Applying for 2027 entry? This is the next-cycle calendar. Still waiting on a 2026 offer or appeal? Use the 2026 dates archive instead.
Published application dates
Source: CAO Handbook 2027, timetable. All times are Irish local time; dates may change.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 5 November 2026, noon |
| Discounted fee (€35) ends | 20 January 2027, 5pm |
| Normal application (€50) closes | 1 February 2027, 5pm |
| €10 amendments | 5 February 2027, noon, to 1 March 2027, 5pm |
| HEAR/DARE forms and mature section close | 1 March 2027, 5pm |
| HEAR/DARE documents | Before 10 March 2027, 5pm |
| Late applications | 5 March 2027, noon, to 1 May 2027, 5pm |
| Change of Mind opens | 5 May 2027, noon (expected) |
| Change of Mind closes | 1 July 2027, 5pm |
What is still unconfirmed?
The handbook does not yet give exact 2027 results, Round One, appeals-results or offer-season closing dates. “Expected” is not “confirmed”. Do not book around dates copied from 2026.
Which deadlines apply to you?
Restricted course: start with the restricted-entry guide. Your course may need an audition, portfolio or another assessment with a separate college deadline. Paying to amend a course choice does not extend an assessment deadline.
Changing your list: the CAO Change of Mind guidance explains how to save a replacement list. Check the confirmation, and include every choice you intend to keep. Adding a new restricted course is not the same as moving an existing choice up or down.
Mature, HEAR or DARE applicant: check the relevant application sections as well as course choices. Follow the current handbook and your institution's instructions. The mature-student guide and HEAR/DARE guide provide background; check the cycle label before using any dates in them.
Sitting the Leaving Certificate: the CAO application calendar is not the written examination timetable. The State Examinations Commission publishes examination arrangements separately.
Before submitting
Need the steps behind a deadline? Use the CAO application guide, document checklist and Check and Confirm walkthrough. The guide centre brings application, course-choice and offer guidance together.
- Put the application year next to every reminder.
- Record separate college assessment deadlines beside your CAO dates.
- Save acknowledgements and check the actual course codes after changes.
- If you miss a deadline, contact CAO or the college rather than assuming a later facility applies to you.
Checked 7 September 2026 against the official handbook downloads. The general CAO events webpage still contains 2026 events; this page uses the 2027 handbook for the next cycle.