A mature nursing or midwifery application has an assessment route, not just a general mature statement. The 2027 CAO handbook says applicants are ranked using the assessment required by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). CAO Handbook 2027, printed page 24.
What is confirmed for 2027?
Register with CAO by 1 February 2027 at 5pm and check the correct mature-entry course codes. Course choices and assessment arrangements need attention separately. The handbook expects the assessment in March/April 2027, but explicitly says this is subject to change and directs applicants to NMBI for the details. An expected month is not a test booking. Handbook, printed pages 3, 17 and 24.
Do not use a general late-application window as evidence that mature nursing remains open.
CAO registration and test registration are different
NMBI's currently published 2026 process requires a valid CAO number, separate assessment registration and completion of the tests within their window. It lists verbal reasoning, numeracy and job simulation. Passing the tests does not guarantee a place. These are useful orientation details, not confirmed 2027 booking instructions. NMBI: applying as a mature applicant.
For 2027, return to that official page for the current assessment notice. We have not reused the 2026 registration dates, pass thresholds or sitting arrangements as 2027 facts.
Do you complete the mature statement?
Applicants applying only to nursing/midwifery are not required to complete Mature Applicant sections 1–11. If you also apply to other courses and want mature assessment for those, complete the relevant mature sections. Other applicable qualification categories and evidence still matter. Handbook, printed page 17.
This distinction avoids two mistakes: writing a statement instead of registering for the assessment, or skipping the mature form when another course needs it.
What to keep on your checklist
Keep your CAO number, the actual course codes, the NMBI registration acknowledgement when available, assessment instructions and any result notification. Verify each new notice's entry year before acting. This is an organisational checklist, not a substitute for NMBI instructions.
Mature nursing/midwifery is included among the Round A applicant categories in the handbook. Exact 2027 offer and reply dates still need the published calendar. See how the offer rounds differ. Handbook, printed page 28.
Sources and verification
Checked 7 September 2026 against CAO Handbook 2027, printed pages 3, 17, 24 and 28, and the NMBI page above. 2027 detailed assessment notice not verified; the NMBI page checked still describes 2026 entry. This undergraduate-entry route is not the overseas nurse registration aptitude test.