CAO guide: the 2025 application process

We are back with another CAO guide, to help students and parents navigate the process as the 20 January deadline approaches.

Irish Country Living continues to roll out this special educational aid every year to assist around 80,000 students get to grips with their application.

With advice on college courses and additional support available, we are here to help students make informed decisions about their educational pathways and career options.

This year, we have split the education focus into two parts, to incorporate the continued changes within third-level education. More emphasis and opportunities now exist among alternative pathways and practical apprenticeship programmes.

In the second installment next week, we will look at different third-level educational programmes outside the points race. These courses allow students to develop a broad range of practical skills in areas such as gastronomy, food science and business, to name just a few.

For this week, however, the focus will be those looking at entering third-level education via the points system.

Informed decisions

Students get so caught up in mocks and exams that often, they don’t take enough time out of their academics to sit down and think about what they want to do next.

This can result in students making quick decisions about their future without looking into the course structure or what modules they are going to be studying for the next three to four years.

Figures released by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) last year, show the non-progression rate of first year students was 15%.

Almost 7,000 students did not progress into the second year of their course during the 2021-22 academic year. One factor impacting this was the cost-of-living crisis, which has meant an increase in the number of students commuting long hours. Courses being different from their expectations was also a factor.

Some students have known what they want to do in college since the day they started school, but for many, it can be challenging to try and figure out what course would suit them.

The good news is there are so many opportunities for young people now, the sky is the limit with the wide variety of courses available.

Self-reflection

The best place for students to start is to assess their interests. Try to find a course that aligns with your genuine passion and enthusiasm.

Consider subjects you excel in, or skills you enjoy using.

Think about the subjects you enjoy: are there any you would like to learn more about? Is there a particular job that inspires you, or an industry you want to explore?

Go through the CAO handbook with a highlighter and pick out programmes that stand out to you. Then look up the course code on the college website to take a look at the structure and what modules you will study; these vary from opportunities to study abroad or get professional work experience.

It is important to also explore different pathways and career opportunities that are linked to various courses. Think about what industries are likely to grow in the future to ensure your course remains relevant with good job prospects when you graduate.

Speaking with guidance counsellors, teachers or mentors in your school who can provide personalised advice can be very beneficial when filling in your CAO application.

Every school has a dedicated guidance counsellor whose job is to help you navigate through this process; it is important to make an appointment and utilise the available support. Along with that, there are private career guidance professionals, if needed.

One often under-utilised resource is the students who are currently doing the same programme you’re considering applying to. They are the best people to ask questions about the course as often they won’t filter any information – they will give you their honest opinion and provide an insight into the structure of the programme.

While family members can offer a helpful perspective, ultimately the decision is yours – after all you are the one who will be studying it for the next few years.

Parents should help their children navigate the process while allowing them to make informed decisions for themselves.

New for 2025

One of the big developments that the Irish Farmers Journal has covered this year is the confirmation of two new veterinary schools located at South East Technological University (SETU) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

For the first time, there is going to be an increase in veterinary places outside of Dublin for interested students.

Unfortunately, students will have to wait until 2026 for places in SETU to be developed, but ATU is expected to have places starting in September of this year – keep an eye out on the CAO for course codes and developments over the next few months.

As a result of the growing demands of the food business sector, Munster Technological University (MTU) Tralee has developed a new level 8 course in food business (MT929).

“In recent years, we have seen a growing demand from second level students who want to pursue a career in the food industry,” says Dr Noel Murray, head of the Department for Tourism and Hospitality at MTU.

“While some students want to train as traditional chefs, others are interested in a different career pathway.

“These students are passionate about food, but are looking for a different educational offering.

“The blend of food, food science and business modules in this programme will provide numerous career opportunities for graduates,” he said.

20 January: Apply online by this date to avail of the discounted application fee of €30.

1 February: Normal closing date for applications.

5 February: Online facility to amend course choices becomes available (€10 fee).

15 February: Paper applicants will be sent a statement of course choices (contact CAO if you do not receive it).

14- 23 February: HPAT test – undergraduate entry to medicine.

1 March: Closing date for amending course choices.

Completion of mature section of application form.

Final completion of online HEAR/DARE forms.

5 March: Late application facility opens.

15 March: Latest date for HEAR/DARE supporting documentation to arrive in CAO.

GAMSAT test – graduate entry to medicine.

1 May: Closing date for late applications.

6 May: Online change of mind facility becomes available (free).

15 May: Late paper applicants will be sent a statement of course choices.

4 June: Leaving Certificate examinations commence.

1 July: Change of mind closes.

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