Higher Options 2026 offers students more than a chance to collect prospectuses. The three-day education and careers exhibition at Dublin’s RDS is an opportunity to compare courses, meet representatives and discover study and training routes that may not have been on their radar.
For students considering life after the Leaving Cert, careful preparation can make a short visit far more valuable. With limited time on site, knowing who to meet and which questions to ask will help turn the event into a practical step in career planning.
What is Higher Options 2026?
Higher Options is Ireland’s largest education expo. It brings together third-level institutions from Ireland, the UK, Europe and other international destinations, alongside organisations representing training, apprenticeships and career opportunities.
Higher Options 2026 takes place at the RDS in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, from Wednesday, September 16th, to Friday, September 18th. Opening times are:
- Wednesday and Thursday: 9am-noon and 12.30pm-3.30pm
- Friday: 10am-1pm
A quieter hour and selected supports are also available, although pre-registration is required. WorldSkills Ireland will run alongside the exhibition, highlighting apprenticeships, technical skills and training options.
Why Higher Options 2026 matters for students
The event allows students to investigate several routes in one location. That includes CAO applications, UCAS choices, European study, further education, tertiary degrees, apprenticeships and other access pathways.
Students should not feel obliged to arrive with a fixed career plan. Exploring different stands can reveal subjects, professions and institutions they had not previously considered.
Representatives will provide information about areas including:
- Technology and artificial intelligence
- Engineering
- Arts and media
- Law
- Health sciences
- Public service and the Defence Forces
- An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive
- Revenue, cultural and creative industries
- AirNav Ireland and Coillte
How to prepare before attending
The most effective visit begins before arriving at the RDS. Students should review the Higher Options website and exhibitor list, then identify institutions and organisations they most want to see.
A shortlist gives the day structure, but it should not become a rigid timetable. The exhibition is also designed to encourage unexpected discoveries, so students should leave room to visit stands that attract their attention.
Questions worth asking
Students may find it difficult to know what to say at a busy stand. Preparing questions in advance can make conversations more focused and reveal differences between similar courses.
- What are the entry requirements?
- What subjects and modules are included?
- Are there work placements or practical opportunities?
- What is campus life like?
- What accommodation and student supports are available?
- Are fees, scholarships or grants available?
- What careers do graduates commonly enter?
- Are there alternative routes into the course?
Speaking with current students can also provide useful insight into workload, accommodation, social life and the transition from secondary school to college.
Students and parents can find additional education guidance at SchoolDigest.ie.
Compare more than one route after school
One of the central benefits of Higher Options 2026 is the chance to compare different application systems. Students interested in a competitive CAO course can investigate related programmes in the UK or Europe, as well as further education and apprenticeship routes.
That wider comparison does not mean abandoning a preferred choice. It creates a stronger application strategy and gives students alternatives if points, offers or personal circumstances change.
Useful organisations and services to research at the event include:
- CAO: Applications to many undergraduate courses in Ireland
- UCAS: Applications to universities and colleges in the UK
- Qualifax: Information on courses and education pathways
- SUSI: Student grants and financial support
- HEAR and DARE: Access routes and supports for eligible students
- AHEAD and Careers Portal: Guidance on inclusive education and career planning
Make limited time count at the RDS
Students may spend a maximum of about three hours at the exhibition, making prioritisation important. A simple plan can prevent the visit from becoming a rushed walk around crowded stands.
- Choose the most important exhibitors before arrival.
- Check the talks timetable and select sessions linked to genuine interests.
- Allow time for unexpected discoveries.
- Record entry requirements, deadlines and contact details.
- Note down follow-up actions for later research.
A phone note, small notebook or simple comparison table can help. Students should record what they liked, what they disliked and which questions remain unanswered.
What should happen after the event?
The follow-up conversation at home is just as important as the visit itself. Parents can ask what surprised their child, which courses appeared most suitable and what information still needs to be checked.
Students should then compare course content, entry requirements, location, cost, accommodation, supports and likely career outcomes. Information gathered at the RDS should be verified through official college, CAO, UCAS or government websites before any application decisions are made.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Higher Options 2026 being held?
The event is being held at the RDS in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
When is Higher Options 2026?
It runs from Wednesday, September 16th, to Friday, September 18th, 2026.
Does Higher Options cover apprenticeships?
Yes. WorldSkills Ireland runs alongside the exhibition and features apprenticeship, skills and training opportunities.
Should students attend if they are unsure about their career?
Yes. Students do not need a final career decision. The event is intended to broaden awareness and support informed exploration.
The key takeaway for students and parents
Higher Options 2026 is most useful when students arrive prepared but remain open-minded. A focused shortlist, practical questions and careful notes can help them compare CAO, UCAS, European study, further education, training and apprenticeship choices.
The goal is not to decide an entire career in one visit. It is to leave with better information, new possibilities and clear next steps. For students planning their future, Higher Options 2026 can be the starting point for a more confident and informed decision.
