Universities: Why so few students from Northern Ireland go to the Republic of Ireland to study

Sean, who is also 18, is planning to start a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in construction management.

He had considered going to study in Dundalk, but decided to stay in Northern Ireland.

The timing of results and offers was a big issue for him as pupils in Northern Ireland often receive their A-level results around two weeks before Leaving Cert results are released in the Republic of Ireland.

“When they get back to you, you have your offers, so you’ve already made plans with your family if you’re going up to live in Belfast or Coleraine,” Sean said.

“And plus all your mates are making plans as well.

“No-one really looks at the south so much because of the housing, it’s so expensive as well.”