Irish Leaving Certificate

Leaving Certificate applicants applying for a first year, full-time undergraduate course must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Start with Research

Before filling out your CAO application, take time to explore your options. Think about:

• What subjects or careers interest you
• What kind of learning suits you (practical, creative, academic, hands-on)
• The type of course you want: Level 8 (Honours Degree) or Level 6/7 (Higher Certificate or Ordinary Degree)

Consult the TU Dublin Prospectus for detailed course content, career pathways, and entry requirements. Attend as many open days as you can; they are a great opportunity to meet with students and staff on the course and to see the college for yourself. 

Understand How the CAO Works

The CAO (Central Applications Office) is the system used to apply for almost all full-time undergraduate courses in Ireland, including those at TU Dublin.

Remember

• You can apply for up to 20 courses: 10 at Level 8 and 10 at Level 6/7. See our progression page for further information.
• You only receive one offer - i.e. the highest course on your list for which you meet the requirements.
• Apply early – CAO Applications open in November and the standard deadline is 1 February.

Check specific dates on the CAO Website.

Choose Courses Carefully

• Check each course’s entry requirements (e.g. Leaving Cert subjects, portfolio, interview, or minimum grades).
• Put your courses in order of preference on the CAO; bearing in mind that points change from year to year.
• Only include courses you’d genuinely like to do.
• Complete the application in full, remembering to include Level 6/7 options.
• Access Applicants: If you meet certain social or financial criteria, you can apply through HEAR and the Access TU Dublin route for reduced points and extra supports
• Applicants with Disabilities: You can apply for support or entry consideration through the DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) scheme
• Elite Athletes and Performers: TU Dublin offers special supports and scholarships through our Elite Athlete Programme and other creative routes

An overview of our Minimum Entry Requirements is available on our CAO Hub. Applicants are also advised to check the specific minimum entry requirements on each course page. 

Keep Track of Deadlines

When applying to the CAO, deadlines matter. Here are some of the key dates to remember:

• 1 February – Standard CAO application deadline
• 1 March – Deadline for supporting documents (e.g. for DARE, HEAR)
• Early May – Change of Mind opens
• 1 July – Final Change of Mind deadline
• August – CAO offers are issued

It is also important to consider deadlines for any Portfolios, Interviews or Tests that may be relevant to your preferred courses. 

Check specific dates on the CAO Website.

Before submitting your CAO application:

• Make sure all course codes are correct
• Confirm your personal details and contact information
• Upload or send any required documents (especially if you're applying through Access, QQI, DARE, or as a mature applicant)
• Save your CAO number and login details

If you have any questions about applying to the CAO, please contact our Admissions Office. 

CAO Information Webinar

We will host a webinar on Wednesday, 13 January 2027 which focuses on how to make a good CAO Application.  It’s a great opportunity to explore what TU Dublin has to offer and to get clear, practical guidance on the CAO process. Register Here.