Statement from the National University of Ireland concerning students who have studied Leaving Certificate subjects outside school and who have not been able to obtain calculated grades in those subjects

The National University of Ireland (NUI) joins with the Irish Universities Association (IUA), the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA), and the Technological University Dublin (TUD) on an agreed common approach in
relation to students who have studied subjects outside school and who have not been able to obtain calculated
grades in those subjects.

The universities and other higher education institutions have been aware for some time of the position of students
who have studied a subject or subjects in the Leaving Certificate in 2020 outside school with a view to satisfying
matriculation or minimum entry requirements. There have been discussions on the issue with the Department of
Education and Skills, the State Examinations Commission and the Executive Office for Calculated Grades.

While the calculated grades process is still underway, institutions across the higher education sector wish to ensure that
students are fully informed of their position in terms of meeting matriculation requirements in advance of the July 1 2020
CAO change of mind deadline.

A common approach has been agreed as follows:

1. In the extraordinary circumstances of 2020, students who have applied for a calculated grade in a subject or subjects in the Leaving Certificate 2020, with a view to satisfying matriculation/minimum entry requirements and for whom the Executive Office for Calculated Grades has been unable to award a Calculated Grade in the subject(s), will be granted an exemption in the subject(s) solely for matriculation/minimum entry purposes.
   (These exemptions will be granted automatically: it will not be necessary for students to apply individually.)

   The subject(s) will count as a subject(s) for matriculation, but will not attract points and the exemption(s) cannot be used to satisfy additional programme requirements over and above the matriculation/minimum entry requirements.

Please see the main news story and statement for more information

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