This office deals with all applications for the Irish Universities, the Institutes of Technology, and some Private Colleges.

It operates the points system to allocate the available college places amongst the students who apply directly from school. In addition to having the required number of points, students must also meet the minimum requirements for entry to the college and the specific entry requirements for entry to certain courses. It is vital that students research these before making their CAO application.

The closing date each year for receipt of application to the CAO is February 1st. Certain courses, called Restricted Application Courses, cannot be applied for after this date. For other courses, late applications may be made up to 5.15 pm on 1st May of each year.

The most efficient method of applying to the CAO is online. The website address is www.cao.ie. It is worth taking a look at this, as it has links to all the information available on each college course in its database. Click on the CAO icon on the right to go directly to the CAO website.

The CAO also deals with applications from special categories of students not coming directly from an Irish Second Level School. These include GCE/GCSE, A Level, and other British Examination Board Exams, FETAC (NCVA Level 2/3).

Mature Applicants - that is anyone who is 23 years or over on 1st January of the year of application - should refer to the CAO Handbook or go on line to get the relevant information.

The CAO system is very easy to operate. It is also very flexible. Applicants can change their minds as often as they like up to 1st July of the year of entry to college.


CAO Contact Details

Central Applications Office,
Tower House,
Eglinton Street,
Galway.

Phone: (091) 509800

Fax: (091) 562344

Email: help@cao.ie

Website: www.cao.ie