When should I apply?

You can apply at cao.ie from 4 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 Timeline

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 10 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.

November 2025

Review the HEAR Handbook with your parent(s)/guardian(s). Make a CAO application at www.cao.ie. Fill in the online HEAR Application at www.cao.ie. Gather your supporting documents. Remember, they can take several weeks to issue.

Apply for HEAR on CAO

1 February 2026

In order to make a HEAR application, you must first Apply to CAO by 17:00 on 1 February

Apply for CAO

1 March 2026

Complete all elements of the online HEAR Application Form by 17:00 on 1 March. Gather all supporting documents relevant to your application.

Application Checklist

10 March 2026

Submit copies of supporting documents to CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street Galway by 17:00 on 10 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.

Supporting Documents

April - June 2026

Your HEAR Application is Assessed.

Late June 2026

Applicants notified of outcome of HEAR Application (via you cao.ie portal and via your email).

Early July

HEAR Review and Appeals Application.

HEAR Review and Appeals Procedure

Early August 2026

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

Early September 2026

Attend mandatory HEAR orientation programme.

Check with your college for details

Additional Information

Click on one of the links below to find out more about HEAR

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

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