Applications & Offers
Q1. How do I apply?
You can apply for your chosen Cavan Institute course online, by clicking “Apply Online” on our homepage. Please note you may apply to some Cavan Institute courses through the CAO system.
Q2. Can I use my school email address on the online application form?
A valid personal email address must be used as most correspondence will be by email. Please don’t use your school email address as you may cease to have access to that address after you leave the school.
Q3. What is the deadline for receipt of applications?
June 1st is the closing date for receipt of applications for first round offers. However, applications will be accepted and processed on courses where places are available following this date and second round offers will be made to eligible applicants who apply after that date.
Q4. How will I know if my application has been received?
You will receive an automatic response to confirm receipt of your application via email once you have clicked submit. If this does not appear in your inbox within two hours, be sure to check your junk mail or spam folder for this response. Please contact admin@cavaninstitute.ie if you have not received an email.
Q.5. Is it possible to check my application after it’s been submitted?
Yes, it’s possible to view your application once it has been submitted but you can’t make changes to it. If you want to make changes, see Q6.
To view your application, open the email from Cavan Institute, acknowledging receipt of your application. It will contain a unique Cavan Institute ID number and password. You can use these to check your application.
Go to our website www.cavaninstitute.ie and click “Apply Online”.
Type this Cavan Institute ID number and the password exactly as they appear on your acknowledgement email. This will bring you to your application where you can view the details you entered on your application.
Q6. How can I fix a mistake I made on my application?
Please contact admin@cavaninstitute.ie outlining the error and this will be fixed for you by our staff. Please include your Cavan Institute ID number 2021xxxx (available on your acknowledgement email).
Q7. I want to change my course choice, is this possible?
If you wish to change either the order of preference of the courses you selected or change your course choice to a new course altogether, please contact us by phone 049 4332633 or email at admin@cavaninstitute.ie outlining your request to transfer.
Please give your name, your Cavan Institute ID number, the course you have currently listed as your first preference and name of your new first choice course. This will be updated for you by our staff.
Q8. Do I have to attend an interview as part of the application process?
Prospective students do not have to attend for interview to obtain a place in Cavan Institute. Non-standard applicants, who do not meet the requirements as set out on our website, may be required to take a language or other form of assessment. All students attend general and class induction on commencement of their course in September.
Q9. The “status” section on my application has changed, what does this mean?
As your application is being processed, the “status” section of your application will change. This status will continue to change according to the progression of your application.
Q10. When will I be offered a place on the PLC course?
Conditional offer letters/emails requesting payment of €50 booking deposit will be issued in March/April for first round offers. This fee is payable in order to secure your place. Please read and follow the instructions carefully on how to pay the booking deposit and upload documents specified in this correspondence. You will also be required to confirm that you wish to accept the course by completing and submitting a short online acceptance form.
Subsequent offers will be made throughout the summer to applicants who applied after 1st June. Please note that waiting lists may apply for late applicants. Cavan Institute has the right to cancel a course at any time if there is insufficient uptake of places.
Q11. I have applied for a degree programme at Cavan Institute, when will I be notified if I was successful in obtaining a place?
As offers of places on degree programmes are made on the basis of points awarded for results in the Leaving Certificate, offers for places on these courses will be made following the CAO offers in August.
FAQ
Entry Requirements
Q12. What are the points for PLC courses at Cavan Institute?
There are no points required for any PLC courses at Cavan Institute. You must simply meet the minimum entry requirements as listed on the course pages.
Q13. What are the points for the degree courses at Cavan Institute?
Degree places are offered on the basis of points awarded for results in the Leaving Certificate. You can find out what points are needed for the particular degree course you’re interested in by visiting that course information page on the relevant Institute of Technology website.
Q14. Do I need to have studied a particular subject in the Leaving Cert in order to be eligible to apply for a place on a PLC course?
In order to obtain a place on a PLC course , you must simply meet the minimum entry requirements as listed on the course pages.
Q15. What is the minimum age I must be in order to apply for a PLC course?
Participants must be at least 16 years of age by the date on which the course starts. They must also have completed one of the following programmes: Leaving Certificate; Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP); Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA); QQI Level 4 major award or equivalent.
Applications will be considered from those aged over 23 who do not have one of the above qualifications but who can demonstrate their capacity to study at Level 5 or Level 6.
Q16. What are the entry requirements for a level 5 PLC course?
