Start with the course's Admissions Office, not a conversion calculator. The correct route can depend on your qualification and residence history. If you have lived outside the EU, some institutions may require a direct application; others may use CAO. Ask each college before its deadline. CAO Handbook 2027, printed page 33.
Which application category?
The Other School Leaving Examinations category covers qualifications not covered by the dedicated Irish Leaving Certificate and GCE categories. Examples include the International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate and Scottish qualifications. Enter the qualification and year, then follow the relevant evidence instructions. Some qualifications have different categories; do not choose solely from your nationality. Handbook, printed pages 10–13.
For UK A/AS levels and GCSEs, use the separate A-level guide. If you have already attended university, also read previous higher education.
Find the right country guidance
The official EU/EFTA/UK entry requirements document available when checked is for 2026 entry, revised June 2026. It explicitly says future years are guidance only. It is not a verified 2027 conversion table.
Use it to identify the qualification, then ask the college to confirm the 2027 general entry standard, course-specific subjects, English-language requirements and scoring. Do not convert a percentage, GPA or national grade to CAO points using an unrelated country's scale.
Evidence and translations
Supply final official results, accompanying translations where required and English-language evidence where required. Predicted grades and a personal statement are not substitutes for the final examination evidence in this category. Keep originals for later institutional checks. Handbook, printed pages 12–13 and 99.
For examinations already taken, send the required evidence within ten days of registering. For 2027 results not obtained automatically, send them as soon as available and at least twelve days before the relevant offer round; later evidence risks waiting for a subsequent round. Handbook, printed pages 13 and 24.
International Baccalaureate results
For May 2027 IB examinations, ask your school's IB Coordinator to authorise CAO to access the results and provide your IB candidate number. For an earlier IB sitting, upload or post official results as instructed. These are different processes, so do not assume the current-year electronic arrangement covers an old sitting. Handbook, printed page 12.
Your practical checklist
Before paying an application fee, get answers to four questions: CAO or direct; which qualification category; which final documents; which deadline. Keep the college's written reply alongside your application acknowledgement. Use CAO dates for the central calendar, not as a replacement for a college's separate requirements.
Sources and verification
Checked 7 September 2026 against CAO Handbook 2027, printed pages 10–13, 24, 33 and 99. Country scoring for 2027 remains to be verified against the next annual document. No country-specific future score is asserted here.