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CAO 2027 key dates
Every date below is from the CAO Application Handbook 2027. All times are Irish time.
- 12 noon NextCAO applications openThe online application and free changes to course choices open. (in 3 days)Source: CAO
- 5pmDiscounted application deadline (€35)Apply online by 5pm to pay €35 instead of €50. (in 79 days)Source: CAO
- 5pmNormal closing date (€50)Last day to apply at the normal fee, and to register if you want a restricted course, HEAR, DARE or mature entry. Free changes to course choices close. (in 91 days)Source: CAO
- 12 noonAmend course choices opens (€10)You can change your course choices for a €10 fee until 1 March. (in 95 days)Source: CAO
- 5pmHEAR, DARE and mature forms due; amend facility closesComplete the online HEAR form, DARE Supplementary Information Form (Section A) and the Mature Applicant section. Last day to add a restricted course with the €10 facility. (in 119 days)Source: CAO
- 12 noonLate applications open (€65)Restrictions apply: some courses do not accept late applications. (in 123 days)Source: CAO
- 5pmHEAR and DARE supporting documents must arriveDocuments must arrive at the CAO before 5pm. (in 128 days)Source: CAO
- 5pmLate applications closeSource: CAO
- 12 noon ProvisionalChange of Mind opens (free)The CAO gives this as an expected date. Free changes to your course choices, with restrictions. (in 184 days)Source: CAO
- 5pmChange of Mind closesLast chance to change your course choices. List them in your genuine order of preference. (in 241 days)Source: CAO
CAO fees and closing dates
| Application | Fee | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Early online application | €35 | , 5pm |
| Normal online application | €50 | , 5pm |
| Late online application (restrictions apply) | €65 | , 5pm |
| Change of Mind (restrictions apply) | Free | , 5pm |
Source: CAO Application Handbook 2027, fees table. The online late application facility opens at 12 noon on Friday 5 March 2027.
When can I change my course choices?
You can list up to 10 courses on the Level 8 list and up to 10 on the Level 7/6 list. The two lists don't affect each other. Put courses in your genuine order of preference, not in the order you think the points will fall.
- Thu 5 Nov 2026 to Mon 1 Feb 2027, 5pm: free changes.
- Fri 5 Feb 2027 to Mon 1 Mar 2027, 5pm: amend course choices for €10.
- Wed 5 May 2027 (expected) to Thu 1 Jul 2027, 5pm: free Change of Mind.
Restricted courses (those with interviews, portfolios or tests, marked “Restricted” in the CAO handbook) must be on your list by 5pm on Monday 1 February 2027, or added with the €10 facility by 5pm on Monday 1 March 2027. As a rule, you can't add them on a Change of Mind.
HEAR, DARE and mature applicants
HEAR (the Higher Education Access Route) is an alternative admissions scheme for school leavers whose socio-economic background is under-represented in higher education. DARE is the Disability Access Route to Education. Mature applicants should normally be 23 or older on or before 1 January 2027.
- 5pm on Monday 1 February 2027: register with the CAO. You can't apply for HEAR, DARE or on mature grounds if you register later.
- 5pm on Monday 1 March 2027: complete the online HEAR form, Section A of the DARE Supplementary Information Form, and the Mature Applicant section.
- 5pm on Wednesday 10 March 2027: HEAR and DARE supporting documents must arrive at the CAO.
- Late June: HEAR and DARE eligibility outcomes are issued.
Most tests and interviews for restricted courses happen in March and April.
When are CAO offers in 2027?
The CAO has not given dates for the 2027 offer rounds yet. The handbook says:
- Round A, early July: for some groups of applicant, such as mature and deferred applicants.
- Round Zero, early August: for some groups, including QQI quota applicants.
- Round One, the week after Leaving Cert results: the main round for school leavers. The SEC has not yet announced the 2027 results date.
Every applicant gets a Check and Confirm email before the end of May. Check every detail and tell the CAO straight away if anything is wrong or you don't get it. We add the offer dates here, with the source, as soon as the CAO publishes them. You can also check cao.ie.
Questions people ask
When is the CAO deadline for 2027?
The normal closing date is 5pm on Monday 1 February 2027 (€50 fee). Apply by 5pm on Wednesday 20 January 2027 to pay the lower €35 fee. Late applications cost €65 and close at 5pm on Saturday 1 May 2027, with restrictions on some courses.
When does the CAO 2027 application open?
The online application opens at 12 noon on Thursday 5 November 2026.
When is CAO Change of Mind 2027?
Change of Mind is expected to open at 12 noon on Wednesday 5 May 2027 (the CAO gives this as an expected date) and closes at 5pm on Thursday 1 July 2027. It is free. Restrictions apply: if you are applying for a restricted course or as a mature applicant, you may not be able to add courses at this stage.
When are CAO offers in 2027?
Round One offers are issued the week after the Leaving Cert results come out. The CAO has not confirmed the date, and the SEC has not yet announced the 2027 results date. Round A offers (for some groups, such as mature and deferred applicants) come in early July, and Round Zero in early August.
Can I change my CAO course choices after 1 February?
Yes. Free changes close at 5pm on Monday 1 February 2027. From 12 noon on Friday 5 February 2027 you can amend them for €10 until 5pm on Monday 1 March 2027. Then the free Change of Mind runs from Wed 5 May 2027 to 5pm on Thursday 1 July 2027.
How many courses can I list on the CAO?
Up to 10 on the Level 8 list and up to 10 on the Level 7/6 list. The two lists are separate. List courses in your genuine order of preference, not by what you think the points will be.
What are the HEAR and DARE deadlines for 2027?
Register with the CAO by 5pm on Monday 1 February 2027. Complete the online HEAR form and Section A of the DARE Supplementary Information Form by 5pm on Monday 1 March 2027. Supporting documents must arrive at the CAO by 5pm on Wednesday 10 March 2027.