All applicants in the first instance must apply via CAO at www.cao.ie
The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for undergraduate courses in all Irish Higher Education Institutions/Universities (HEIs). Decisions on admissions to undergraduate courses are made by the HEIs who instruct CAO to make offers to successful candidates.
Note the important CAO Timetable Application dates for entry 2025
| 5th November 2024 (12:00) | CAO online application facility opens Facility to add/change course choices opens |
| 20th January 2024 (17:00) | Discounted application fee (€30 fee) available up to 20 January at 5pm |
| 1st February (17:00) | Normal closing date for applications (€45 fee)
Online Change of Course Choices (free) facility closes |
| 5th February (12:00) | Online facility to amend course choices becomes available
(€10 Fee) |
| 1st March (17:00) | Closing date for amending course choices
Most tests and interviews for restricted courses are held in March and April Closing date for completion of mature section ofapplication form Closing date for final completion ofonline HEAR/DARE forms |
| 5th March (12:00) | Late application facility opens |
| 15th March (17:00) | DARE/HEAR supporting documentation to arrive in CAO before 15 March at 5pm |
| April | Most tests and interviews for restricted courses are held in March and April |
| 1st May (17:00) | Closing date for late applications |
| 6th May (12:00) | Online Change of Mind facility becomes available (Free) |
| May | Statement of Application Record email sent to all applicants before end of May Inform CAO if you do not receive it |
| June | Leaving Certificate examinations |
| 1st July (17:00) | Change of Mind closes |
| Early July | Round A offers for certain categories of applicant e.g. mature, deferral, etc. are issued in early July |
| August | Round Zero offers for certain categories of applicant issued in early August Current year Leaving Certificate results issued (date to be confirmed) Round One offers (date to be confirmed) HEIs begin registration |
| September | HEIs begin registration Results of Leaving Certificate appeals released (date to be confirmed) Offer season ends (date to be confirmed) |
There are a number of things that you need to do before you commence your CAO application
- The first thing that you need to do is research and identify the areas that you are interested in.
- Then you need to look at the module details for each course on the University website, and ask yourself if you are interested in these modules, the learning outcomes and the potential career paths that they lead to.
- It would be very beneficial to attend the University Open Days and discuss details in relation to these courses including content, with the University Staff, so that you can be assured that you are choosing the right courses. If you can’t attend the Open Days, you may contact the University directly to make an appointment to discuss the course details with one of the course co-ordinators.
- You may wish to talk to people who are already employed in the area and get their feedback.
- Before commencing your application on-line with CAO at www.CAO.ie, use the DEMO provided on the CAO Application menu to familiarise yourself with the all the information that you will need to provide. This is an interactive tool and allows you to familiarise yourself with the application process, before completing the actual application.
- When you are completing the application, you should have the following to hand; your PPS number, your phone number, a visa or credit card to pay the CAO fees
CAO Application fee details may be seen here
All fees to CAO are Non-Refundable
