✓ CAO Mature Applicant Checklist

1. Check Application Requirements

• Confirm with the Admissions Office of your chosen institution whether you need to apply through CAO or directly.

Contact details: www.cao.ie/hei

• Read the CAO Handbook: www.cao.ie/handbook
• Visit HEI websites and prospectuses for entry requirements and course details.

2. Create CAO Application

• Complete your online application at www.cao.ie/apply
• Register before 1 February at 5 pm to avoid restrictions.

3. Select Relevant Qualifications and Assessment Categories

• In the CAO form, select all applicable qualification categories (e.g., Mature Applicant, Leaving Certificate, QQI FET/FETAC, Higher Education, etc.).
• You may select multiple categories if relevant.

4. Enter Course Choices

• Enter course choices before 1 February at 5 pm.
• List courses in genuine order of preference.
• For restrictions: www.cao.ie/restrictions For changing choices: www.cao.ie/com

5. Complete Mature Applicant Section

• Log in to your CAO account via ‘My Application’
• Complete the Mature Applicant section before 1 March at 5 pm.

Help available at: www.cao.ie/mature

6. Provide Qualification Evidence

• Submit evidence of listed qualifications within 10 days of applying or by 10 February at 5 pm.
• Do not list qualifications without providing evidence.
• You may upload or post your documents to CAO. Do not do both. For upload instructions go to www.cao.ie/upload or for instructions on posting your documents go to www.cao.ie/post