Important Dates to Remember!!
CAO Application Opens: 5th November 2025 12pm.
CAO Application closes: 1st February 2026 5pm*
Change of Mind Opens: 5th May 2026 12pm
Change of Mind Closes: 1st July 2026 5pm
Courses that require a portfolio submission (see course pages) are referred to by the Central Applications Office as ‘restricted application’ as they have special requirements (portfolio assessment).
To ensure that you are considered for these courses, you must follow precisely the CAO instructions. In particular, your application must reach the CAO by 1st February 2026*. However, you can change the order of preference of your course until 1st July 2026.
*The deadline of February 1st requires only that you have an application number and your course choices (preferences) submitted on the CAO. You are not expected to present your qualifications at this stage. You can find more information about this in the CAO handbook here
For any queries please contact admissions@staging.iadt.ie.
CAO contact details
Website www.cao.ie
Address Tower House, Eglinton St, Galway.
Phone +353 91 509 800
How can I tell if I am an EU or Non EU applicant?
You can determine whether you should be applying as an EU applicant or NONEU here: International Students – IADT
Please note the onus is on the candidate to apply using the correct application system.
If you are still unsure about where you should be applying, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the admissions office at admissions@staging.iadt.ie or by phone at +353 1 239 4612 or +353 1 239 4621
I am from the EU, how will I be assessed?
If you are from the UK/EU/EEA, you must apply via the CAO.
If you are presenting a high school qualification other than an Irish Leaving Certificate examination, then you are considered as an ‘Other School Leaving Applicant’.
Please note all other school leaving applicants are assessed centrally on the CAO. Offers are made through the CAO only.
You will find an applicants guide and a breakdown of the Entry requirements criteria for EU/EFTA/UK Applicants for each country here
If you are still unsure about if you meet the entry requirements for an offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the admissions office at admissions@staging.iadt.ie or by phone at +353 1 239 4612 or +353 1 239 4621
How Are CAO Offers Made?
There are a number of CAO offer rounds each year. The three main rounds of offers are: Round A, Round Zero and Round One.
Applicants applying on the basis of school leaving
examination results/grades, regardless of the year
completed, will compete for an offer in Round One.
Please ensure that you familiarize yourself with the CAO processes when making your application. The CAO handbook will explain the application process in detail, you can find it here