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Tuesday, 16 September 2025 07:48

2025 Available/Vacant Place Application
(September/October 2025 entry)

** New 2025 Applicants Only **
Applications for 2026 will NOT open until November.

Before Applying:
  1. If you previously started your 2025 CAO application and have received a 2025 application number, proceed instead to the "My Application" facility where you may view/edit your application.
  2. Read the 2025 CAO Handbook
  3. Study the Available Place Courses List.

Instructions

  • IMPORTANT: Mature applicants and applicants who have qualifications other than the Irish Leaving Cert and/or QQI FET/FETAC Level 5/6 must contact the appropriate HEI before completing an available place application.
     
  • IMPORTANT: Application for an Available Place/Vacant Place course does NOT guarantee an offer for that course. Applicants must satisfy the Minimum Entry requirements as specified by the relevant HEI.
     
  • IMPORTANT : An application should not be made for any course without first consulting the information literature of the institution offering that course.
     
  • In any one year, you may NOT present more than one application. If you think you may have already submitted an online application or you have already received a 2025 CAO application number, please proceed instead to the "My Application" facility. There will be no refunds given to applicants who make more than one application.
     
  • The fee for an Available/Vacant Place application is €45.
     
  • Applicants making an on-line application may pay the application fee using a Credit or Debit Card (Visa or MasterCard). Alternatively, applicants may pay the application fee in advance at a bank within the Republic of Ireland using an Application Fee Payment Form. If you have not received an Application Fee Payment Form, it may be obtained by contacting CAO.
     
  • Applicants must not make more than one application (either on-line or paper). An extra €10 penalty charge will be levied if an applicant submits more than one application (either on-line or paper).
     
  • Mature applicants (those 23 years of age on or before the 1st of January 2025) and applicants who have qualifications other than the 1985-2025 Irish Leaving Cert and/or 2002-2025 QQI FET/FETAC Level 5/6 must complete the relevant sections of the application form and post supporting documents to the CAO without delay. Please read here for further instructions.
    N.B. All documents must be clearly marked with your name and CAO Application Number.
     
  • Residence outside the EU (Past or Present): If you have at any time resided, or are at present resident, outside the EU, then you may be required to apply direct to some HEIs. It is important that such applicants read the appropriate section of the 2025 CAO Handbook.
Click on 'Proceed with Application' below to start your application.