CAO applications portal opens for 2027 college hopefuls

More than 1,400 undergraduate courses are now open

The Irish Times reported that the CAO opened its portal at noon on Thursday 5 November 2026.

At Irish higher education institutions, more than 1,400 undergraduate courses are now open for applications.

A €35 fee is available to anyone who applies by 20 January 2027, while for later applicants that fee rises to €50.

Prior to picking courses, each applicant enters their personal details to receive a unique CAO number.

At this stage, students due to complete the Leaving Cert in 2027 need only verify their own details on the portal.

On the other hand, students who have already sat the exam must instead enter their own exam number and year.

CAO applications portal: fees and deadlines explained

Students can wait until after the 2027 Leaving Cert results are out in order to finalise their course choices, right up to a final deadline of 5pm on 1 July 2027.

For the student who want it, a detailed walkthrough of the whole process sits on CAO.ie.

How much does it cost to apply through the CAO?

The fee is €35 for anyone who applies before 20 January 2027.

After that date, it rises to €50.

When is the final deadline to change CAO course choices?

Students can wait until after the 2027 Leaving Cert to finalise their choices.

A final deadline is at 5pm on 1 July next year.