🇮🇪 How to apply to university in Ireland

Applications go through CAO (Central Applications Office). Programmes usually start: September.

Checked on 20 October 2026 against the official sources listed below.

The essentials

Application system: CAO (Central Applications Office)CAO handles undergraduate applications to Irish higher education institutions. Applicants who live, or have lived, outside the EU may have to apply directly to some institutions — each sets its own policy.
When programmes start: September.
International applicants: Entry requirements are set by each institution. Applicants who are, or have been, resident outside the EU may be told to apply directly to the institution rather than through CAO, and must check each institution's policy before the 1 February deadline.
Language: English test (IELTS, TOEFL or others) at the level each institution sets, unless exempt.

Key dates

Add all these dates to my calendar (.ics)

CAO's 2027 offer-round dates aren't published yet; in 2026 Round 1 offers came on 26 August. Applicants who apply directly to an institution follow its own deadlines — apply early to leave time for the visa.

Date	What	Who	Intake	Source
5 November 2026 –20 January 2027	Discounted online application (€35), 5pm	CAO applicants	2027 entry	CAO — Handbook 2027 (PDF)
5 November 2026 –1 February 2027	Normal closing date (€50), 5pm — also the last date to apply for restricted courses such as medicine	CAO applicants	2027 entry	CAO — Handbook 2027 (PDF)
5 March 2027 –1 May 2027	Late online application closes (€65), 5pm; some courses don't accept late applications	CAO applicants	2027 entry	CAO — Handbook 2027 (PDF)
1 July 2027	Change of Mind closes (free), 5pm	CAO applicants	2027 entry	CAO — Handbook 2027 (PDF)

A window shows its opening date above its closing date. Individual universities and programmes can set earlier dates of their own — always confirm on the official page before you rely on a date. The calendar file adds each date as an all-day event with a reminder a week before.

Your checklist

The usual steps for an international student applying to a bachelor's in Ireland, in order. Tick them off as you go — your ticks stay in this browser, with no account.

1.Ask each institution's admissions office whether you apply through CAO or directly — this depends on where you live and have lived.
2.Check the institution's entry requirements: it assesses school-leaving qualifications other than the Irish Leaving Certificate itself.
3.Take an English test the institution accepts, if needed.
4.Apply through CAO (from 5 November 2026; €35 by 20 January, €50 by 1 February 2027) or on the institution's own application page.
5.Accept your offer and pay the tuition fees or deposit.
6.If your nationality needs a visa, apply for a long-stay 'D' study visa with your letter of enrolment, proof of fees paid, funds and health insurance.
7.After arriving, register your immigration permission if you're staying longer than 90 days.
8.Find accommodation early — student housing is tight in the main cities.

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Next steps

Sources

Written by CollegeMatcher in our own words from these official pages, checked on 20 October 2026. Dates change every year.

CAO — Handbook 2027 (PDF)