Applying for a Course
Applying through the CAO
The way most people apply for a place in college is through the Central Applications Office (CAO). You can find out all you need to know through a CAO handbook that is updated every year and is available in hard copy or online.It is a good idea to study the handbook before you apply for the courses you are interested in and also to have it beside you when you are filling out your application form.
The closing date for CAO applications is normally 1st February at 5.15 pm each year.
Late applications are allowed up to 1st May at 5.15 pm of the same year, although not all courses allow late application.
You can also submit a ‘Change of Mind’ form to amend your choice of courses from 1st May until 1st July of the same year.
Decisions on offers of places are normally made in August and September, after the results of the Leaving Certificate examinations have been issued.
Applicants with a Disability
Although there is no obligation to do so, a person with a disability or specific learning difficulty is encouraged to indicate this on their CAO application by ticking the relevant box on the application form. This enables chosen colleges to plan for the provision of reasonable accommodations.