Application Process

How to Apply to Irish Universities

A step-by-step guide on navigating the application process for Irish universities, including online portals, application fees, tracking systems, and post-submission steps.

Irish University Application Portal

APPLICATION STEPS

Registration

Personal Info

Education

Documents

Programs

Payment

Review

Submit

Step 1: Registration

Create your account to start your application

Email Address

Password

Confirm Password

Continue to Next Step

Application Overview

Irish University Application Systems

Understanding the different application platforms for Irish higher education is the first step in your admissions journey. Ireland has several systems depending on your study level and institution type, each with specific processes and requirements.

Undergraduate Applications

CAO System

Central Applications Office

The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for undergraduate courses at Irish universities, technological universities, and institutes of technology.

Single application for up to 10 undergraduate courses

Apply online at www.cao.ie

Application fee of €45 (early) or €60 (normal)

Main deadline: February 1st (may vary by year)

International students apply through the same CAO system

Postgraduate Applications

PAC & Direct Applications

Multiple Application Pathways

Postgraduate applications in Ireland typically follow one of two routes: the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) for certain courses or direct application to the university.

PAC system for select courses at participating institutions

Direct applications through individual university portals

Application fees vary by institution (€50-€100)

Rolling deadlines for many programs, check each university

Research your specific program to determine the correct application system

Important Timeline Considerations

Application deadlines in Ireland vary significantly based on the type of program and institution. Keep these timeline considerations in mind:

Undergraduate (CAO)

Early application: November - January 20th (€45 fee)
Normal application: January 21st - February 1st (€60 fee)
Late application: February 2nd - May 1st (€90 fee)
Change of mind: May 5th - July 1st (free)

Postgraduate

Popular programs: Apply 9-12 months before start
Most programs: Rolling basis until places fill
Scholarships: Often earlier deadlines (January-March)
International students: Apply early for visa processing time

Always verify the current year's specific deadlines on the official websites as they may change annually.

Application Steps

The Application Process Walkthrough

Whether you're applying through CAO, PAC, or directly to an Irish university, the online application process follows a similar structure. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate through each stage with confidence.

Creating Your CAO Account

Your first step is to create an account on the CAO website, which will allow you to access and manage your application.

Visit www.cao.ie and select "Apply" to start

Enter your personal details to create your account

You'll receive a CAO application number and create a password

Keep these details safe! You'll need them throughout the application process

Tips for This Stage

Use an email address you check regularly as important communications will be sent there
For international students: enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport
You'll need to pay the application fee before your application is fully registered (€45-€90 depending on when you apply)

Personal Information & Qualifications

After creating your account, you'll need to complete several sections with your personal details and educational background.

Personal Information

Contact information (address, phone, email)
Nationality and residency details
Disability or special needs information (optional)

Educational Qualifications

Secondary education/high school details
Examination results or predicted grades
Previous third-level education (if applicable)

For International Students

When entering your qualifications, you'll need to select "Other School Leaving Exams" or equivalent option, and provide details about your educational system. Be prepared to upload copies of transcripts and certificates at a later stage or mail them to CAO.

Application Fees

Application Fees and Payment Methods

Understanding the cost of applying to Irish universities and the available payment methods is an important part of your application planning. Fees vary by application system, timing, and program type.

Fee Structure by Application Type

Application System	Fee Amount	Timeline/Notes	Payment Methods
CAO (Early)	€45	Before January 20th each year	Credit/Debit Card, Bank Draft, Postal Money Order
CAO (Normal)	€60	January 21st - February 1st	Credit/Debit Card, Bank Draft, Postal Money Order
CAO (Late)	€90	February 2nd - May 1st	Credit/Debit Card only
PAC (Postgraduate)	€50-€60	Varies by program	Credit/Debit Card
Direct University Applications	€50-€100	Varies by institution	Credit/Debit Card, sometimes Bank Transfer

Important Notes on Fees

• Application fees are non-refundable, even if you later decide not to attend
• These fees are separate from tuition fees or deposits that may be required after acceptance
• Some institutions may offer fee waivers or reduced fees in specific circumstances
• Always check for the current academic year's fees as they may increase annually

Payment Methods

Most Irish university applications accept the following payment methods:

Credit/Debit Cards

Most universally accepted method (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)

Bank Drafts/Money Orders

Accepted for CAO early and normal applications only

Bank Transfers

Available for some direct university applications

International Students: If paying by card, ensure your card allows international transactions and notify your bank that you'll be making a payment to Ireland to avoid declines.

