Important dates for your CAO

Applying for a college course through the CAO is one of the many options you have when you are preparing to leave school. We’ve put together a few key dates if you are thinking of using the CAO to choose a college course for September.

Application deadlines

If you are making a CAO application this year, there are some important dates to be aware of.

20th January 2026 (5 pm)

Apply online by this date to avail of the discounted application fee of €30.

1st February 2026 (5 pm)

Normal closing date for applications.

5th February 2026 (12pm)

Online facility to amend course choices becomes available (€10 Fee).

13th February to 16th February 2026

Test sitting: HPAT – Undergraduate Entry to Medicine.

Before 15th February 2026

Paper Applicants will be sent a Statement of Course Choices. If you do not receive this statement you should contact the CAO.

1st March 2026 (5pm)

Closing date for amending course choices.
Closing date for completion of the mature section of the application form.
Closing date for the final completion of online HEAR/DARE forms.

5th March 2026 (12pm)

Late application facility opens.

10th March 2026 (5pm)

Latest date for HEAR/DARE supporting documentation to arrive in CAO.

28th Feb – 1st March, 20th – 22nd March 2026

GAMSAT Test – Graduate Entry to Medicine.

TBC

Mature Nursing Test (PAS) Registration Window

TBC

Mature Nursing Test (PAS) Test Window

1st May 2026 (5pm)

Closing date for late applications.

Change of mind and statements of application

If you reconsider your options after filling out the CAO, it is possible to change your application.

5th May 2026 (12pm)

Online Change of Mind facility becomes available free of charge.

Before 15th May 2026

Late Paper Applicants will be sent a Statement of Course Choices. You should contact the CAO if you do not receive yours.

Before end of May 2026

Statement of Application Record will be sent to all applicants. You should contact the CAO if you do not receive yours.

1st July 2026 (5pm)

Change of Mind closes.

Non-Standard Category Applicants and HEI

If you are a Non-Standard applicant, there are some important CAO dates to keep in mind.

TBC

Round A offers for certain Non-Standard categories of applicants. Applicants will receive an offer by post, by e-mail and text message.

TBC

Round A acceptances closing date.

TBC

Round 0 offers for certain Non-Standard categories of applicant. Applicants will receive an offer by post, by e-mail and text message.

TBC

Round 0 acceptances closing date.

Leaving Cert results and offers

TBC

Leaving Cert results are released.

TBC

Round 1 offers available from 2pm online – also issued by e-mail and text.

Applicants who have not received an offer will receive a ‘Statement of Application’ e-mail.

TBC

Available Places facility opens.

TBC

Round 1 acceptances closing date.

TBC

Round 2 offers available online.

TBC

Round 2 acceptances closing date.

TBC

Round 3 offers available from online. Applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text.

TBC

Round 3 acceptances closing date.

TBC

Round 4 offers available online. Applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text.

TBC

Round 4 acceptances closing date.

TBC

Round 5 offers available online. Applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text.

TBC

Round 5 acceptances closing date.

TBC

Results of Leaving Certificate appeals released.

TBC

Offer Season Ends.

5th November 2026

CAO application facility opens for 2027 applications.

Please note that these dates may be amended.

For further help and advice about your CAO application form.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

• Chat now to a trained Youth Information Officer
• Or leave us a message and we will email you back