Applying through the CAO can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. Eileen Keleghan, head of communications at the CAO has five essential tips for navigating the application.

1. Read the CAO handbook

The CAO handbook is your go-to guide for the entire application, offer, and acceptance process. It includes detailed instructions and a full list of courses available for 2026 entry.

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Access it at cao.ie/handbook and refer back to it throughout the year to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

For the most up-to-date course information, use the Course Search tool on the CAO website.

2. List Courses in Genuine Order of Preference

This is one of the most important steps. Every year, applicants regret not listing courses in true order of preference.

Here’s how it works: you will be offered the highest course on your list for which you meet the requirements. If you put a course you’re less interested in above your favourite, you may receive an offer on this course and you will not then be considered for any lower preference courses in later rounds.

Every year we come across applicants who have received an offer of their first or second preference course, and they would actually prefer their third preference course. Unfortunately, as they have received a course higher up on their list, they cannot now be considered for any of their lower preference courses.

Tip: Start with your dream course at number one, then your next favourite, and so on, right up to ten choices on each list. Make sure to consider both the Level 8 and Level 7/6 lists to give you plenty of options at the offers stage.

2. List courses in genuine order of preference

This is one of the most important steps. Every year, applicants regret not listing courses in true order of preference. You will be offered the highest course on your list for which you meet the requirements.

If you put a course you’re less interested in above your favourite, you may receive an offer on this course and you will not then be considered for any lower preference courses in later rounds.

Every year we come across applicants who have received an offer of their first or second preference course, and they would actually prefer their third preference course.

Unfortunately, as they have received a course higher up on their list, they cannot now be considered for any of their lower preference courses.

3. Check your emails regularly

CAO will email you important updates and instructions. Always read these emails carefully and act promptly if required.

In May, all applicants will receive the Statement of Application email, which asks you to log in and confirm your details. This is your chance to correct any errors before offers are issued.

4. Don’t leave It to the last minute

Deadlines are strict and final. Leaving tasks until the last minute can lead to unnecessary stress, especially if you encounter issues like forgotten passwords, incorrect details, or payment problems.

Plan ahead by logging in regularly, check your details, and complete changes well before the deadline.

5. Start HEAR and DARE applications early

Applying for the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) or the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) takes time, particularly when gathering supporting documents from schools, medical professionals, or Government departments.

You need to start your application early.