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 2024
| 6th November 2023 (12:00) | CAO online application facility opens. CAO Change of Course choices facility opens |
| 20th January 2024 (17:00) | Apply online by this date to avail of the discounted
Application Fee of €30. |
| 1st February (17:00) | Normal closing date for applications. |
| 6th February (12:00) | Online facility to amend course choices becomes available
(€10 Fee) |
| Registration Window: Nov 23 – 2nd Feb 24 |
HPAT Test – Undergraduate Entry to Medicine |
| Test sitting: 16th-25th Feb 24 |
HPAT Test – Undergraduate Entry to Medicine |
| 1st March (17:00) | Closing date for amending course choices Closing date for completion of mature section ofapplication formClosing date for final completion ofonline HEAR/DARE forms |
| 5th March (12:00) | Late application facility opens. |
| 15th March (17:00) | Latest date for HEAR/DARE supporting documentation to arrive in CAO |
| Test window: March 2024 |
GAMSAT Test – Graduate Entry to Medicine |
| Registration window: TBC |
Mature Nursing registration – Information available at www.nmbi.ie |
| Test window: TBC |
Mature Nursing Test |
| 1st May (17:00) | Closing date for late applications |
| 7th May (12:00) | Online Change of Mind facility becomes available (Free) |
| Before 15th May | Late Paper Applicants will be sent a Statement of Course
Choices (Contact CAO if you do not receive it) |
| Before End of May | Statement of Application Record sent to all applicants (Contact CAO if you do not receive it) |
| 1st July (17:00) | Change of Mind closes |
| TBC | Round A offers for certain Non-Standard categories of applicants
– applicants receive an offer by e-mail and SMS text |
| TBC | Round A acceptances closing date |
| 22nd July (17:00) | Exceptional closing date for late applications for those already attending HEI |
| TBC | Round 0 offers for certain Non-Standard categories of applicant
– applicants receive an offer by e-mail and SMS text |
| TBC | Round 0 acceptances closing date |
| TBC | Current year Leaving Certificate results issued |
| TBC | Round 1 offers available from 14:00 online – also issued by e-mail and SMS text. Applicants who have not received an offer will receive a`Statement of Application` e-mail |
| TBC | Available Place facility opens |
| TBC | Round 1 acceptance closing date |
| TBC | Round 2 offers available online |
| TBC | Round 2 acceptances closing date |
| TBC | Round 3 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text |
| TBC | Round 3 acceptances closing date |
| TBC | Round 4 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text. |
| TBC | Round 4 acceptances closing date |
| TBC | Round 5 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text |
| TBC | Round 5 acceptances closing date |
| TBC | HEIs begin registration |
| TBC | Results of Leaving Certificate appeals released |
| TBC | Offer Season Ends. |
| 5th November 2024 | CAO application facility opens for 2025 applications |
TBC = to be confirmed by CAO. We recommend that you keep checking the website for updates – www.cao.ie
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
