Figures released by the Central Applications Office (CAO) show significant rise in application for nursing and midwifery programmes. 

For the 2026 entry cycle, nursing or midwifery courses received 34,249 mentions. This compares with 30,204 mentions in 2025 and 24,494 in 2024, reflecting a sustained upward trend over the past three years. A total of 88,817 applications were received by the CAO deadline of 1 February, a 6.5% increase on last year.  

The latest figures suggest that the professions continue to attract large numbers of applicants, with nursing and midwifery remaining popular among prospective students. 

The table below provides a breakdown by division and comparison to previous years.