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The CAO Late Application facility opens on 5th March at 12 noon, providing another opportunity for students who are now considering applying to college through the CAO system.
Every year, I speak with students who realise a little later in the year that they would like to keep their college options open. The Late Application process allows you to do exactly that but it is important to understand how it works and what steps you should take.
If you are planning to apply through the Late Application facility, please take note of the following:
Applications open: 5th March at 12 noon
Applications close: 1st May at 5pm
Application cost: €65 to create and submit a CAO application
Students should also be aware that restricted courses are not available through the late application process, as the deadline for these courses has already passed.
The Late Application facility is used by many different types of applicants each year, including:
Students who previously decided not to apply through the CAO but have since changed their minds.
College students who feel their current course may not be the right fit and are considering starting a different programme.
EU and UK applicants who have recently decided to include Ireland as an option for studying.
If you are unsure about your next step or feel your plans have changed, this facility allows you to keep opportunities open.
As a guidance counsellor, there are a few key pieces of advice I would strongly encourage students and parents to keep in mind during the CAO process.
Before completing your application, take the time to carefully read the CAO Handbook 2026, which can be downloaded as a PDF from the CAO website. It clearly explains how offers are made, important deadlines, and how course choices work.
This is extremely important.
Throughout the application process, the CAO will communicate directly with applicants through email and their CAO account. Students should check their emails regularly and read all correspondence carefully to make sure no important information or deadlines are missed.
Students should aim to include as many courses as they are genuinely interested in.
Where appropriate, you should complete both:
Level 8 course choices, and
Level 6/7 course choices
Having a broad range of options can be very helpful when offers are issued later in the year.
One of the most important parts of the CAO application is how you order your courses.
By placing courses in order, you are telling the CAO how you would like courses to be offered to you. Always list courses in your true order of preference, not based on expected points or outside pressure.
The CAO system will offer you the highest course on your list for which you are eligible.
If you or your son or daughter are thinking about applying through the CAO Late Application facility, my advice is simple, take the time now to research courses carefully and complete the application properly.
The deadline of 1st May at 5pm will come quickly, so it is best not to leave it until the last minute.
Keeping options open now can make a real difference when Leaving Certificate results and CAO offers arrive later in the year.
