CAO 2025: Key dates to remember for college applications

Applicants have until January 20 to apply online to the CAO

Dates for Leaving Cert results for 2025, Leaving Cert appeals, and all rounds of CAO offers and acceptances have still to be confirmed.

January 20: Apply online to the CAO by this date to avail of the discounted application fee of €30. Any applications made after this date will cost €45.

February 1: Normal closing date for applications is on February 1 at 5pm.

February 2: Registration window for the HPAT test closes at 5.15pm.

February 5: Applicants will be able to amend CAO course choices at a cost of €10.

February 15: Paper applicants should receive a statement outlining their course choices by this date. They are advised to contact the CAO if it does not arrive by February 15.

February 14-23: HPAT test sitting window.

March 1: This is the closing date for amending course choices, as well as for the completion of the mature section of the application form and for final completion of online HEAR/DARE forms. The deadline is 5pm.

March 5: Late application facility opens at 12pm at a cost of €60.

March 15: HEAR/DARE supporting documentation must be sent to the CAO by this date.

April 12-17: Leaving Cert oral exams.

May 1: Closing date for late applications at 5pm.

May 6: Online Change of Mind facility becomes available for free.

May 15: Paper applicants should receive a statement outlining their course choices by this date. They are advised to contact the CAO if it does not arrive by this date.

May 31: All applicants should receive a Statement of Application Record by this date. They are advised to contact the CAO if it does not arrive by May 31.

June 4: Leaving Cert exams begin, running until Tuesday, June 24.

July 1: Online Change of Mind facility closes at 5pm.

Dates still to be confirmed: Leaving Cert results for 2025, Leaving Cert appeals, and all rounds of CAO offers and acceptances.

In 2024, Leaving Cert results were issued on Friday, August 23, while round one CAO offers were issued on Wednesday, August 28. Round five offers were issued on October 1.

Applicants will receive an offer from the CAO by e-mail and text which must be accepted by a certain date, usually within two days.