Why Are We Charging Teenagers to Choose Their Future?

This week, the Irish Times Higher Options event takes over the RDS. The organisers proudly expect 30,000 students to attend. Each pays €12.50 for the privilege – that’s €375,000 from ticket sales alone. Add €1,490 + VAT per exhibitor (about 150 of them) and you realise this is not just a career fair – it’s a serious money-spinner.

Now compare that with Europe:

  • The European Education Fair in Paris? Free.

  • The Days of International Education in the Baltics? Free.

  • UCAS fairs in the UK? Free.

So why are Irish families paying for something their peers abroad get without charge? For households with more than one teenager, the cost is eye-watering. Education shouldn’t be treated like a luxury add-on.

👉 The alternatives?

  • Free open days at every Irish university and college.

  • Apprenticeship.ie and your local ETB for trades and training.

  • CAO, Qualifax, CareersPortal — all free, comprehensive, and accessible.

Guidance for life-shaping decisions should be accessible to all – not just to those who can afford an RDS ticket.