CAO 2026: Options if you don’t get offered the dream course

World of choices: There are many pathways available for students to reach their further educational, training and career goals. Photo: iStock

On average, 90% of Level 7/6 CAO applicants get offered their first choice, and just over 50% of Level 8 applicants get offered their first choice, but 90% will get offered one of the top 3 courses on that list.

Not being offered your first choice can happen for a number of reasons. It might be the luck of the draw, not enough points, subject requirement issues, or an incomplete CAO application, for example.