--- title: "CAO Checklist: Helping You Make the Right Choice" description: A blog exploring the Central Applications Office (CAO) application system for Irish Leaving Certificate students broken down into a handy FAQ format. image: https://blog.ncirl.ie/hubfs/1-Dec-18-2025-05-20-35-9737-PM.png --- Quick links ## FOR STUDENTS - [Current Students Hub](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Current-Students-Hub) - [Support Services](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services) - [Careers](https://www.ncirl.ie/Careers) - [Library](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Library) - [Courses](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/All-Courses) - [International Students](https://www.ncirl.ie/International) - [CAO Students](https://www.ncirl.ie/CAO) - [Exams](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Exams) - [NCI Support Hub](https://ncisupporthub.ncirl.ie/hc/en-ie) ## FOR STAFF - [Staff Hub](https://www.ncirl.ie/Staff) - [MyApps](https://myapps.microsoft.com/ncirl.ie) - [Information Hub](https://studentncirl.sharepoint.com/sites/portal/SitePages/Home.aspx) ## HELP AND ADVICE - [How to Apply to NCI](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply) - [How to Find Us](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Location) - [Student Help](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services) - [Staff A-Z](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/A-Z-Staff-Directory) - [Jobs at NCI](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Work-for-NCI) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Help/FAQs) - [Contact Us](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Contact) - [News](https://www.ncirl.ie/News) - [Events](https://www.ncirl.ie/Events) ## FACULTIES AND DEPARTMENTS - [School of Business](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Faculties/School-of-Business) - [School of Computing](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Faculties/School-of-Computing) - [Cloud Competency Centre](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Faculties/Cloud-Competency-Centre) - [Psychology Department](https://www.ncirl.ie/Psychology-Department) - [Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning Department](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Faculties/Centre-for-Education-and-Lifelong-Learning) - [Registrar’s Office](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Departments/Registrars-Office) - [Early Learning Initiative](https://www.ncirl.ie/ELI) - [HR Department](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Departments/HR-Department) - [Marketing Department](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Departments/Marketing-Department) - [Student Services](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Departments/Student-Services-Office) - [Quality and Institutional Effectiveness (QIE)](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Departments/Quality-and-Institutional-Effectiveness) ## FOLLOW US - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/ncirl) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NCIRL/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/NCIRL/) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/school/49574/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/NCIRL) Quick links [Accessibility](https://www.ncirl.ie/Legal/Accessibility) ``` ``` [![NCIRL](https://blog.ncirl.ie/hubfs/NCI_July2019%20Theme/Images/NCI%20Logo%202025.jpg)](https://www.ncirl.ie/home) Search Toggle navigation Menu [![NCI_Logo_Colour-01](https://blog.ncirl.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/NCI_Logo_Colour-01.png?width=130&height=93&name=NCI_Logo_Colour-01.png)](https://www.ncirl.ie/)   - [STUDY](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study) - [STUDENTS](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students) - [RESEARCH](https://www.ncirl.ie/Research) - [ABOUT](https://www.ncirl.ie/About) - [Study](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study) - [All Courses](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/All-Courses) - [How to Apply](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply) - [Undergraduate](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Undergraduate) - [Postgraduate](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Postgraduate) - [Part-Time](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Part-Time) - [International](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/International-Support/How-to-Apply) - [FETAC](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/FETAC) - [Mature Students](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Mature-Students) - [Transfer Students](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Transfer-Students) - [Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Disability-Access-Route-to-Education-DARE) - [Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Higher-Education-Access-Route-HEAR) - [Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Recognition-of-Prior-Experiential-Learning-RPEL) - [About RPEL](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Recognition-of-Prior-Experiential-Learning-RPEL/About-RPEL) - [How RPEL is used in NCI](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Recognition-of-Prior-Experiential-Learning-RPEL/How-RPEL-is-used-in-NCI) - [How to apply under RPEL](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Recognition-of-Prior-Experiential-Learning-RPEL/How-to-apply-under-RPEL) - [RPEL Supports in NCI](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/How-to-Apply/Recognition-of-Prior-Experiential-Learning-RPEL/RPEL-Supports-in-NCI) - [Fees and Grants](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants) - [Undergraduate Fees](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Undergraduate-Fees) - [Postgraduate Fees](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Postgraduate-Fees) - [Free Fees Initiative](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Free-Fees-Initiative) - [Mandatory Fees](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Mandatory-Fees) - [Direct Debit Plan](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Direct-Debit-Plan) - [Financial Support](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Financial-Support) - [Grants & Funding](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Financial-Support/Grants-Funding) - [Student Assistance Fund](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Financial-Support/Student-Assistance-Fund) - [Fund for Students with Disabilities](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Financial-Support/Fund-for-Students-with-Disabilities) - [Refunds](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Refunds) - [Tax Relief](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Tax-Relief) - [Scholarships & Discounts](https://www.ncirl.ie/Scholarships) - [Sports Scholarship](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Scholarships-Discounts/Sports-Scholarship) - [Employer Sponsorship](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Employer-Sponsorship) - [Contact Fees Office](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Contact) - [Springboard](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Springboard) - [Education Courses](https://www.ncirl.ie/Courses/search?subjects=Education) - [Non-Profit Management Courses](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Non-Profit-Management-Courses) - [Credit Union Courses](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Credit-Union-Courses) - [Library](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Library) - [Students](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students) - [Current Students Hub](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Current-Students-Hub) - [Moodle](https://moodle.ncirl.ie) - [Student Mail](http://www.outlook.com/student.ncirl.ie) - [MyDetails Login](https://sis.ncirl.ie/apex/f?p=1202:LOGIN:15704760477589) - [Pay Your Fees](https://sis.ncirl.ie/apex/f?p=PV_PAY_FEES) - [Timetables](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Timetables) - [Password Management](http://password.ncirl.ie/) - [Office 365 myApps](https://login.microsoftonline.com/common/oauth2/authorize?client_id=00000006-0000-0ff1-ce00-000000000000&response_mode=form_post&response_type=code+id_token&scope=openid+profile&state=OpenIdConnect.AuthenticationProperties%3dfcOhP1C0LTRbzv78K7_im-4m3uRT-2) - [Print Top-up](https://studentprint.ncirl.ie/webcentre/) - [SPSS Download](https://studentncirl.sharepoint.com/sites/itsupport/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2Fitsupport%2FShared%20Documents%2FSPSS) - [Wifi Printing](https://studentncirl.sharepoint.com/:f:/r/sites/itsupport/Shared%20Documents/Software/Wifi%20Printing?csf=1&e=10vdTf) - [NCI360](https://nci360.ncirl.ie/) - [Eduroam Configuration Tool](https://cat.eduroam.org/) - [Azure Dev Tools for Education](https://azureforeducation.microsoft.com/devtools) - [Careers](https://www.ncirl.ie/Careers) - [About Us](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/About-Us) - [Meet the Team](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/About-Us/Meet-the-Team) - [Employers](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers) - [Recruit Students & Graduates](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Recruit-Students-Graduates) - [Why Recruit NCI Graduates?](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Recruit-Students-Graduates/Why-Recruit-NCI-Graduates) - [Raise Your Profile](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Recruit-Students-Graduates/Raise-Your-Profile) - [Develop Your Brand](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Recruit-Students-Graduates/Develop-Your-Brand) - [Become an Employer Partner](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Recruit-Students-Graduates/Become-an-Employer-Partner) - [Recruiting International Students](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Recruit-Students-Graduates/Recruiting-International-Students) - [Recruiting Students with a Disability](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Recruit-Students-Graduates/Recruiting-Students-with-a-Disability) - [Mentoring](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Mentoring) - [Mentoring Programme](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Mentoring/Mentoring-Programme) - [Benefits of Mentoring](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Mentoring/Benefits-of-Mentoring) - [Commitment from Mentors](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Mentoring/Commitment-from-Mentors) - [How Do I Get Involved?](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Mentoring/How-Do-I-Get-Involved) - [Downloads For Mentors](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Mentoring/Downloads-For-Mentors) - [Important Dates](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Important-Dates) - [Employer Testimonials](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/-Employers/Employer-Testimonials) - [Students & Graduates](https://www.ncirl.ie/Careers/StudentsandGraduates) - [Vacancies](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Students-Graduates/Vacancies) - [CVs and Applications](https://www.ncirl.ie/Careers/Students/Jobs/Job-Hunting-Advice/CV-and-Applications) - [Cover Letters](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Students-Graduates/Cover-Letters) - [Effective Application Forms](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Students-Graduates/Effective-Application-Forms) - [Interviews](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Students-Graduates/Interviews) - [Graduate Destinations](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Students-Graduates/Graduate-Destinations) - [Work Placement](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Students-Graduates/Work-Placement) - [Benefits of Work Placement](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Students-Graduates/Work-Placement/-Benefits-of-Work-Placement) - [Online Presence](https://www.ncirl.ie/Careers/StudentsandGraduates/onlinepresence) - [Downloads](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Downloads) - [Work Placement](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Work-Placement) - [Work Placement Brochures](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Work-Placement/Work-Placement-Brochures) - [Benefits for Employers](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Work-Placement/Benefits-for-Employers) - [Placement Dates](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Work-Placement/Placement-Dates) - [The Placement Process](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Work-Placement/The-Placement-Process) - [Courses with Placement](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Work-Placement/Courses-with-Placement) - [Student Services](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services) - [Support Services](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services) - [Disability Support](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services/Disability-Support) - [Fund for Students with Disabilities](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services/Disability-Support/Fund-for-Students-with-Disabilities) - [Academic Support](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services/Academic-Support) - [Computing Support](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services/Computing-Support) - [Student Welfare](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services/Student-Welfare) - [Student Assistance Fund](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services/Student-Welfare/Student-Assistance-Fund) - [Personal Development](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services/Personal-Development) - [Financial Support](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services/Financial-Support) - [Student Assistance Fund](https://www.ncirl.ie/saf) - [Financial Disability Support](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Support-Services/Financial-Support/Financial-Disability-Support) - [Work Placement](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Careers/Students-Graduates/Work-Placement) - [Students' Union](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/Students-Union) - [IT Services](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/IT-Services) - [About IT Services](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/IT-Services/About-IT-Services) - [eduroam](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/IT-Services/eduroam) - [Login Details](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/IT-Services/Login-Details) - [IT Video Guides](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/IT-Services/IT-Video-Guides) - [IT FAQs](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Services/IT-Services/IT-FAQs) - [Exams](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Exams) - [Exam Timetable](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Exams/Exam-Timetable) - [Check My Results](https://sis.ncirl.ie/apex/f?p=1202:LOGIN:5189846769534) - [Invigilation](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Exams/Invigilation) - [Rechecks & Reviews](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Exams/Rechecks-Reviews) - [Forms & Downloads](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Exams/Forms-Downloads) - [Past Exam Transcripts](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Exams/Past-Exam-Transcripts) - [Diploma Supplement](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Exams/Diploma-Supplement) - [Repeat Registration](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Exams/Repeat-Registration) - [Exam Deferrals](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Exams/Exam-Deferrals) - [Exam Regulations](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Exams/Exam-Regulations) - [Contact Exam Office](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Contact) - [Timetables](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Timetables) - [Graduation](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Graduation) - [Student Accommodation](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Accommodation) - [Who is Eligible?](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Accommodation/Who-is-Eligible) - [What Comes in the Apartment?](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Accommodation/What-Comes-in-the-Apartment) - [How to Apply](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Accommodation/How-to-Apply) - [Accommodation Costs](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Accommodation/Accommodation-Costs) - [Location](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Accommodation/Location) - [FAQs](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Student-Accommodation/FAQs) - [Sports & Recreation](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Sports-Recreation) - [Sports & Recreation Facilities](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Sports-Recreation/Sports-Recreation-Facilities) - [Gym](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Sports-Recreation/Gym) - [Café & Restaurant](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Sports-Recreation/Café-Restaurant) - [Recreation Room](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Sports-Recreation/Recreation-Room) - [NCI Sports Scholarship](https://www.ncirl.ie/Study/Fees-and-Grants/Scholarships-Discounts/Sports-Scholarship) - [Childcare](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Childcare) - [Registration Information](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Registration-Information) - [New Students](https://www.ncirl.ie/NewStudents) - [Full-time Registration and Orientation](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Registration-Information/New-Students/Full-time-Registration-and-Orientation) - [Access (DARE, HEAR & Mature) Orientation](https://www.ncirl.ie/Access-DARE-HEAR-Mature-Orientation) - [Parents Information Session](https://www.ncirl.ie/ParentsInformationSession) - [Timetables](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Timetables) - [Part-Time Registration and Orientation](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Registration-Information/New-Students/Part-Time-Registration-and-Orientation) - [Springboard Registration and Orientation](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Registration-Information/New-Students/Springboard-Registration-and-Orientation) - [Full-Time Undergraduate Fees](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Registration-Information/New-Student) - [Common Phrases and Terms Used in NCI](https://www.ncirl.ie/newstudents/phrasesandterms) - [FAQs](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Registration-Information/New-Students/FAQs) - [Returning Students](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Registration-Information/Returning-Students) - [Registrar's Office](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Registrars-Officeirl.ie/Students/Registrars-Office) - [Programme Deferrals](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Registrars-Office/Programme-Deferrals) - [Programme Withdrawals](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Registrars-Office/Programme-Withdrawals) - [Payment Plans](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Registrars-Office/Payment-Plans) - [Contact Registrar's Office](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Contact) - [Academic Policies](https://studentncirl.sharepoint.com/sites/itsupport/Shared%20Documents/Academic%20Policies) - [CAO](https://www.ncirl.ie/CAO) - [Advice for CAO Students](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/CAO/Advice-for-CAO-Students) - [School Liaison Programme](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/CAO/School-Liaison-Programme) - [Open Days](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/CAO/School-Liaison-Programme/Open-Days) - [Free Revision Sessions](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/CAO/School-Liaison-Programme/Free-Revision-Sessions) - [School Visits](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/CAO/School-Liaison-Programme/School-Visits) - [Campus Visits](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/CAO/School-Liaison-Programme/Campus-Visits) - [PLC Visits](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/CAO/School-Liaison-Programme/PLC-Visits) - [Book a School Visit](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Contact) - [Summer Camp](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/CAO/Summer-Camp) - [Revision Session](https://www.ncirl.ie/CAO/Revision-Sessions) - [Full-time Prospectus](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/CAO/Full-time-Prospectus) - [Mathematics Alternative Exam for Data Science](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/CAO/Mathematics-Alternative-Exam-for-Data-Science) - [Library](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Library) - [Group Study Space](https://ncirl.libcal.com/reserve/) - [Other Services and Facilities](http://libguides.ncirl.ie/c.php?g=571407) - [Students with Special Educational Needs](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/Library/Students-with-Special-Educational-Needs) - [International Students](http://libguides.ncirl.ie/internationalstudents/home) - [International](https://www.ncirl.ie/International) - [Why NCI?](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Why-NCI) - [Reasons to choose NCI](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Why-NCI/Reasons-to-choose-NCI) - [Meet our Students](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Why-NCI/Meet-our-Students) - [Studying in Dublin](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Studying-in-Dublin) - [Dublin](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Studying-in-Dublin/Dublin) - [Ireland](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Studying-in-Dublin/Ireland) - [What You Can Study](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/What-You-Can-Study) - [Undergraduate Courses](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/What-You-Can-Study/Undergraduate-Courses) - [School of Business Masters Courses](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/What-You-Can-Study/School-of-Business-Masters-Courses) - [School of Computing Masters Courses](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/What-You-Can-Study/School-of-Computing-Masters-Courses) - [Pathways](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/What-You-Can-Study/Pathways) - [Academic Entry Requirements](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/What-You-Can-Study/Academic-Entry-Requirements) - [English Language Requirements](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/What-You-Can-Study/English-Language-Requirements) - [Your Country](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Your-Country) - [Fees and Funding](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Fees-and-Funding) - [Fees](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Fees-and-Funding/Fees) - [International Scholarships](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Fees-and-Funding/International-Scholarships) - [Payment Options](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Fees-and-Funding/Payment-Options) - [Cost of Living](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Fees-and-Funding/Cost-of-Living) - [Refund Policy](https://www.ncirl.ie/International/Refund-Policy) - [International Support](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/International-Support) - [How to Apply](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/International-Support/How-to-Apply) - [Confirm Your Place](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/International-Support/Confirm-Your-Place) - [Visas & Immigration](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/International-Support/Visas-Immigration) - [Before Arriving](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/International-Support/Before-Arriving) - [When You Arrive](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/International-Support/When-You-Arrive) - [Life at NCI](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Life-at-NCI) - [Accommodation in Dublin](https://www.ncirl.ie/International/Life-at-NCI/Accommodation-in-Dublin) - [On Campus Accommodation Booking](https://www.ncirl.ie/International/Life-at-NCI/Accommodation/Booking) - [Support for You](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Life-at-NCI/Support-for-You) - [Downloads](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Downloads) - [Events](https://www.ncirl.ie/Students/International/Events) - 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[Area-Based Childhood Programme](https://www.ncirl.ie/Area-Based-Childhood-Programme) - [ELI Fundraising Standards](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Early-Learning-Initiative/About-ELI/ELI-Fundraising-Standards) - [Review Board and Development Committee](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Early-Learning-Initiative/About-ELI/Review-Board-and-Development-Committee) - [Our Programmes](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Early-Learning-Initiative/Our-Programmes) - [Support for Parents](https://www.ncirl.ie/ELI/Our-Programmes/ELI-Support-for-Parents) - [Parent Child Home Programme](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Early-Learning-Initiative/Our-Programmes/Support-for-Parents/Parent-Child-Home-Programme) - [0-2 Programme](https://www.ncirl.ie/ELI/0-2-Programme) - [Restorative Parenting](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Early-Learning-Initiative/Our-Programmes/Support-for-Parents/Restorative-Parenting) - [Literacy & Numeracy Programmes](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Early-Learning-Initiative/Our-Programmes/Literacy-Numeracy-Programmes) - 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[News & Events](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/News-Events) - [Latest Updates](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/News-Events/Latest-Updates) - [News](https://www.ncirl.ie/News) - [Events](https://www.ncirl.ie/Events) - [Blog](https://blog.ncirl.ie/) - [Academic Calendar](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/News-Events/Academic-Calendar) - [Location](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Location) - [IFSC Campus Map](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Location/IFSCCampusMap) - [Car Parking](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Location/Car-Parking) - [How to Find Us](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Location/How-to-Find-Us) - [Help](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Help) - [A-Z Page Listing](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Help/A-Z-Page-Listing) - [FAQs](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Help/FAQs) - [Contact](https://www.ncirl.ie/About/Contact) - Quick links # NCI Blog ## CAO Checklist: Helping You Make the Right Choice Posted by [Ella McDaid](https://blog.ncirl.ie/author/ella-mcdaid) on 18 December 2025 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![1-Dec-18-2025-05-20-35-9737-PM](https://blog.ncirl.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/1-Dec-18-2025-05-20-35-9737-PM.png?width=560&height=315&name=1-Dec-18-2025-05-20-35-9737-PM.png) Applying to the [Central Applications Office](https://www.cao.ie/) (CAO) can be a daunting task as students need to be prepared to navigate strict deadlines, keep track of important documentation, and carefully choose their course preferences. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about applying to the CAO below.  #### What is the CAO? 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 the CAO to make offers to successful candidates.  The CAO is based at Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway, H91 X25V, Ireland. You can contact them directly via [their website](https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=contact) or via post. As the CAO Team deals with a high volume of queries, it is recommended that you do not leave any questions or queries until the last-minute before deadlines.  ### How do I apply to the CAO?  You can apply to the CAO through their Online Application Portal. There is an online discounted fee of €35 if you apply before 20th January, after the 20th January the fee rises to €50.  Before applying to the CAO, applicants should thoroughly read the [CAO Handbook](https://www.cao.ie/handbook.php) which contains all the necessary information needed for the entire application process.  To start your application, head to the [Apply](https://www.cao.ie/apply.php) tab on the CAO website. From there, you will be prompted to fill in a number of details including your name, date of birth, current address, email, telephone number etc. It is very important that you double check your email address is correct before you head to the payment stage for your application as this will be your main form of communication with the CAO. ![Screenshot 2025-12-17 131349](https://blog.ncirl.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-12-17%20131349.png?width=500&height=368&name=Screenshot%202025-12-17%20131349.png) ### What documents do I need to apply? If you are a current year Leaving Certificate candidate, you must tick box number one to indicate this which ensures you are marked as awaiting results on the CAO system and no documentation for these results is yet present.  ![Screenshot 2025-12-17 132413](https://blog.ncirl.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-12-17%20132413.png?width=500&height=299&name=Screenshot%202025-12-17%20132413.png) You cannot enter your current year examination number at this time. The State Examinations Commission (SEC) will provide 2026 Leaving Certificate Examination candidate data to the CAO, and at a later date you will be asked to confirm your Leaving Certificate Examination number is correct.  When Leaving Certificate results are released at the end of August, this information will be sent to the CAO. From there, each institution will be able to see your results and ensure you meet the Minimum Entry Requirements for your chosen courses. If you are applying to the CAO in the process of obtaining a degree or certificate or completed a course in PLC/Further Education/Higher Education, you will need to provide documentation from your course of study. This can be uploaded directly onto the CAO or posted.   ### What is HEAR/DARE? The [Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)](https://accesscollege.ie/hear/) is a third-level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers resident in the Republic of Ireland, who are underrepresented in Higher Education due to their socio-economic background. Before submitting a HEAR application you should read the [HEAR Handbook](https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=hear&bb=accessroutes) on the CAO website and discuss this with your parents, guardians, or guidance counsellor as there are certain parameters you must meet in order to apply. The [Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)](https://accesscollege.ie/dare/) is a third-level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers, who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second-level education. Before submitting an application, you should read the [DARE Handbook](https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=dare&bb=accessroutes) on the CAO website. Before applying, check out if your chosen HEI has a designated DARE representative who will be able to help you through the application process.  We have also prepared a [short guide](https://blog.ncirl.ie/cao-applicants-your-guide-to-the-dare-and-hear-schemes) that breaks down applying the HEAR and DARE schemes into bitesize chunks, that you may find useful.  ### How do I choose what courses to apply for? That's a great question! It can be hard to choose what you'd like to study from the many course options available on the CAO.  Here's a few things you can do to narrow down your choices: - Chat to your school guidance counsellor about study areas you're interested in.  - Take an online aptitude test. - Visit [Open Days](https://www.ncirl.ie/CAO-Open-Days) and get a feel for college life. - Volunteer for work experience in areas you're interested in to see if you'd enjoy it.  You should also research the Minimum Entry Requirements for any course you wish to apply for.  ### How does the preference system work? When entering your course choices, it is extremely important that you [list your courses](https://handbook.cao.ie/page/introducing-your-course-choices) based on your order of preference and not on assumptions about examination performance or what you think the points will be for a course. You should put down your preferred option (the course you most want to study) as number one.  Students can apply for Level 6/7 and Level 8 courses through the CAO. Level 6/7 and Level 8 courses are considered separately. This means that may receive an offer from each list. [![nfq](https://blog.ncirl.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/nfq.jpg?width=588&height=297&name=nfq.jpg)*National Framework of Qualifications. *](https://www.qqi.ie/what-we-do/the-qualifications-system/national-framework-of-qualifications) At the offer stage, you will receive an offer of the course highest on your course choices list(s) that you are deemed eligible for, if any. For example, if you receive your first preference Level 8 course in Round One you will not receive an offer for a lower Level 8 preference in subsequent rounds.  ### What are the main CAO deadlines? - 1st February, 17:00 - Normal closing date for applications. - 5th February, 12:00 - Online facility to amend course choices becomes available (€10 Fee). - 1st March, 17:00 - Closing date for amending course choices, closing date for completion of mature section of application form, closing date for final completion of online HEAR/DARE forms. - 5th March, 12:00 - Late application facility opens. - 1st May, 17:00 - Closing date for late applications. - 5th May, 12:00 - Online Change of Mind facility becomes available (Free). - 1st July, 17:00 - Change of Mind closes. You can check out the full timetable of event deadlines on the [CAO Timetable of Events](https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=timetableevents&bb=importantdates) page.  ### What is the CAO Change of Mind facility? From the beginning of May until the 1st of July, the [CAO Change of Mind](https://www.cao.ie/?page=aboutCOM) facility is available. This offers applicants the opportunity to change their course choices free of charge. If you change your course choices online, an acknowledgement will be sent to the email address you used at the application stage. If you use the Change of Mind facility, it supersedes all the previous course choices in any category in which changes are made.  ### What is the Statement of Application record email? In May, you will receive a direct email from the CAO called the Statement of Application record email. It will ask you to log in to the CAO, double check your personal details, your documents, qualifications, and course choices. It is very important that you make sure everything is correct as it can impact your application if anything is wrong. Once you are happy you have double checked everything, you can press confirm.  Making a CAO application to NCI? Check out our [CAO Hub](https://www.ncirl.ie/CAO) or come visit us on one of our [Open Days](https://www.ncirl.ie/CAO-Open-Days) and chat with staff and students, attend a sample class and get a guided tour of our campus buildings.  Topics: [CAO](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/cao), [Undergraduate](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/undergraduate) ### Recent Posts ### Posts by tag - [Advice (110)](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/advice) - [Part-time Courses (81)](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/part-time-courses) - [School of Computing (76)](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/school-of-computing) - [Events at NCI (72)](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/events-at-nci) - [Postgraduate Courses (72)](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/postgraduate-courses) - [CAO (69)](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/cao) - [Student Life (69)](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/student-life) - [Undergraduate (69)](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/undergraduate) - [NCI (62)](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/nci) - [School of Business and Social Sciences (61)](https://blog.ncirl.ie/topic/school-of-business-and-social-sciences) - 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