Advanced Entry

The Central Applications Office processes applications for years 2, 3 and 4 of undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This entry route is known as Advanced Entry. Applicants must have relevant Higher or Further Education or an equivalent to be considered for the Advanced Entry route. Decisions on admissions to advanced entry courses, (years 2, 3 or 4), are made by the HEIs who instruct CAO to make offers to successful candidates.

Please ensure that you have included all relevant information that might help the HEIs assess your application including:

• Transcripts from previous Higher Education
• Copies of FETAC L6 and other awards
• A CV with information about relevant previous experience with references
• A statement of interest

All supporting documentation must be supplied to CAO. You can upload or post your documents - do not do both. Instructions for uploading documents can be found at cao.ie/upload. If you choose to post documents to CAO, you must include a cover sheet - please see cao.ie/post for guidance. Failure to supply CAO with supporting documentation may result in your application being rejected by the HEI.

Applicants presenting Leaving Certificate and/or Level 5 FETAC awards, should apply to year 1 course codes only.

About Advanced Entry

Click here for information about applying to years 2, 3 and 4.

Advanced Entry Courses

Click here to search available course for application to years
2, 3 and 4.

Apply for Advanced Entry Courses

The 2026 application form for Advanced Entry applications is now open.