Skip to main content
Department for the Economy Department for the Economy An Roinn Geilleagair

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Topics
  • Publications
  • Consultations
  • Contact

Translation help

Translate this page

Select a language

  • Arabic — عربي
  • Chinese (Simplified) — 中文简体
  • Chinese (Traditional) — 中文繁體
  • Dutch — Nederlands
  • Filipino — Filipino
  • French — Français
  • German — Deutsch
  • Hungarian — Magyar
  • Irish — Gaeilge
  • Italian — Italiano
  • Latvian — Latviešu
  • Lithuanian — Lietuvių kalba
  • Polish — Polski
  • Portuguese — Português
  • Romanian — Română
  • Russian — Русский
  • Slovak — Slovenčina
  • Spanish — Español
  • Ukrainian — Українська
  • Archibald welcomes Atlantic Technological University new admissions approach

    Topics:
    • Higher education

    Date published: 2 July 2026

    Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed the announcement by Atlantic Technological University of a new admissions approach to engage and support students from the North applying through the Central Applications Office system.

    The initiative recognises a broader range of qualification pathways, including combinations of A-levels and vocational awards, and is intended to reduce barriers to access and enhance engagement and information sharing with students from the North.

    The Minister said:

     “I welcome Atlantic Technological University’s introduction of a more inclusive admissions approach for students from the North. This pilot reflects the evolving profile of our school leavers, recognises the value of both academic and vocational pathways, and will help to widen access, expand choice, and support greater student mobility across the island, as well as progression into higher education.”

    The Minister added: 

    “Improving clarity and accessibility around student mobility is a key priority, and I welcome steps by institutions to support students from the North to access higher education opportunities across the island as well as the potential for this pilot to inform wider practice.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy
    2. Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
    3. To keep up to date with news from the Department for the Economy, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Latest news

    • Archibald welcomes Atlantic Technological University new admissions approach

      2 July 2026

    • Archibald welcomes fairer and more affordable electricity grid connections

      1 July 2026

    • Archibald criticises British Government’s restrictions on steel imports

      30 June 2026

    • Archibald introduces landmark Renewable Electricity Generation Bill

      30 June 2026

    More news …
    Share this page Share on Facebook (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share on X (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share by email (external link opens in a new window / tab)

    Department footer links

    • Crown copyright
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Accessibility
    • The Northern Ireland Executive
    • The Executive Office
    • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
    • Department for Communities
    • Department for Education
    • Department for the Economy
    • Department of Finance
    • Department for Infrastructure
    • Department for Health
    • Department of Justice
    • nidirect.gov.uk — the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens