CAO 2026 Guide: Key Dates, Application Strategy, and Points Outlook for Leaving Cert Students

The academic year is well underway, and for students in Leaving Certificate years, attention is already turning to the single most important administrative task of the year: the Central Applications Office (CAO) application. This process determines entry into most undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Navigating the CAO 2026 application requires careful planning to ensure deadlines are met and strategy is sound. This guide provides the essential dates, clarifies the evolving points landscape, and outlines practical steps you can take with your child now.

The Application Opens: Key Dates You Cannot Miss

The 2026 CAO application process begins in November, long before the Leaving Certificate exams start. Getting the initial application submitted early not only secures the discounted fee but also ensures the applicant is registered for any restricted-entry courses.

The 2026 CAO online application facility opens from Wednesday, 5th November (12:00).

CAO 2026/2027 Application DeadlinesDate and TimeFee NoteApplication OpensWednesday, 5th November 2025 (12:00)Discounted Fee Deadline20th January 2026 (17:00)Apply online by this date for the reduced fee.Normal Closing Date1st February 2026 (17:00)The standard application deadline.Late Application Closing Date1st May 2026 (17:00)A significantly higher fee applies. Avoid this if possible.Change of Mind Facility Closes1st July 2026 (17:00)This is the absolute final date to amend course choices.

Crucial Note on Change of Mind (COM): The Change of Mind facility opens free of charge around 5th May 2026. Students are advised to use the initial November/January application to register their details and secure their place in the system. They can then use the free COM facility right up until July to finalise their course choices after exams, open days, and career research are complete.

Navigating CAO Points in the Current Climate

One of the most common anxieties for students and parents is the volatility of CAO points for competitive courses. It is vital to manage expectations by understanding the recent trends:

1. The Post-Pandemic Grade Deflation

Following a period of grade inflation due to calculated grades and enhanced marking during the pandemic, the Department of Education is gradually deflating Leaving Cert grades to return them to pre-2019 levels.

• The Impact: While this deflation is happening gradually, it means that for some courses, achieving the same points may require slightly higher raw scores than in the recent past. The overall picture is complex, as points are determined purely by supply and demand—the number of available places versus the number of applicants.
• Prediction is Impossible: No one can accurately predict the points for any course until the results are published and Round 1 offers are made. Students must focus on achieving their personal best and ensuring they meet the minimum entry requirements.

2. The Higher Level Maths Bonus

The bonus points system for Higher Level Mathematics remains a significant factor in the CAO landscape.

• The Bonus: Students who achieve a grade H6 or above in Higher Level Maths are awarded an additional 25 bonus points. This policy has led to a major increase in students taking the subject at Higher Level, which can impact the final points score for entry.
• Strategy: This bonus means that a student achieving an H6 (46 points) automatically receives 71 points for that subject (46 + 25). This is a key strategic consideration, but only if the student is likely to pass the subject.

Essential Application Strategy: Focus on the Order

The most critical principle of the CAO is placing your course choices in genuine order of preference, regardless of points.

1. List A and B: Students are asked to complete two separate lists: one for Level 8 Honours Degrees (e.g., BA, BSc) and one for Level 7/6 Ordinary Degrees and Higher Certificates.
2. Order is Everything: The CAO processes offers by checking the student’s highest preference first. If they have the points for their number one choice, they are offered it, and all lower choices are dropped. If they miss their number one choice, the system checks number two, and so on. The system is designed to maximise the chance of getting the highest course they qualify for.
3. Minimum Requirements: Ensure your child checks the specific minimum entry requirements (e.g., two H5 grades, a H4 in a specific language) for every course on their list. Missing a minimum requirement for a course means they cannot be offered a place, even if they have more than enough points.

Key Resources and Downloads

It is essential that students and parents read the official CAO Handbook and related documentation to ensure all requirements, especially those concerning specific admissions schemes (such as DARE or HEAR), are fully understood.

Source for All CAO Downloads

Sources: https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=timetableevents&bb=importantdates: https://www.breakthroughmaths.ie/blog/cao-system/; https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third-level-education/applying-to-college/application-procedures-and-entry-requirements/; https://careersportal.ie/leaving-cert-results-guide/cao-points; https://www.cao.ie/

Related