The Central Applications Office processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Decisions on admissions to undergraduate courses are made by the HEIs who instruct CAO to make offers to successful candidates. Click HERE to view the CAO website for more information.
PDF copy of 2024 handbook
Important dates for 2024 Applicants:-
Timetable of Events
Please note:
- These dates may be amended.
- Tests and interviews form part of the entry-requirements for certain courses.
Please consult the literature of the HEI for further information.
| 6th November 2024 (12:00) | CAO online application facility opens. CAO Change of Course choices facility opens |
| 20th January 2024 (17:00) | Apply online by this date to avail of the discounted application fee of €30. |
| 1st February (17:00) | Normal closing date for applications. |
| 6th February (12:00) | Online facility to amend course choices becomes available (€10 Fee) |
| Test Window: 16th-25th February |
HPAT Test – Undergraduate Entry to Medicine |
| Test centre sitting: 20th-21st February |
HPAT Test – Undergraduate Entry to Medicine |
| 1st March (17:00) |
Closing date for amending course choices Most tests and interviews for restricted courses are held in March and April |
| 5th March (12:00) | Late application facility opens. |
| 15th March (17:00) | Latest date for HEAR/DARE supporting documentation to arrive in CAO |
| Test window: Late March |
GAMSAT Test – Graduate Entry to Medicine. The fee to sit the exam in Ireland 2023 is €341. |
| Registration window: April |
Mature Nursing Test – register for the tests at www.nmbi.ie |
| Test window: April |
Mature Nursing Test |
| 1st May (17:00) | Closing date for late applications |
| 7th May (12:00) | Online Change of Mind facility becomes available (Free) |
| Before End of May | Late Paper Applicants will be sent a Statement of Course Choices (Contact CAO if you do not receive it) |
| Before End of May | Statement of Application Record sent to all applicants (Contact CAO if you do not receive it) |
| 1st July (17:00) | Change of Mind closes |
| Early July | Round A offers for certain Non-Standard categories of applicants – applicants receive an offer by e-mail and SMS text |
| TBC | Round A acceptances closing date. |
| 22nd July (17:00) | Exceptional closing date for late applications for those already attending a participating HEI |
| TBC | Round 0 offers for certain Non-Standard categories of applicant – applicants receive an offer by e-mail and SMS text |
| TBC | Round 0 acceptances closing date. |
| TBC | Current year Leaving Certificate results issued |
| TBC | Round 1 offers available from 14:00 online – also issued by e-mail and SMS text. Applicants who have not received an offer will receive a `Statement of Application` e-mail. |
| TBC | Available Place 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 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 | HEIs begin registration |
| TBC | Results of Leaving Certificate appeals released |
| TBC | Offer Season Ends. |