CAO applications for 2027 open on November 5th at 12 noon.
For Leaving Certificate students and other applicants considering higher education, this is an important milestone, but the important thing to remember is that this is just the start of the process. There is lots of time to make decisions about the next step. The first piece of advice for students and parents is simple: research before you apply, and remember that there is no single right pathway for everyone. Over the next couple of months it is important to pause, research and make informed decisions about the future.
Know the important dates
The CAO application facility opens on 5 November. Students can apply at the discounted rate of €35 up to 5pm on 20 January 2027. The normal closing date is 5pm on 1 February 2027, when the application fee is €50. Late applications will be possible from 5 March up to May 1st at 5pm, subject to restrictions, but it is always advisable to apply well before the deadline. Students should also familiarise themselves with the Change of Mind facility, which opens on 5 May and closes at 5pm on 1 July 2027, which is the final deadline. This allows applicants to change their course preferences free of charge, subject to some restrictions.
Make informed course choices
When compiling a CAO application, students can list up to ten Level 8 courses (honours degrees) and ten Level 7/6 courses (ordinary degrees and higher certificates), giving applicants who up to 20 chances to secure a college place. The two lists operate totally separately from each other which means that students who fill up lots of course options on both lists have a strong chance to get two offers (one from each list) and they can choose to accept one of those offers. The second most important piece of advice for all applicants is that courses must be placed in genuine order of preference.
Research each course carefully. Check minimum entry requirements, subject requirements, course content, placement opportunities and future progression routes and careers. Some courses have additional requirements, such as portfolios, auditions, interviews or admissions tests, with separate deadlines. Such courses are often listed as ‘restricted’ and therefore must be added into the CAO application before the Feb 1st deadline.
Keep all pathways open
The CAO is only one route open to students. There are several other routes to further education and training which are not based on CAO point. They include apprenticeships, further education courses (often referred to as PLCs – post-leaving cert courses), tertiary degree programmes, traineeships, supported learning programmes and study abroad options. All are excellent routes towards a rewarding career.
Access Routes
Students who may qualify for the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) or Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) should investigate eligibility and application requirements early. The deadline for completing the relevant online application sections is 5pm on 1 March 2027, with supporting documentation due by 10 March. Further information on both schemes can be found on www.accesscollege.ie and www.cao.ie
Parent Support
Parents and guardians can play a valuable role by encouraging discussion, helping with research and attending college open days. However, students should feel empowered to make choices that reflect their own interests, strengths, values and aspirations.
The CAO process can seem daunting, but it becomes much more manageable when broken into small steps. Start exploring, ask questions and seek advice from your guidance counsellor. Avail of the many resources and guides available for student and parents on www.cao.ie Remember, choosing a course is not about having your entire future mapped out. It is about taking the first step towards a future that feels right for you.