Summary
The CAO (Central Applications Office) is the system for applying to most Irish higher education courses. Students apply online, listing up to 10 Level 8 and 10 Level 7/6 courses in preference order. Offers are made based on Leaving Certificate points and course availability.
Verify all dates on the official CAO website (cao.ie) as they may change.
What is the CAO?
The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish higher education institutions. Rather than applying directly to universities and colleges, students submit a single CAO application listing their course preferences.
The CAO is used by:
- All Irish universities (UCD, Trinity, DCU, UL, UCC, NUIG, Maynooth)
- Technological Universities (TU Dublin, MTU, ATU, SETU, TUS)
- Institutes of Technology
- Some private colleges and specialist institutions
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Create Your CAO Account
Visit cao.ie and create an account using your email address. You'll receive a CAO number which you'll use throughout the application process.
Complete Personal Details
Enter your personal information, current school, and education history. If you're applying for HEAR or DARE, you'll need to indicate this and provide supporting documentation.
Add Your Course Choices
You can add up to 10 Level 8 (honours degree) courses and 10 Level 7/6 courses. List them in genuine order of preference - you'll only receive one offer from each list.
Tips for ordering courses:
- • Put your dream course first, even if it's high points
- • Include realistic options based on predicted points
- • Add safety options with lower points requirements
- • Research each course thoroughly before adding
Pay the Application Fee
Pay online using a debit/credit card. The fee is €30 if paid before 20 January, €45 before 1 February, or €60 for late applications.
Submit Your Application
Review all details carefully before submitting. Once submitted, you can still make changes using the Change of Mind facility until 1 July.
Understanding Course Levels
- 3-4 year duration
- Higher entry points
- Required for many professions
- Direct pathway to postgraduate study
- 2-3 year duration
- Lower entry points
- Can progress to Level 8
- Strong industry focus
After You Apply
Change of Mind (May - 1 July): You can reorder, add, or remove course choices at no extra cost. Use this time to research courses further and update your preferences.
Offers (August): Round 1 offers are released in mid-August after Leaving Certificate results. You'll receive your highest preference course for which you qualify.
Accepting Offers: You must accept or decline your offer within the specified timeframe. Accepting doesn't commit you - you can accept a later round offer instead.