CAO Handbook 2027-2028 | PDF Download
Official CAO Ireland Handbook 2027-2028 | PDF Download
We are pleased to inform you about CAO Ireland Handbook 2027-2028 | PDF Download
The higher education institutions in the Republic of Ireland have delegated to CAO the task of processing centrally applications to their first year undergraduate courses. The participating institutions retain the function of making decisions on admissions.
CAO is required to deal with applications efficiently and fairly.
CAO is a not-for-profit company registered in Ireland.
CAO Timetable of Events*
September • CAO Interactive Handbook available online at www.cao.ie
October
Tá leagan Gaeilge den Lámhleabhar seo ar fáil.
Updates to the handbook, such as new courses and
cancelled courses, may be viewed on the CAO website.
Go to www.cao.ie,
click on ‘CAO Handbook’ and see the table
with the title ‘Important Changes’.
*Dates may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information please visit the Important Dates section of www.cao.ie
January • Discounted application fee (€30 fee) available up to 20 January at 5pm
February • Normal closing date for applications (€45 fee) is 1 February at 5pm
• Online Change of Course Choices (free) facility closes 1 February at 5pm
• Online facility to amend course choices becomes available (€10 fee)
on 3 February at noon
March • Closing date for amending course choices is 1 March at 5pm
• Most tests and interviews for restricted courses are held in March and April
• Closing date for final completion of online DARE/HEAR forms is 1 March at 5pm
• Closing date for completion of Mature Applicant section of CAO form is 1 March at 5pm
• Late application facility opens on 6 March at 12:00 noon
• 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
May • Closing date for late applications is 1 May at 5pm
• Online Change of Mind (free) facility becomes available on 5 May at 12:00 noon (expected date)
• Check and Confirm reminder sent to all applicants before end of May. Inform CAO if you do not
receive it.
June • Leaving Certificate examinations
July • Change of Mind Closes on 1 July at 5pm
• Round A offers for certain categories of applicant e.g. mature, deferral, etc. are issued in early July
• Exceptional closing date for late applications for those already attending a participating HEI is
22 July at 5pm
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