Students planning to begin higher education in 2027 can now take an important first step: the CAO applications portal opens at noon on Thursday, November 5th. The Central Applications Office system lists more than 1,400 undergraduate courses across Irish higher education institutions.
This Breaking News update is relevant to Leaving Certificate students, mature applicants and anyone seeking a place on an undergraduate course in Ireland. Applicants can begin the process now, but they will have much longer to review and finalise their preferences.
CAO applications open for students across Ireland
The Central Applications Office, commonly known as the CAO, manages applications and college offers for undergraduate programmes in Irish universities and other higher education institutions. Its annual application process is the main route for students seeking admission to many third-level courses.
More than 1,400 courses are available through the system this year. The options cover a broad range of subjects, including arts, business, science, engineering, healthcare, technology and professional studies.
Key details for applicants
- The CAO portal opens at noon on Thursday, November 5th, 2026.
- The application fee is €35 when paid by January 20th, 2027.
- The fee rises to €50 after January 20th.
- Course choices can be finalised until 5pm on July 1st, 2027.
- Applicants can consult the full CAO Handbook on cao.ie.
How the CAO application process works
Students beginning an application will first be asked to enter their personal details. Once that stage is completed, the system provides a unique CAO application number, which applicants should keep safely for future access and correspondence.
Students sitting the 2027 Leaving Certificate can confirm that status through the portal. Applicants who have already completed the State examination must provide their examination number and the year in which they sat the exam.
Information applicants should prepare
- Accurate personal and contact details
- Leaving Certificate or previous examination information
- A list of potential course choices
- Payment details for the application fee
- Secure access to the email address used for the application
Applicants should check every entry carefully before submitting information. Errors in personal or examination details can create avoidable difficulties later in the admissions process.
CAO deadlines students need to know
The first major deadline is January 20th, 2027. Students who submit and pay by that date will pay the reduced €35 application fee. Applications made after the deadline cost €50.
Opening an application early does not mean students must immediately make final decisions about their course preferences. The deadline for finalising course choices is 5pm on July 1st, 2027, after the Leaving Certificate examinations have taken place.
That timetable gives applicants an opportunity to research courses, attend open days, speak with guidance counsellors and reassess their preferences as they learn more about entry requirements and career options.
Suggested application timeline
- November 2026: Create the CAO application and record the unique number.
- Before January 20th, 2027: Submit the application at the reduced fee where possible.
- Spring 2027: Review course information and update preferences if needed.
- After the Leaving Certificate: Make final checks and confirm course choices.
- By 5pm on July 1st, 2027: Complete the final course-choice deadline.
Why students should avoid leaving the application late
Although course preferences do not need to be finalised immediately, registering early can reduce pressure. An early application gives students time to check their details, understand the order-of-preference system and investigate courses that may have different subject or points requirements.
The CAO Handbook is the central reference guide for applicants. Students and parents should use it alongside official course information and advice from their school or guidance counsellor. Course requirements can vary, so applicants should not rely solely on a course title or a previous year’s points information.
Opening an application also allows students to identify missing information well before key deadlines. Anyone who has questions about eligibility, examination details or course requirements should seek clarification through the appropriate official channel.
What happens after course choices are submitted?
Once the application and course preferences are complete, the CAO processes offers for undergraduate places. Students should monitor their application information and keep their contact details up to date.
The July 1st deadline is particularly important because it marks the final point for confirming course choices for the 2027 admissions cycle. Students should review the order of their preferences carefully before submitting their final list.
Frequently asked questions about CAO applications
When does the CAO portal open?
The portal opens at noon on Thursday, November 5th, 2026.
How much does a CAO application cost?
The fee is €35 for applications made by January 20th, 2027. It increases to €50 after that date.
When must course choices be finalised?
Students have until 5pm on July 1st, 2027, to finalise their course choices.
Can students change their minds after opening an application?
Students do not have to finalise their choices when the portal first opens. They can use the months before the July deadline to research and review their preferences.
Where can applicants find official guidance?
The full CAO Handbook and application information are available through the official CAO website, cao.ie.
The key takeaway for applicants
The opening of the CAO portal marks the start of the 2027 college application cycle in Ireland. Students should register early, protect their unique application number, meet the January fee deadline where possible and use the time available to make informed course choices. For the latest Ireland education news, the official CAO Handbook remains the most reliable guide to the process.