How to Apply to Universities in Ireland: Requirements, Deadlines and Portals

Apply through the CAO for most undergraduate courses

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is the shared online portal for almost all undergraduate courses at Irish universities, technological universities and colleges. You register an account, rank your course choices in order of preference, and pay an application fee before the deadline.

The CAO cycle follows a similar pattern every year. For 2026 entry, the CAO timetable opened applications on 5 November 2025. Application fees started at an early-bird rate of €35 for applications submitted by 20 January 2026, rising to a standard €50 by the normal closing date of 1 February, then €65 for late applications accepted up to 1 May.

Key dates to plan around

Beyond the deadlines above, a few other dates shape the cycle. Between 5 February and 1 March you can amend your course choices for a small fee, and from 5 May to 1 July you can change your mind for free.

• 📩 Applications open: early November

• Early-bird deadline: 20 January, discounted fee

• Normal closing date: 1 February, standard fee

• Late applications: 5 March to 1 May, higher fee

• Change of mind: 5 May to 1 July, free

• ⏱️ Round 1 offers: late August, after Leaving Certificate results

Get your foreign qualification recognized

If you finished school outside Ireland, most colleges accept equivalent European qualifications, such as the Baccalauréat, Abitur or International Baccalaureate, directly through the CAO or a direct application. Where a course asks for a formal comparison, apply to NARIC Ireland , the free comparability service hosted by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), for a statement showing how your qualification compares to the National Framework of Qualifications.

Keep official transcripts and certified translations ready, since admissions offices and NARIC Ireland both need them to assess your qualification correctly.

Steps to apply as a European student

1. Register on cao.ie and select your course choices in order of genuine preference.

2. Pay the application fee online before your target deadline.

3. Upload supporting documents: proof of your qualification or predicted results, and proof of English proficiency if you did not study in English.

4. Get a NARIC Ireland comparability statement if your course or college requests one.

5. Track your application status online and respond to document requests quickly.

6. Accept your offer within the stated deadline once results and points come through.

Rank choices to match how selection works

CAO offers go out based on points and your stated order of preference, so list your most wanted course first even if it needs higher points than a safer option lower down the list. Offers continue through further rounds into September, and the free change-of-mind window lets you adjust your preferences instead of starting a new application.

When to apply directly instead of through the CAO

Postgraduate courses, most non-EU applications, and some specialised undergraduate programs go directly to the college's admissions office rather than through the CAO. Direct applications usually need academic transcripts, a personal statement, reference letters, and evidence of English proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL if your previous education was not in English.

Application deadlines for direct entry vary by college and course, so check the individual admissions page early rather than assuming a single national deadline applies.

Fee status is separate from your application

Whether you pay the student contribution only or full non-EU tuition depends on your nationality and residency history, not on which route you used to apply. Colleges assess fee status separately, usually after you accept a place, so submit proof of nationality and residency promptly if asked.