and educators have in the education and experience we offer across all campuses. It is particularly encouraging to see more students than ever choosing to study locally and recognising that they can access an outstanding university education within their own region. Our campuses are deeply connected to the communities they serve, and this year’s demand highlights the value students place on those connections.”

The university will welcome its newest cohort of students this week, supporting them as they begin their academic journeys. Their decision to choose one of ATU’s nine campuses strengthens not only the institution itself but also the communities and regions it serves.