With the February 1 deadline fast approaching, now is a great time to consider the essential dos and don’ts of the CAO application process for 2026. The 100-page document goes through each and every important step of the CAO application process in great detail. The 2026 CAO handbook, available on CAO.ie, is an invaluable 100-page document that goes through each and every important step of the CAO application process in great detail. The CAO contacts all applicants by email, and when it sends emails, it sends them to the address you registered on your CAO application. Key dates for CAO applicantsFebruary 1, 5pm: Closing date for 2026 CAO applications.

Source: Irish Examiner January 16, 2026 19:45 UTC