CAFRE food courses still open to September applicants

Applications remain open for food-study pathways at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus in Cookstown, with degree applicants able to use UCAS Clearing and post-GCSE applicants able to apply directly, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

CAFRE issued the reminder on 5 August for courses beginning in September 2026. The availability applies to food-study pathways based at Loughry Campus, which is in Cookstown, and is intended for prospective students still considering their next stage of study.

Degree-level applications remain available through UCAS Clearing, DAERA said. Clearing is the route identified by CAFRE for those seeking a place on the relevant degree pathway at the campus as the September start approaches.

The college is also accepting direct applications for post-GCSE study. That separate application route is open for prospective students considering food-related study following their GCSE results, according to the published CAFRE information.

The announcement concerns applications rather than offers of a place. Students considering the courses will still need to apply through the route appropriate to the programme they wish to study, whether UCAS Clearing for degree study or a direct application for post-GCSE provision.

Loughry Campus is the location specified for the available food-study pathways. CAFRE’s notice is directed at people who may not yet have secured a course for September 2026 or who are reviewing the study options available to them.

The reminder confirms that there are two application routes in the published information. It does not combine degree and post-GCSE entry arrangements: the former remains available through Clearing, while the latter can be pursued directly with CAFRE.

CAFRE’s 5 August update presents the September intake as still open to applicants on the stated basis. Prospective students should check the current application position and relevant course entry arrangements with CAFRE or through UCAS Clearing before making an application, as availability can change.