The PLC (Post Leaving Certificate) courses on offer in Cavan Institute cater for:
-
students who have completed senior cycle education and require further vocational education and training to enhance their prospects of employment or progression to other studies.
-
adults returning to education who may not have completed the senior cycle but are deemed by the provider to have the necessary competencies and capacity to undertake the programme.
Participants must be at least 16 years of age by the date on which the course starts.
If you are aged under 23, you should have completed one of the following programmes:
-
the Leaving Certificate
-
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)
-
Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)
-
QQI Level 4 major award or equivalent.
Applications will be considered from those aged over 23 who do not have one of the above qualifications but who can demonstrate their capacity to study at level 5.
Some courses such as our degree programmes and courses offered in conjunction with Accounting Technicians Ireland specify additional entry requirements, so it’s important that you familiarise yourself with these details, which you can find on the course pages on this website.
Q17. What are the entry requirements for a level 6 PLC course?
You should have completed a QQI Level 5 award or equivalent in a discipline related to the course you would like to study. We will also give equal consideration to mature applicants (those aged over 23) who do not meet this entry requirement but can demonstrate industry experience.
Fees & Sources of Funding
Q18. How much are the fees for PLC courses at Cavan Institute?
The overall fee payable varies by course, but for all courses, students must pay:
-
€50 booking deposit
-
€200 registration fee
-
€200 Student Contribution PLC Government Levy (refundable to those in receipt of a SUSI grant and medical card holders)
-
€50 QQI exam fee (refundable to medical card holders)
There are other fees relating to your course, e.g., kit, uniform, equipment, so please check the exact “course-specific fee” payable for your course under the “course” tab on our website.
All fees are payable online only, by debit or credit card, or bank transfer (electronic funds transfer). The Institute doesn’t accept cash or cheques.
Q19. Can I pay my fees by cash or cheque?
No. We don’t accept cash or cheques.
Q20. How do I pay my fees to secure my place?
You can pay your fee to secure your place through our website. Access your application details via the Cavan Institute website using your Cavan Institute ID number and password.
You can also pay fees through online banking using the BIC and IBAN numbers for Cavan Institute’s bank account, provided to you on your conditional offer letter.
Q21. Are there any exemptions in relation to payment of fees?
You may be exempt from paying some fees if you are:
-
A Medical Card holder: If you have an in-date medical card, you will be eligible to have the €200 PLC Government Levy and QQI exam fees of €50 refunded to you. Your medical card does not entitle you to exemptions from registration fees, course fees, fees charged by other awarding bodies, etc. In order to verify you are eligible for the PLC Government Levy and QQI exam fees exemption, you must upload a copy of your medical card to your Cavan Institute account using your Cavan Institute ID number and password. Registration fees, course fees and other exam fees (check your course details on the website) are payable by all applicants.
-
In receipt of a SUSI grant: Unlike Universities and Institutes of Technology, your grant exempts you from only the €200 PLC Government Levy. So, if you receive the SUSI grant, you are unfortunately liable for all other fees relating to your course. In order to verify you are eligible for the PLC Government Levy exemption, a copy of your grant approval must be uploaded to your Cavan Institute account using your Cavan Institute ID number and your password.
Q22. I am unemployed/in receipt of a social welfare allowance, am I entitled to any exemptions from fees?
Even if you are unemployed or in receipt of another form of social welfare allowance, all registration fees, course fees and other exam fees are payable to Cavan Institute for PLC courses. You are advised to contact your local Department of Social Protection to enquire about whether you may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance.
You are also advised to apply to SUSI for a grant which would entitle you to an exemption from payment of the €200 Government PLC Levy.
If you are 21 or over, in receipt of Social Welfare payment, you may be eligible for apply for the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS).
If you have an in-date medical card, you will be eligible to have the €200 PLC Government Levy and QQI exam fees of €50 refunded to you. Your medical card does not entitle you to exemptions from registration fees, course fees, fees charged by other awarding bodies, etc.
Q23. I have paid the €200 Government PLC Levy and €50 QQI Fee and I am now eligible to have these fees refunded because of an exemption. How do I claim that refund?
If you have paid all your fees and you are in receipt of the SUSU grant or the Back to Education Allowance, Medical card, or qualified for the VTOS scheme, you are entitled to a refund of either the €200 Government PLC Levy only or both the PLC Levy and the QQI Fee. Use the refund of fees form to request a refund.
Q24. Are the fees refundable if I do not take up my course place?
