CAO Online Applications are now open for 2021 entry, and Career Guidance Counsellor Rory White from Careers Advice Northwest has this advice for students on the key details and dates:
The time of year has come back around again when Leaving Certificate students begin to make their applications to the colleges and universities around Ireland. I wrote on this more in depth last year which can be accessed by clicking here.
The CAO Online Application Facility for 2021 entry opened for students on Thursday past, November 5th.
Students are urged to make their application as soon as possible in order to avail of the discounted registration fee of €30 (Available until 5.15 PM on January 20th).
Registration after this January date will see the cost rise to the standard €45 fee (Up until normal registration closes at 5:15 PM on February 1st)
The Late Registration facility will be open from 12.00PM on March 5th and will require a €60 fee.
To apply to CAO go to www.cao.ie and click on ‘Apply’.
Potential applicants are advised to consult the white pages of the CAO Handbook for all the important application information. An online PDF version of the CAO Handbook can be found here- http://www2.cao.ie/handbook/handbook2021/hb.pdf
Key CAO dates can be found below. Students can keep updated on these and much more, including information days and college open days by using our events calendar https://careersportal.ie/media/index.php.
2020
- 5th November (12.00PM) CAO 2020 Online Application Facility Opens
2021
- 20th January (5.15PM) Discounted application fee expires (€30 fee)
- 1st February (5.15PM) Normal closing date for applications (€45 fee)
- 5th February Online Facility for Amending Course Choices Opens (€10 fee)
- 1st March Closing Date for Amended Course Choices
- 5th March (12.00PM) Late Application Facility Opens (€60 fee)
- 1st May (5.15PM) Closing Date For Late Applications
- 5th May (12.00) Free Change of Mind Facility Opens
- 1st July (5.15) Change of Mind Closes
Check out this handy video guide on filling out your CAO application here-
http://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=video&bb=studentresources
The CAO website also has a demo application where you can practice your application first here- http://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=demo
For more information go to www.cao.ie
Students should use the Careers Portal website to browse CAO options and courses that interest them: careersportal.ie
For more, see my guide to understanding the CAO here:
Rory has been a Guidance Counsellor at Finn Valley College for the past 10 years and is a member of the Donegal Branch of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.
Rory offers a comprehensive career guidance service based in Ballybofey through Careers Advice Northwest, for appointments contact: www.facebook.com/careersadvicenorthwest
He also offers advice for students on careersportal.ie
Applying for college or changing careers is one of the most important and exciting decisions someone can make, and Rory will be here to offer advice and top tips on the many options that are available.
