When should I apply?
You can apply at cao.ie from 5 November but you should start to review the HEAR Handbook with your parent(s)/guardian(s) as soon as you can before making an application. Fill in the online HEAR Application at www.cao.ie. Gather your supporting documents. Remember, they can take several weeks to issue.
Please note, when completing your HEAR application from through cao.ie. we recommend doing so by using a desktop or laptop rather than using a smartphone
Application Checklist
In order to make a HEAR application, you must first Apply to CAO by 17:00 on 1 February. Complete all elements of the online HEAR Application Form by 17:00 on 1 March. Submit copies of supporting documents to CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street Galway by 17:00 on 15 March. Make sure your copies are clear and can be easily read. Please number each page and write your CAO application number and the date on the front of each page. Faxed/ emailed documents are not accepted. Keep the original of all documents and obtain a certificate of posting from An Post every time you post supporting documents to CAO. For confirmation that the documents you posted arrived safely in CAO, enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard with details of the documents you have submitted.
From
November 2024
By
1 March 2025
April - June 2025
Late June 2025
August 2025
Leaving Certificate exam results. CAO offers. Successful HEAR Applicants notified. Accept CAO offer. Accept HEAR offer of extra college supports.
By
1 February 2025
By
15 March 2025
Submit copies of supporting documents to CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street Galway by 17:00 on 15 March. Make sure your copies are clear and can be easily read. Please number each page and write your CAO application number and the date on the front of each page. Faxed/ emailed documents are not accepted. Keep the original of all documents and obtain a certificate of posting from An Post every time you post supporting documents to CAO. For confirmation that the documents you posted arrived safely in CAO, enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard with details of the documents you have submitted.
Late August/Early September 2025
Application Checklist
In order to make a HEAR application, you must first Apply to CAO by 17:00 on 1 February. Complete all elements of the online HEAR Application Form by 17:00 on 1 March. Submit copies of supporting documents to CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street Galway by 17:00 on 15 March. Make sure your copies are clear and can be easily read. Please number each page and write your CAO application number and the date on the front of each page. Faxed/ emailed documents are not accepted. Keep the original of all documents and obtain a certificate of posting from An Post every time you post supporting documents to CAO. For confirmation that the documents you posted arrived safely in CAO, enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard with details of the documents you have submitted.
Additional Information
Click on one of the links below to find out more about HEAR
Who is the the HEAR access route for?
Check out this page to find out more are HEAR and to work out if it can help you
How do I apply?
Click here to find out all you need to know about how to make an application