Go to www.cao.ie and click on Apply.

Enter your personal details carefully.

Supply a valid email address - a valid email address is required for security and communications purposes. The email supplied must be a unique email address (i.e. the same email address must not be used for more than one application) that is accessible to you and only you throughout the application and registration process. Failure to provide a valid email address may have serious consequences, for example, you may not receive an offer. Please note that CAO, and the HEIs to which you apply, may wish to communicate with you about your application and they may contact you by email, post or SMS text message (see page 25).

Select the qualifications and assessments section(s) that are relevant to you (there may be more than one relevant section – see page 6 for more information).

Pay the application fee.

Create a password. If you forget your password you can use the forgotten password facility. You will need your CAO application number, your date of birth, and the registered email address for your account to be able to automatically reset your password. If you experience difficulty resetting your password, email CAO using the Contact facility. 7. If you are paying by credit or debit card you will be redirected to a third party payment facility. No payment card details will be stored on the CAO system. Once your payment has been processed you will be brought back to the CAO website to complete the remaining steps, including indicating that you have read the terms and conditions.

If you are paying by credit or debit card you will be redirected to a third party payment facility. No payment card details will be stored on the CAO system. Once your payment has been processed you will be brought back to the CAO website to complete the remaining steps, including indicating that you have read the terms and conditions.

You must then click on ‘Proceed with application’ to obtain your 2027 CAO application number. Your application details will appear on screen and you will also receive an email containing your CAO application number and your email verification code. You have not successfully registered until you receive an email from CAO containing your 2027 CAO application number.