The CAO Handbook 2026 provides essential information for prospective students applying to colleges in Ireland. It includes a detailed timetable of events, application procedures, and important deadlines for the CAO application process. This handbook is crucial for students planning to apply for courses in higher education institutions, outlining key dates such as the opening of applications and deadlines for course changes. It also features listings of available courses across various colleges, including South East Technological University and Mary Immaculate College. Designed for students preparing for college admissions, this handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating the CAO system effectively.

Key Points

  • Includes the 2026 CAO application timeline and important deadlines
  • Lists available courses at various colleges in Ireland
  • Provides guidelines for amending course choices and application fees
  • Essential resource for students preparing for college admissions in Ireland
Qwertyu iop
104 pages
Language:English
Type:Guide
Arts and Humanities
Qwertyu iop
104 pages
Language:English
Type:Guide
Arts and Humanities
401
/ 104
2026
Handbook
CAO Timetable of Events
*
September • CAO 2026 Interactive Handbook available online at www.cao.ie
October
November • CAO online application facility opens on 5 November at 12:00 noon
• Facility to add/change course choices opens on 5 November at 12:00 noon
December
Tá leagan Gaeilge den Lámhleabhar seo ar fáil.
Updates to the handbook, such as new courses and cancelled courses, may be viewed on the CAO website.
Go to www.cao.ie, click on ‘CAO Handbook’ and see the table with the title ‘Important Changes’.
*Dates may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information please visit the Important Dates section of www.cao.ie
January • Discounted application fee (€35 fee) available up to 20 January at 5pm
February • Normal closing date for applications (€50 fee) is 1 February at 5pm
• Online Change of Course Choices (free) facility closes 1 February at 5pm
• Online facility to amend course choices becomes available (€10 fee)
on 5 February at noon
March • Closing date for amending course choices is 1 March at 5pm
• Most tests and interviews for restricted courses are held in March and April
• Closing date for final completion of online DARE/HEAR forms is 1 March at 5pm
• Closing date for completion of Mature Applicant section of CAO form is 1 March at 5pm
• Late application facility opens on 5 March at 12:00 noon
• DARE/HEAR supporting documentation to arrive in CAO before 10 March at 5pm
April • Most tests and interviews for restricted courses are held in March and April
May • Closing date for late applications is 1 May at 5pm
• Online Change of Mind (free) facility becomes available on 5 May at 12:00 noon (expected date)
• Statement of Application Record email sent to all applicants before end of May. Inform CAO if you do
not receive it.
June • Leaving Certificate examinations
• DARE and HEAR eligibility outcomes issued to applicants (late June)
July • Change of Mind Closes on 1 July at 5pm
• Round A offers for certain categories of applicant e.g. mature, deferral, etc. are issued in early July
August • Round Zero offers for certain categories of applicant issued in early August
• Current year Leaving Certificate results issued (date to be confirmed)
• Round One offers (date to be confirmed)
• HEIs begin registration
September • HEIs begin registration
• Results of Leaving Certificate appeals released (date to be confirmed)
• Offer season ends (date to be confirmed)
2025
2026
CAO HANDBOOK 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
*
page
INTRODUCTION 2
Restrictions 3
Applicant’s Responsibility 4
APPLYING TO CAO 5
Application Dates and Fees 6
Late Applications 6
Categories of Qualifications and Assessments 6
Applying for a Maintenance Fee Grant (SUSI) 19
Exemptions 19
Introducing your Course Choices 19
Applying for HEAR and DARE 21
Summer 2026 Examination Results 24
Interviews and Assessments 24
AFTER APPLYING 25
Interacting with your CAO Account 25
Important Correspondence 25
Check and Confirm / Statement of Application Record 26
Changing Courses / Change of Mind 27
Changes to your Personal and Examination Information 27
THE OFFER STAGE 28
The Offer Rounds 28
Accepting an Offer 29
Available Places 29
Points Calculation for Leaving Certificate Applicants 30
Points Calculation for Other Examinations 32
Deferring a Place 32
Taking Up a Deferral 32
The Leaving Certificate Appeals Process 32
Registration on your Accepted Course 32
DIRECT APPLICATIONS 33
Applications to be made Direct to Higher Education Institutions 33
FURTHER INFORMATION 34
Further Information 34
General Principles 34
Independent Appeals Commission 35
Contacting CAO 35
Online Applicant Checklist 36
INSTITUTIONS AND COURSES LISTING
37
Supporting Documents (inside back cover) 100
Reference List of Participating Institutions (back cover)
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End of Document
401

