Get set for CAO 2024 - Applications open on November 6th.
CAO applications for 2024 open on November the 6th at 12 noon for all applicants, including school leavers, those applying as from colleges of Further Education, mature applicants and those applying from outside of Ireland. The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for over 1,750 courses in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) all over Ireland so there is plenty of choice and lots of time to research courses of interest. The normal closing date for application is February the 1st at 5pm but late applications are accepted up to May 1st. The Change of Mind facility opens on May the 5th which allows applicants to amend course choices. This facility closes on July the 1st at 5pm and no further changes can be made after that deadline.
Familiarise yourself with the CAO website and handbook
The CAO website has lots of really helpful resources for applicants and parents so it is a good idea to take some time to become familiar with them early in the process. 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. A facility to personalise the CAO Handbook is really useful as you keep track of the courses of real interest.
20 Course Choices
You will have the option to include up to 20 course choices on your CAO application on two different lists - 10 at level 8 (Honours Degree) and 10 at levels 7/6 (Ordinary Degree/ Higher Diploma). 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. Researching all this detail will help you to make an informed decision about what courses will suit you.
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 again 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!