Making Sense of CAO 2026 - What Students & Parents need to know!
Applications to CAO (Central Applications Office) for 2026 open on November the 5th at 12 noon for all applicants including school leavers, students completing further education courses, mature and international students. There is absolutely no need to panic at this stage as this is just the start of the application process. There is still lots of time to make the important decision about what step to take after the Leaving Cert, but this is a very busy year so the sooner you get started with detailed research the better. Registering to start your CAO application and getting your CAO number is a great way to going on and it is important to be aware of key dates and deadlines as they are strict!
The CAO timeline - Important Dates and Deadlines
November 5, 2025 (12pm): CAO applications open.
January 20, 2026 (5pm): Early-bird application deadline to avail of €35 fee.
February 1, 2026 (5pm): Regular application deadline.
March 1, 2026 (5pm): Deadline for apply to the HEAR & DARE schemes
March 10th, 2026 (5pm): Deadline for supporting documentation for the HEAR & DARE schemes
May 1, 2026 (5 pm): Closing date for late applications.
May 6, 2026 (12pm): Online facility opens for applicants to change their course choices. Some restrictions apply.
July 1, 2026 (5 pm): Final date for course changes.
August 2026 : Round 1 offers are issued following the issue of the Leaving Cert results.
Know how the CAO system works
The CAO website has lots of helpful resources for applicants and parents, so it is a good idea to take some time to become familiar with them. They include video guides on all aspects of the application, a guide to the points system, a course search facility, information about restricted courses, 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 contains all the detailed information you need understand the process. A recording of recent online information session hosted by the CAO and IGC (Institute of Guidance Counsellors) can be accessed on www.cao.ie/webinar
20 CAO choices means 20 chances to get an offer.
Students have the option to include up to 20 course choices on the CAO application. They are entered 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, particularly the course content, will help you to make an informed decision about the right courses. You will then need to ensure that you have your course choices listed in order of preference by the final deadline on July the 1st at 5pm. No changes can be made after this deadline but you lots of time in the meantime to do the research on all courses.
Access the supports available to you
There are lots of supports available to you, in school, in the universities themselves, at career events and online. As well as all the resources available on the CAO website, you will find lots of really help information and tips on websites such as -www.careersportal.ie , www.qualifax.ie , www.fetchcourses.ie, www.apprenticeship.ie, www.nto.hea.ie Follow social media accounts such as - @leavingcertguidance @classroomguidance @synergycareers @thecareerhub @mycareerplan for helpful information, tips and guidance.
What to do next
Register on www.cao.ie and get your CAO number. This will start the process off. If you haven’t already done so, make an appointment with your guidance counsellor in school to chat about all the different options available. Going directly in higher education from school is not for everyone so think carefully about what pathway is best for you right now. Research the course detail thoroughly and keep a record of the courses you like and why you like them. Attend the college open days. Ask lots of questions. Explore the career opportunities and options for postgraduate study after you complete the courses.
You are not choosing your job for life – you are choosing the next step!
It can be very overwhelming if you go into this decision trying to think about what would want to do for the rest of your life. What you are really doing is choosing the next step so, do your best to make sure that it is the right one for you. There have never been so many ways for you to access career areas that interest you so consider all the different pathways available. It is likely that you will change job several times in your career so for now you are choosing the starting point. Focus on what interests, motivates and suits you best at this stage. It is a very personal decision, do everything you can to make sure it is an informed one!