Get Set for CAO 2023!
CAO applications for 2023 open on November the 4th at 12 noon for all applicants, including school leavers, those applying as from college of Further Education, mature applicants and students applying from outside of Ireland. The CAO (Central Applications Office) processes applications for almost 1,800 courses in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) all over Ireland so there is plenty of choice and there is plenty of time. The normal closing date for application is February the 1st at 5pm but the Online Change of Mind facility opens on May the 5th and closes on July the 1st at 5pm.
What you should do now
Before registering it is well worth spending some time navigating the CAO website as there are lots of really helpful resources for applicants and parents. They include video guides on all aspects of the application, a guide to the points system, a course search facility, information about restrictions, a list of Open Days in the HEIs, and a comprehensive FAQ section. For anyone who may be eligible for Access Routes linked to the CAO, there is detailed information on the HEAR (Higher Education Access Route) and the DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) There are also links to information on options outside of CAO such as Further Education & Training and Apprenticeships.
You can download a pdf version of the CAO Handbook which gives comprehensive information on all the key dates and deadlines, how the application process works for all applicants and what happens at the Offer Stages. This year an added feature is the facility to personalise your CAO Handbook which will make your research a little easier. You will be able to narrow down your course search by the level of the course, by subject area and then by institution.
Course Choices
You will have the option to include up to 20 course choices on your CAO application, 10 at level 8 (Honours Degrees) and 10 at levels 7/6 (Ordinary Degrees/ Higher Diplomas) so make sure to explore as many options as possible in different HEIs. The majority of level 7/6 courses have progression routes onto level 8. The HEI websites provide detailed information about all courses including entry requirements, module details, placement and study abroad opportunities as well as career options.
Don’t panic - there is lots of time!
To register applicants simply log on to www.cao.ie and click ‘Apply’. The cost is €30 up to January the 20th which is the deadline for the discounted application fee, after which it will cost €45 up to February the 1st at 5pm. When you register you are asked to create a password to keep your CAO account secure. Once this is done you will then use the ‘My Application’ tab to access your account using your CAO number, date of birth and password. You will be able to go in and out of your account freely to make whatever changes you want up to February 1st, and then once the Change of Mind facility opens up to the final deadline on July 1st. There is no need to panic as you have lots of time to do course research, but my advice is the start the process early. It gets you focused on your career research, helps with goal setting and it will take the pressure off later when you are finalising your decision about course choices, in what is a very busy year!