The Central Applications Office (CAO) has released its October 2026 update, with important information for students planning their higher education applications for 2027. The update covers the availability of the CAO Handbook 2027, resources for guidance counsellors, upcoming conferences and an online information evening for students and parents or guardians.
With the next application cycle approaching, prospective applicants should familiarise themselves with the available resources and key dates to prepare for the transition to higher education.
The CAO Handbook 2027 has been distributed to schools, along with supporting materials for the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) and the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE).
Students can access the handbook online at cao.ie/handbook, where PDF versions and condensed course listings by level are also available. A personalised version of the 2027 handbook can be viewed at handbook.cao.ie.
The handbook is an important resource for applicants researching courses, reviewing entry requirements and understanding the CAO application process.
The CAO has confirmed that its 2027 website will go live in early November, with applications scheduled to open at 12 noon on 5 November 2026.
Updated resources for guidance counsellors are available in the Guidance/Schools section of the CAO website. Further materials will be published when the 2027 website launches. Some information sheets and other resources will also be made available in HTML format to improve accessibility.
Students preparing to apply should use the available course listings and guidance materials to begin researching their options before applications open.
The CAO, in association with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors and higher education institutions, has announced provisional dates for its November 2026 conferences:
Full details and an online registration link are available through the Guidance/Schools section of the CAO website. The published update stated that registration would close at midnight on 23 October 2026.
The CAO also announced an online information evening for students and parents or guardians, held in association with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors and admissions officers from higher education institutions.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, 15 October 2026, at 6pm. It provides an opportunity to learn more about the application process and hear information relevant to choosing and applying for higher education courses.
Registration details are available at cao.ie/webinar.
Students considering college in 2027 can use the coming weeks to research courses, compare entry requirements and discuss their choices with guidance counsellors. Those interested in access routes should also explore HEAR and DARE eligibility and application requirements.
For further course research and higher education guidance, visit WhichCollege.ie and explore the options available across Ireland.