Refunds are made in respect of the registration fee (€200) plus any other fees paid to Cavan Institute in relation to your course, if you do not take up your place. Please complete a refund of fees form. The €50 booking fee is non-refundable.
Q25. What funding is available for PLC courses?
If you are unemployed, please contact your local Department of Social Protection Office to enquire about whether you may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance.
If you are aged 21 or over and in receipt of a Social Welfare payment, you may be eligible for the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS). You can apply for the VTOS programme here.
The Higher Education Authority website has further information on possible sources of funding.
Registration
Q26. When do I register for my course?
Registration takes place in late August. You will be notified by email of the exact date on which you should register for your course. Please note the registration process may be online or in person. Any Social Welfare, Children's Allowance or other forms that you need to get stamped and signed by college staff can be submitted on this day.
Q27. Why do I need to register with www.fetchcourses.ie?
All applicants are required to register with www.fetchcourses.ie so that you can complete the registration process to assign your Cavan Institute place to you. When you create an account on the FETCH website, please ensure that you use a personal email address (not a school email address). You can create an account at https://www.fetchcourses.ie/account/registration
Q28. I have special/additional educational requirements and need extra support. What supports are available?
Please see our "Student with Disabilities and Special Education Needs Handbook" on our website. Download, complete and return the Student Support Form, including all relevant documentation as indicated on this form and post to Student Support, Cavan Institute, Cathedral Road, Cavan.
Q29. Where can I find details of suitable accommodation available near the Institute?
Cavan Institute does not offer accommodation. However, there are many letting agencies in Cavan town that you can contact. A noticeboard is available on our Cathedral Road campus where notices on accommodation are displayed. You can also post a query on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/studentaccommodationcavan
Progression
Q30. Where can I obtain information on progression following the completion of my course at Cavan Institute?
Our guidance department are happy to discuss your progression options with you, email guidance@cavaninstitute.ie
You can also refer to the Further Education Progression structure on the Qualifax website -https://www.qualifax.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=685&Itemid=313
Information about progression options are also available on the CAO website - https://www.cao.ie/
Transport
Q31. What transport is available to and from Cavan Institute?
Local Link Cavan Monaghan: The local link bus service provides good transport links to and from the Institute. It publishes its schedule so you can plan your daily journey based on your college timetable.
Bus Éireann: An extensive service is provided by Bus Éireann for students travelling to Cavan Institute. For further up-to-date information on all services, including prices, timetables, departure and arrival times, contact 049 433 1353 or visit www.buseireann.ie
Fees and Grants
Q1. When will I receive my first SUSI Grant payment?
The first instalment of the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant is usually paid by the end of October, subject to students meeting Cavan Institute’s minimum attendance requirements.
Grant payments are made directly to your bank account and are attendance based. If you do not receive your SUSI grant, your attendance is usually the reason. All queries in relation to your attendance should be discussed with your class tutor.
Q2. Are there any additional financial supports available to PLC students?
The Higher Education Authority provides information on funding streams available to PLC students.
Q3. Is my course fee refundable on receipt of SUSI grant approval?
Receipt of a SUSI grant exempts students from having to pay the €200 PLC Government Levy. All other fees listed for your course must be paid by you. To be awarded an exemption from the €200 PLC Government Levy, you should upload a copy of your grant approval to your CI account using your CI ID number and your password.
Q4. Am I entitled to any additional reduction in course fees?
If you have a current, valid medical card you are also entitled to an exemption in relation to any QQI certification fees that apply to your course. To be awarded an exemption from the QQI certification fees, you should upload a copy of your medical card to your CI account using your CI ID number and your password.
Students who are receipt of Back to Education Allowance or VTOS supports may also be entitled to a partial refund of their course fees. Please click here to download the CI refund of fees form.
Career Guidance and Progression
Q5. How can I arrange to meet a Cavan Institute Guidance Counsellor?
Current students can arrange an appointment with a Cavan Institute guidance counsellor by emailing guidance@cavaninstitute.ie. The email should include details of 2-3 times/days that suit you to meet the guidance counsellor and your telephone number so that you can be contacted by the guidance counsellor with a suitable appointment time.
A drop-in careers service is also available to students throughout the year. No appointment is necessary for these sessions. Details on the times and locations of these sessions can be accessed on the Student SharePoint Site in the Student Supports > Career Guidance section.
Q6 Where can I obtain information on progression following the completion of my course at Cavan Institute?
