Application Timeline & Steps to Making an Application

You can apply at cao.ie from Thursday 5 November 2026 but you should start to review the DARE Handbook with your parent(s) or guardian(s) as soon as you can before making an application. You will also complete the online DARE Application at www.cao.ie. Gather your supporting documents early as these can take some time to get.

Please note, when completing your online DARE application form, we recommend using a desktop or laptop rather than using a smartphone.

From
Thursday 5 November 2026

By
Monday 1 February 2027 at 5pm

By
Monday 1 March 2027 at 5pm

By
Wednesday 10 March 2027 at 5pm

April - June 2027

Late June 2027

Early July 2027

Early August 2027

August 2027

August/ Sept 2027

CAO Applications open from Thursday 5 November 2026

CAO applications open from Thursday 5 November 2026 at 12 noon. Make a CAO application at www.cao.ie

When applying to DARE, applicants must:

Review the DARE Handbook with you parent(s) or guardian(s)
Make a CAO application at www.cao.ie.
Fill in the online Supplementary Information Form (SIF) at www.cao.ie.
Complete your Educational Impact Statement with your school.
Gather your Evidence of Disability documents

CAO Applications close by 5pm on Monday 1 February 2027.

Indicate your wish to be considered for DARE by Monday 1 March 2027 at 5pm

To apply for DARE, you must answer ‘Yes’ to Question 1 (Do you wish to be considered for DARE?) by Monday 1 March at 5pm and complete Section A (Questions 1-5) of the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) on www.cao.ie

Post the completed, signed and stamped Sections B and C

Educational Impact Statement (Section B)
Evidence of Disability (Section C) or other evidence of Disability to the CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway by Wednesday 10 March 2027 at 5pm. Make sure your documents are clear and can be easily read. Please number each page and write your CAO application number, name and the date on the front of each page. Faxed/emailed documents are not accepted. Don’t forget to get a free certificate of posting from the post office!

Assessment of DARE Applications

DARE Application Outcome

You will be notified of the outcome of your DARE application (Via the cao.ie portal and your email)

DARE Review and Appeal Applications

DARE Review and Appeal Outcomes

You will be notified of the outcome of the Review and Appeals application.

Leaving Certificate Exam Results

Eligible DARE applicants compete for reduced points places.
CAO Offers to eligible DARE applicants.
Course offers are made and should be accepted through the CAO.

Orientation and Registration with Disability Support Services

Steps for Completing the Supplementary Information Form (SIF)

Section A is filled out by you, the applicant, and asks for information on your disability, the supports you received in second level and how your disability impacted on your education. Section A must be completed by Monday 1 March 2027 at 5pm.

Question 1 - Do you wish to be considered for DARE?

This question is very important, as you must tick YES and click the Submit Button before Monday 1 March 2027 at 5pm to be considered for DARE. Ticking Yes, that you want to be considered for DARE, also means that you have read and accept the DARE Terms and Conditions. If you select NO to Question 1, your application will not be considered for DARE even if you submit supporting documents. You may still avail of disability supports in college should you get an offer and accept it

Question 1 (b) – Carrying forward DARE eligibility from 2026 to 2027

Click here to learn more about carrying eligibility forward

Question 2 Your Primary Disability

Question 2 asks you to indicate your main disability. If you have more than one disability, you should consider your main disability as the one that has had the greatest impact on your educational experience. You can only tick one main disability.

Question 3 – Your Other Disabilities

Question 3 asks you to select if you have any other disabilities. This is important as all of your disabilities can be assessed for eligibility under DARE in the event that you supply the correct documentation for each one. For this question, you can tick more than one disability.

Question 4 – Supports

Question 4 asks you to list the supports you received in secondary school education and those you may need in college. Please only tick the supports you actually received in secondary school and those you feel you need in college.

Question 5 – Personal Statement

This is an opportunity for you to tell us about your experience of being in school and the challenges you faced. This can include (but is not restricted to) your examination performance, access to texts/ materials, memory/ concentration issues, meeting deadlines, attendance, engagement with extracurricular activities and/or the supports you needed for the educational impact of your disability and anything else you think relevant. You may use bullet points if you wish.

What is my personal statement used for?

The personal statement is used by the Disability Support Staff in the colleges to help determine what supports you may need in college. It can also be used by DARE to complement the information you and your school provide as part of the Educational Impact Statement.

For more information, contact the Access Office in one of the participating colleges

What is DARE?

DARE is a college admissions scheme for school leavers (under 23) whose disability has negatively impacted their learning and educational experience during secondary school. Eligible DARE applicants will compete for DARE reduced points places on college courses.

Is DARE for me?

For more information on DARE and to see if it is for you, click on more information below.