The CAO 2022 application process for entry to higher education opened on 5 November, and applications to date have been brisk with many applicants heeding the advice to start early.
The deadline for discounted applications is 20 January at 5pm (the normal closing date is 1 February at 5pm), however CAO is asking that applicants start the process before Christmas and use the time to research courses and complete the relevant sections of their CAO account in a timely manner.
“The process of obtaining a CAO application number is really straight-forward, and applicants do not need to enter course information in order to register” said Eileen Keleghan, Communications Officer for CAO.
Applicants for the HEAR and DARE schemes in particular are encouraged to start the process early.
“As well as completing the online application form by 1 February at 5pm, and the specific sections for HEAR and DARE by 1 March at 5pm, supporting documentation must also be supplied by those applying for either scheme.
“The 15 March is the deadline for HEAR DARE documentation, but applicants should begin the process of gathering supporting documentation as soon as possible, as many of these documents are provided by third parties”, she added.
Potential applicants are advised to read the CAO Handbook which is available to view and download at www.cao.ie/handbook and to become familiar with the various guides available in the Applicants section of the CAO website, including the demo application facility and the video guides explaining the application process.
Eileen Keleghan of CAO reminds applicants that they can practice their application in advance: “There is an online demo application facility available on the CAO website. This facility can be used by applicants to become more familiar with the application form.
“Once you have read the online CAO Handbook you can go to the CAO website and click on Apply. You must enter your personal details and you will also be asked to indicate the qualifications and assessments sections that are relevant to you.
“When you have registered, you can log into your CAO account to provide the additional information required to support your application and to enter your level 8 and level 7/6 course choices.
“It is a good idea to enter some course choices at this stage, however applicants can log into their account to add, remove or change the order of their courses as many times as they like up to 1 February for no extra charge.
“There is no reason to delay registering with CAO. You should obtain your application number and submit any additional information required of you in advance of the 1 February at 5pm”, added Ms Keleghan.
For more information go to www.cao.ie