Payment Process Tips

Follow these best practices to ensure your application payment is processed correctly:

Keep a Record of Your Payment

Take screenshots and save any payment confirmation emails or reference numbers

Check That Payment Was Processed

Most systems will confirm on-screen and via email that your payment was received

Pay Early in the Day

Especially on deadline days, avoid last-minute payment issues by submitting early

Have a Backup Payment Method

If possible, have an alternative credit card or payment method available

When Do You Pay Additional Fees?

The application fee is just the first payment in your educational journey. Here's what to expect after acceptance:

Acceptance Deposit

Upon receiving an offer, you may need to pay a non-refundable deposit (€500-€2,000) to secure your place. This is typically deducted from your total tuition fee.

Tuition Fees

Full or partial tuition payment is typically due before registration. International students often need to pay the full first-year tuition before visa application.

Application Tracking

Tracking Your Application Status

After submitting your application to Irish universities, you'll want to stay informed about its progress. Each application system offers ways to track your status, monitor updates, and respond to requests for additional information.

Tracking Your CAO Application

The Central Applications Office provides a dedicated online portal for applicants to track their application status

How to Access Your CAO Account

Visit the CAO website at www.cao.ie

Click on "My Application" and log in using your CAO application number and password

Once logged in, you can view your application details, track status, and respond to any communications

Key Status Updates in Your CAO Account

Application Received

Confirmation that your application and payment have been successfully processed

Statement of Application Record

An email confirmation of your course choices and personal details sent in February (check for accuracy)

Additional Document Requests

Notifications if additional documentation is required for your application

Offer Stage

Offers are typically made in August (Round 1) with subsequent rounds following

Acceptance/Rejection

You'll need to formally accept any offer within the specified deadline

Check Your Account Regularly

The CAO recommends logging into your account at least once a week during the application period and more frequently close to offer and acceptance dates. Important updates and communications may also be sent to your email.

Proactive Application Tracking Tips

Set calendar reminders for important application deadlines and follow-up dates

Keep a log of all communications with the university, including dates and contact names

Save all emails and correspondence in a dedicated folder for easy reference

Follow up politely if you haven't received a response within the expected timeframe

Create a checklist of required documents and verify they've been received

Be prepared to act quickly on offers, as response deadlines are often tight

Troubleshooting

Common Application Issues and Solutions

While applying to Irish universities, you may encounter technical difficulties or have questions about the process. Here are solutions to the most common issues faced by international applicants.

Technical Troubleshooting

Solutions for common technical problems with online application systems

Website Crashes or Errors During Application

Application websites can become overwhelmed, especially close to deadlines. If you encounter crashes:

Try using a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Clear your browser cache and cookies
Apply during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening)
Take screenshots of completed sections before submission
Contact the technical support email listed on the application website

Document Upload Issues

Problems with uploading documents are among the most common issues:

Ensure your files meet the required format (typically PDF) and size limits (usually 5MB or less)
Try compressing your files if they exceed size limits
Rename files to remove special characters or spaces
If uploads consistently fail, many systems allow you to email documents as a backup

Payment Failures

Issues with payment processing can delay your application:

Make sure your card allows international transactions
Notify your bank in advance about making an international payment
Try using a different card if available
For CAO, if online payment fails consistently, you can use bank draft options
Check that your billing address exactly matches what's on file with your card issuer

Process & Documentation FAQs

Answers to common questions about qualifications, documentation, and application procedures

How do I convert my qualification to the Irish system?

Irish universities use tools like the NARIC Foreign Qualifications Database to evaluate international credentials. You don't need to convert scores yourself, but you should:

Submit your original qualification documents along with official English translations
Include detailed transcripts showing all subjects and grades
Provide a grading scale explanation from your education institution if available
Check if your target university has specific conversion guidelines for your country

Do I need to provide English language test results with my application?

