Understanding the CAO System: How Undergraduate Admissions Work in Ireland
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The CAO system is central to how undergraduate admissions work in Ireland, and understanding its structure, even as an international applicant with different qualifications, helps you navigate the process confidently.
What the CAO actually is
The Central Applications Office processes undergraduate applications for the large majority of Irish universities and Technological Universities through a single centralised platform, where applicants list course preferences in order of choice.
How the points system works
Irish Leaving Certificate students are ranked using a points system based on their exam results, and each course sets an annual points requirement based on demand, admission depends on where your points fall relative to that year's specific cutoff, which can shift year to year based on applicant numbers.
How international qualifications are assessed
International students with non-Irish qualifications, such as A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate, or other national qualifications, are generally assessed through a comparable, though separate, evaluation process rather than the standard Leaving Certificate points system, converting your specific qualification into an equivalent standard for comparison.
Application timeline considerations
CAO applications typically open in the autumn/winter before the following autumn intake, with various deadlines throughout the cycle, including early deadlines that can affect fee structure or processing priority, understand your specific target courses' exact deadlines rather than assuming a single universal date.
Postgraduate applications work differently
Postgraduate admissions generally don't go through the CAO, instead applying directly to the university or, for some courses, through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC), understand which specific process applies to your intended course level.
Get help navigating the CAO or direct application process for your specific course.
Start Your Free Assessment →FAQs
Do all Irish undergraduate courses go through the CAO?
The large majority do, though some private colleges and specific programmes may use a direct application process instead, always check your specific target course.
How are non-Irish qualifications compared to CAO points?
Through a comparable, though separate, evaluation process converting your specific qualification, such as A-Levels or the IB, into an equivalent standard for comparison.
Do CAO points requirements change every year?
Yes, points requirements shift based on that year's specific applicant demand for each course, so always check the current year's figures rather than relying on past years' cutoffs.
Does postgraduate admission use the CAO system?
Generally no, postgraduate admissions typically apply directly to the university or through the Postgraduate Applications Centre instead.
When do CAO applications typically open?
Generally in the autumn or winter before the following autumn intake, with various deadlines throughout the cycle, check your specific target courses' exact dates.
