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If you are applying to the CAO in 2026, you have more choice than ever before. I was at the Higher Options 2025 event in the RDS and spoke with several university representatives about new courses being added to the CAO list for 2026.
Here’s a roundup of what’s coming – and how to make sure you pick the right course for you.
Big news for future vets! SETU Waterford and ATU Donegal will both offer Veterinary Medicine from 2026. This is a huge step forward for students who previously only had UCD as an option.
Key Requirement: Applicants must complete at least 60 hours of animal handling experience before applying. Start logging this experience now – farms, vet clinics, shelters – to be ready for your application.
Several exciting science and health-related courses will be available:
University of Galway will offer a Level 8 Zoology degree for students passionate about wildlife and conservation.
University of Limerick is introducing Undergraduate Medicine, Speech and Language Therapy, and the very interesting Law and Cybersecurity degree – perfect for those who want to work at the intersection of law, technology, and digital security.
TU Dublin (Tallaght campus) will offer Biomedical Design, combining health, engineering, and innovation – a great option for problem-solvers and creators.
SETU will also launch Home Economics and Pharmacy degrees for 2026.
While Pharmacy is not a new course in the University of Galway, it will see an extra 75 places added for 2026.
TU Dublin will launch a brand new 4-year Arts degree on the Grangegorman campus. This programme allows students to pick from a wide range of majors and minors while completing compulsory core modules for a strong academic foundation.
With so many new CAO courses for 2026, it’s never been more important to do your research and make informed decisions.
Take the guesswork out of CAO choices by trying our CAO Interest Test – designed specifically for Irish students.
✅ Matches your interests with real CAO courses
✅ Helps you avoid costly mistakes and course dropouts
✅ Takes less than 20 minutes to complete
👉 Take the CAO Interest Test today and feel confident in your 2026 CAO application.
N.B. Not all courses have been announced on the university websites yet despite being in the CAO handbook. When further information such as entry requirements becomes available we will add these courses to the CAO Interest Test.
