Match the document to your application category before sending it. CAO accepts uploads for many supporting documents, but not for every kind. In particular, HEAR/DARE documents cannot be uploaded or emailed as a substitute for posting them. CAO Handbook 2027, printed pages 99–100.
What do you need to send?
| Your situation | What to check |
|---|---|
| Irish Leaving Certificate | Supply or confirm the correct examination year and number. Current-year candidates follow the later confirmation instructions. |
| QQI Level 5/6 | Supply the correct PPS number and check the results CAO receives. A full major award is required for this entry route. |
| Previous GCE/GCSE results | Send exam-board certificates or statements of results. A school printout is not sufficient evidence. |
| Other school-leaving qualifications | Official final results, translations and English-language evidence where required. Do not send predicted grades instead. |
| Previous higher education | Completed-course transcript, withdrawal/attendance evidence or current-study details, as applicable. |
| Mature application | Evidence for qualifications mentioned, plus documents requested by your colleges. |
These are category checks, not a personalised document list. Follow your CAO account and your college's instructions. Handbook, printed pages 7–18.
When must documents arrive?
Required evidence for qualifications already completed should reach CAO within 10 days of registration. For examinations taken during 2027 that CAO does not receive automatically, send results as soon as available, at least 12 days before the relevant offer round. Late evidence risks consideration only in a later round. Scheme-specific and college deadlines still apply. Handbook, printed pages 13, 24 and 99.
Upload or post?
For documents eligible for upload, open My Application → Qualifications and Assessments → Upload Supporting Documents. Check file errors and refresh to confirm the upload. CAO sends an acknowledgement email. Use one submission method, not both, unless instructed otherwise. Follow the facility's current file limits rather than assuming a file has been accepted. Handbook, printed pages 99–100.
Post HEAR/DARE documents and disability evidence. The 2027 scheme evidence deadline is 10 March 2027 at 5pm, for documents required under the applicable instructions. Graduate Medicine has a separate postal-document procedure, including original transcripts. Do not apply the general “send copies” advice to that exception. Handbook, printed pages 21–24 and 99–100.
Prepare a postal submission
Number and date pages, add your CAO number to each page, keep copies and obtain a Certificate of Posting. CAO's published address is CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway, H91 X25V, Ireland. The handbook asks applicants not to register their post. Allow time for arrival, not just posting. Handbook, printed page 100.
Normally post copies, not original certificates. For documents not issued in English or Irish, include the original-language copy and a certified English translation from a professional translation service. Retain originals for college checks; supply name-change evidence if names differ. Handbook, printed page 99.
Received does not mean eligible
An upload acknowledgement proves receipt, not that you meet a college's requirements. Check the recorded qualifications during Check and Confirm. Reapplying next year requires documents again unless the relevant procedure expressly says otherwise. Handbook, printed pages 26 and 99.
Sources and verification
Checked 7 September 2026 against CAO Handbook 2027, printed pages 7–18, 21–24, 26 and 99–100. For scheme-specific evidence use our HEAR/DARE guide and the current scheme forms. Never send personal documents to CollegeRoute.