Figures

CAO Handbook 2026 — INTRODUCTION
the personal data that you may have access to (for
Step 1
Step 2
CAO Handbook 2026 — 4. Other School Leaving Exams
CAO Handbook 2026 — 5. Other Further Education
NOTE:
What do levels 6, 7 and 8 mean?
What do levels 6, 7 and 8 mean?
What do levels 6, 7 and 8 mean?
CAO Handbook 2026 — TIP:
Order of Preference
Technological University of the Shannon
scheme (e.g. DARE).
Interviews
Interviews
CAO Handbook 2026 — CHECK AND CONFIRM YOUR
At the offer stage, applicants will receive an offer
CAO Handbook 2026 — CHECK AND CONFIRM YOUR
CAO Handbook 2026 — Check your
CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE FOR THE CAO POINTS CALCULATOR
CAO Handbook 2026 — POINTS CALCULATION FOR OTHER

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FAQs

what is the CAO Handbook 2026 about

The CAO Handbook 2026 is a comprehensive guide designed to assist applicants in navigating the Central Applications Office (CAO) process for undergraduate courses in Ireland.

  • It includes important dates and deadlines for applications.
  • Detailed information on eligibility criteria and application procedures.
  • Guidance on submitting supporting documents and understanding offers.
  • Information on various pathways, including DARE and HEAR.

how to apply using the CAO Handbook 2026

Applying using the CAO Handbook 2026 involves several key steps to ensure a successful application.

  1. Register online with CAO before the deadline.
  2. Complete the application form accurately, including personal details and qualifications.
  3. Select your course choices in genuine order of preference.
  4. Submit any required supporting documents by the specified deadlines.
  5. Monitor your CAO account for updates and offers.

what are the important dates in the CAO Handbook 2026

The CAO Handbook 2026 outlines crucial dates that applicants must adhere to throughout the application process.

EventDate
Online application opens5 November 2025
Normal closing date for applications1 February 2026
Late application deadline1 May 2026
Change of Mind facility opens5 May 2026
Final offer round closesEnd of September 2026

what is included in the CAO Handbook 2026

The CAO Handbook 2026 includes a wealth of information essential for prospective students.

  • Details on application procedures and eligibility requirements.
  • Information on restricted courses and associated assessments.
  • Guidance on the DARE and HEAR schemes for disadvantaged students.
  • Steps for changing course preferences during the application process.
  • Important contact information for higher education institutions.

how to understand offers in the CAO Handbook 2026

The CAO Handbook 2026 provides detailed information on how offers are issued to applicants.

  • Offers are based on points calculated from examination results.
  • Applicants are ranked according to their points score for each course.
  • Accepting an offer means you may not be considered for lower preferences in subsequent rounds.
  • Details on deferred offers and how to manage them are also included.

what are the DARE and HEAR schemes in CAO Handbook 2026

The DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) and HEAR (Higher Education Access Route) schemes are designed to support underrepresented groups in higher education.

  • DARE assists students with disabilities by providing reduced points for entry.
  • HEAR supports students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Both schemes require applicants to complete specific forms and submit documentation by set deadlines.

what is the CAO application fee in the CAO Handbook 2026

The CAO Handbook 2026 outlines the application fees associated with the CAO process.

  • Early online application fee is €35.
  • Normal application fee is €50.
  • Late application fee is €65.
  • Change of Mind is free of charge.

how to change course choices in the CAO Handbook 2026

The CAO Handbook 2026 details the process for changing course choices through the Change of Mind facility.

  • Changes can be made online from 5 May to 1 July 2026.
  • Applicants can add, remove, or reorder their course preferences during this period.
  • Restrictions apply for introducing restricted courses; consult the handbook for details.

what is the points calculation in the CAO Handbook 2026

The CAO Handbook 2026 explains how points are calculated for applicants based on their examination results.

  • Points are awarded based on the HEI Common Points Scale.
  • Bonus points are available for Higher Level Mathematics.
  • Only the best six subjects are counted for points calculation.

how to prepare for interviews and assessments in CAO Handbook 2026

The CAO Handbook 2026 provides guidance on preparing for interviews and assessments required for certain restricted courses.

  • Applicants should review specific requirements for each course.
  • Practice common interview questions and prepare a portfolio if required.
  • Consult the handbook for tips on presenting effectively during assessments.