It’s a significant week for the Class of 2026 as CAO applications officially opened this week via CAO.ie. If you tuned into East Coast FM yesterday, you may have heard Kay Lynch, Guidance Counsellor at The Academy, outlining the key steps and deadlines, and now we're breaking them down here for you.
Firstly, there is no need to panic, The discounted application fee of €35 is available until 20 January 2026, after which the standard fee of €50 applies until 1 February 2026. As Kay highlighted in her recent video on the applications opening, this is not your final decision. Even after submitting your application, you will have opportunities to update and revise your course choices during the Change of Mind window next year.
The weeks ahead are about research. Attend college Open Days, which are happening across the country in the coming weeks. Review the course content, understand what modules you’ll study, and make sure the programme genuinely aligns with your interests.
Crucially, check the entry requirements as points alone aren’t enough. Some courses require specific subjects or grades (e.g., H4 in Maths), and failing to meet these will prevent admission, even with sufficient CAO points.
Take note: restricted courses: those requiring interviews, portfolios, or auditions must be included in your initial application by 1 February 2026. These cannot be added later, so give them due consideration now.
The CAO allows space for both Level 8 (honours degrees) and Levels 6 and 7 (ordinary degrees and higher certificates). A balanced application, with choices on both lists, provides flexibility and security.
Finally, if you’ve not yet met with your guidance counsellor, now is the time. They are there to support and guide you.
You can download Kay’s CAO presentation slides here from her recent information evening at The Academy.
Register, research, and reflect, but above all, stay calm. Your journey is just beginning, and there’s plenty of time to get it right.
