Growth In Number Of Irish Students Taking STEM Subjects

The number of students across Ireland taking on STEM subjects at Leaving Certificate level is continuing to increase, new data has revealed.

New statistics from the State Examinations Commission have revealed that more than 101,306 Leaving Certificate students participated in STEM subjects at higher level, a 5% increase when compared to 2020.

Over 22,900 students were awarded grades for the higher-level mathematics paper, representing a 12% increase when compared to 2019.

Strong increases were also observed in the number of students taking higher-level subjects related to engineering. This included an 8% increase in the numbers of students undertaking higher-level applied mathematics, a 7% growth in the number of students undertaking technology, and a 6% rise in design and communications studies and construction studies, when compared to 2020 figures.


National body Engineers Ireland has welcomed the new data, in particular the continued growth in the number of students undertaking higher-level Leaving Certificate mathematics.

Commenting on the Leaving Cert results, Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: "As a leading advocate for STEM education through our STEPS programme, the continued growth and participation in STEM subjects by Leaving Certificate students is a most welcome development. As a knowledge-based economy and an island nation, we have a reliance on the quality and quantity of our STEM graduates. A proficiency and understanding of STEM by Ireland's future leaders is very important to ensure that our country can continue to benefit from new industry opportunities and technological advancements, in addition to facilitating sustainable development and meeting Government ambitions."

Looking ahead to CAO first round offers on Tuesday 07 September, Ms Spillane encouraged those who will receive a CAO offer of an engineering course to accept their offer and pursue a career in engineering: "An engineering qualification offers a chance to do extremely rewarding work, enhance people's lives and explore almost limitless career opportunities. Students who accept an offer of an engineering course at third-level can also look forward to gaining internationally-recognised qualifications and the support of Engineers Ireland and our 25,000 member-community throughout their careers."