Most Irish universities require proof of English language proficiency unless you're from an English-speaking country or completed your education in English. You should:

Submit IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, or other accepted test results with your application
If your results are pending, indicate the test date in your application
Some universities may make conditional offers pending English test results
Check the specific minimum scores required for your program

Typical requirements: IELTS scores of 6.5 overall (with no section below 6.0) for most undergraduate programs, and 6.5-7.0 for postgraduate programs.

Still Have Questions?

If you're experiencing issues not covered here, reach out directly to:

CAO Helpdesk

Email: cao@cao.ie
Phone: +353 (0)91 509800

University International Offices

Each university has dedicated international staff to assist with application issues

Post-Submission

What Happens After You Submit

Once you've submitted your application to Irish universities, a structured review process begins. Understanding what happens next and being prepared for each stage will help you navigate the journey from applicant to enrolled student.

The Application Review Timeline

What to expect after your application has been submitted

Initial Processing (1-2 Weeks)

Your application undergoes preliminary checks to ensure all required information and documentation has been provided. You'll typically receive an acknowledgment email confirming receipt of your application.

Check your email (including spam folder) for confirmation and application reference numbers.

Document Verification (2-4 Weeks)

Admissions officers review your transcripts, test scores, and other credentials. You may be contacted if any documents are missing or require clarification. International credentials may undergo additional evaluation.

Check your application portal regularly for document status updates or requests for additional information.

Academic Assessment (4-8 Weeks)

Faculty members or academic committees evaluate your suitability for the program. This includes reviewing your academic performance, personal statements, references, and other program-specific requirements.

Undergraduate (CAO): Assessment occurs after application deadlines

Postgraduate: Assessment often occurs on rolling basis

Decision and Offers

Decisions are communicated through your application portal and via email. For CAO undergraduate applications, offers are made in specified rounds (primarily in August). For postgraduate applications, decisions are typically made 6-10 weeks after submission.

Offer deadlines are strict. Mark acceptance deadlines in your calendar and respond promptly.

Types of Offers

Irish universities typically issue two types of admission offers:

Unconditional Offer

You've met all academic and other requirements for admission. You simply need to accept the offer by the specified deadline to secure your place.

Conditional Offer

Your place is secured provided you meet specific conditions, such as:

Achieving minimum grades in pending examinations
Meeting English language requirements
Submitting outstanding documentation
Paying a deposit by the specified deadline

Pay careful attention to all conditions and deadlines specified in your offer letter.

Accepting Your Offer

Follow these steps to formally accept your place at an Irish university:

CAO, PAC, or the university's direct application system

Formally accept the offer

There will typically be an "Accept" button or option for your offer

Pay any required deposit

This secures your place and is usually deducted from your tuition fees

Complete any additional forms

Such as accommodation requests or program-specific requirements

Begin visa application (if applicable)

International students should start the visa process immediately after acceptance

Strict Deadlines: For CAO offers, Round 1 typically gives just 7 days to accept. Postgraduate offers may have varying deadlines but are equally strict.

Next Steps After Acceptance

Once you've accepted your offer, several important steps follow to prepare for your studies in Ireland:

Registration

Complete online registration when it opens
Upload any outstanding documents
Pay remaining tuition fees or set up payment plan
Select modules/courses (if applicable)

Visa & Immigration

Apply for student visa (non-EU/EEA students)
Prepare financial proof for immigration
Arrange health insurance
Schedule Irish Residence Permit appointment

Preparation

Arrange accommodation
Book flights to Ireland
Plan for orientation and induction events
Join university social media groups

Communication From Your University

After accepting your offer, you'll begin receiving important pre-arrival information from your university. This may include:

Welcome packs and pre-arrival guides

Accommodation application information

Registration and orientation schedules

Student ID and account setup instructions

Helpful Resources

Application Resources and Official Links

Access these essential resources to support your Irish university application journey. From official application portals to helpful guides, these links provide the information you need for a successful application.

Official Application Websites

Primary portals for submitting applications