How to make an application with the CAO
Question: I'm planning on applying to go to University next year, can you explain to me what the CAO's role is and how I can apply?
Answer: The CAO is the office appointed by the Higher Education Institutions with the task of processing centrally all applications to their first year undergraduate/diploma/certificate courses. In Ireland you apply for almost all full-time undergraduate courses (Higher Certificates (Level 6), Ordinary Bachelor's degrees (Level 7) and Honors' Bachelor's degrees (Level 8)) in the universities and Institutes of Technology through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The CAO provides an applications pack with a handbook that lists all the courses on offer and gives information on how to apply. Decisions on offers of places are normally made in August and September, after the results of the Leaving Certificate have been announced. A student must also have the particular academic entry requirements (also called matriculation requirements) for the course he/she wants to take.
For all participating Higher Level Institutions application can be made in paper and online via the CAO. Remember to check the closing date for application relevant to the year you are applying. The application fee whether online or paper has a fee attached, however if you apply online before mid January you may get a discount on this fee. During the year a number of colleges hold open days for students to get a feel of the college they wish to apply to. Remember www.cao.ie gives detailed information on criteria, deadlines and application procedure
For more information on application procedures for the CAO click here.