Detailed information on progression options into higher education can be obtained from:
-
Cavan Institute’s Student SharePoint Site in the Student Supports > Career Guidance section
-
The CAO website
-
The Qualifax website
-
Cavan Institute’s careers drop-in service. You can find out the dates and times that this service is available on the Student Hub on SharePoint > Student Supports > Career Guidance section.
-
guidance@cavaninstitute.ie, by sending an email including your telephone number and details of 2-3 times/days that suit you to meet the guidance counsellor, so that they can contact you with an appointment.
Forms and Documentation
Q7. Can I get a letter to confirm I am a registered student at Cavan Institute?
Letters of registration/attendance will be issued to registered students upon request. If you wish to request a letter of this nature, please email admin@cavaninstitute.ie
Q8. I have a form that requires an official college stamp, how can I get this stamped?
Forms requiring the official Cavan Institute stamp, can be stamped on registration day in August. Alternatively, forms can be posted into the office or can be placed in the box outside the door of the Administration office (Block A, Ground Floor). These forms should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. This form will be returned to the student within 10 working days.
Q9. How do I update my contact details with Cavan Institute?
You can check whether personal details are up to date by logging into the ePortal system. If you wish to change any of the details that are saved on the Cavan Institute system, please email admin@cavaninstitute.ie or call 049 4332633. It is your responsibility to ensure that your correct contact details are on file.
Q10. What are the office hours for students enrolled at Cavan Institute?
The office is accessible to students daily between 8.45am-10.30am and 2.00pm-3.30pm only. Forms that require an official Cavan Institute stamp or signature should be placed in the box outside the Administration office (Block A, Ground Floor) with a stamped self-addressed envelope for processing or forwarded by post together with a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Course Queries
Q11. When will I receive my course timetable?
Classes are scheduled from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday. Timetables are available from early September each year and will be forwarded to you by email. Please note that timetables are subject to change, particularly early in the academic year, and changes will be sent to you by email.
Q12 I have completed some QQI modules previously as part of another course, what should I do?
If you have previously completed some modules that form part of your current Cavan Institute course, you may be exempt from having to do these modules again. You should notify your tutor of any previous modules you have completed as soon as you start your course at Cavan Institute. However, before any decision is taken in relation to dropping a subject you have taken previously, it is important that you have a discussion with your tutor so that you fully understand any implications this decision may have. Copies of previous results will be required by the tutor in order to verify the exemption.
Q13. How will I find out when my assignments are due?
The list of assessment dates for different subjects in each course are put together by tutors each year and this is made available to students from October. Your tutors will notify you in good time about where you can find this list (called “the assessment schedule”) and the dates that any assignment is due in each subject. Assignments should only be submitted to the tutors to whom they are due.
Q14. At what point will I receive feedback on my course progress?
Student feedback takes place on an ongoing basis throughout the academic year. Formal feedback will be provided to you in December each year. At this point you will receive verbal feedback on progress to date from each subject tutor and some provisional continuous assessment results will be made available to you on ePortal. Students can log in to their ePortal account in the normal way to view these from the date they are available. If you have difficulty viewing feedback on ePortal, you can email eportal@cavaninstitute.ie or admin@cavaninstitute.ie
Q15. When are end-of-year results made available to students?
Provisional results will be available to students though ePortal at end of May/early June each year. Students will be advised of the specific date that they are available. Only those students who have paid all outstanding course fees will be provided with access to their end-of-year provisional results. Results cannot be provided to students by phone.
Students have the opportunity to appeal their results within a specific timeframe using the Learner Appeal of Results form.
Q16. When will the Cavan Institute graduation ceremony take place?
Graduation takes place each year in October/November. Students who are eligible to graduate will be contacted by email to register. Tickets for the event will be issued closer to the date. During COVID-19 adaptations may be required to the format of the graduation ceremony.
Q17. I have been absent from class, what should I do?
If you are absent from class, please contact your class tutor and subject tutors to update them on the reasons for your absence.
Q18. How can I withdraw from my course?
You should discuss your intention to withdraw with your class tutor and/or career guidance counsellor. If following these discussions, you still wish to withdraw, you will be issued with the Cavan Institute course withdrawal form by email. Students who need a letter confirming they have withdrawn from a course at Cavan Institute may request this only upon completion of the online withdrawal form.
What Next?
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please get in touch. You can apply online through our website. We have a FAQ page and course fees are easily accessed.