The first round of CAO offers is a major moment for students, but receiving an offer is only the beginning of the decision-making process. An offer needs to be considered carefully, particularly when students are choosing between different levels of study or deciding what to do if their preferred course has not been offered.
There are several routes into higher education and employment, and the CAO system is only one part of that picture. Students should take time to understand their offer, research the course itself and consider alternative pathways before making a decision.
Round One offers became available from 2pm on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, with offers sent electronically to successful applicants. Students who selected the text message option on their CAO application will receive an SMS notification as well.
Some applicants may receive an email containing two offers: one from their Level 8 list and another from their Level 7/6 list.
Level 8 courses generally lead to honours bachelor's degrees, while Level 7 courses lead to ordinary bachelor's degrees and Level 6 courses typically lead to Higher Certificates. Applicants who receive offers from both lists must choose which offer to accept.
Only one offer can be accepted in each offer round, so students should take time to research the courses carefully before making their decision.
Receiving an offer can be exciting, but the points achieved should not be the only consideration. Applicants should look closely at the actual course they have been offered, including its modules, assessment methods, placement opportunities and potential progression routes.
A course that looks attractive because the applicant has secured a place may not necessarily be the right fit for their interests or future plans. College websites and course information resources can help students understand what the programme involves before they confirm their choice.
Students who wish to accept a Round One offer must do so by 3:00pm on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
The CAO system works according to the applicant's preference order. Accepting an offer does not prevent an applicant from receiving a higher preference in a later round, but lower preferences that come below an accepted offer will no longer be considered.
Applicants should therefore make sure they understand their preference order and the implications of accepting the offer before completing the process.
Students who do not receive their preferred course in Round One may have another opportunity in the next round. Round Two offers will be available to view on the CAO website from 2pm on Monday, 7 September 2026.
The deadline for accepting Round Two offers is 3:00pm on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
After Round Two, offers will continue to be issued weekly where places remain available. This means that applicants should continue checking their CAO account rather than assuming that the first round represents the final outcome.
Applicants who receive a Level 6 or Level 7 offer should not automatically regard it as a lesser choice. These courses can provide a practical route into higher education and, depending on the programme, may offer progression opportunities towards further qualifications.
Students considering this route should contact the college and ask about progression arrangements associated with the specific course. The available pathways can vary between programmes and institutions.
Students who do not secure their preferred CAO option still have alternatives. The CAO Available Places facility can provide opportunities to apply for courses where places remain available, subject to meeting the relevant minimum entry requirements.
Further education and training can also provide alternative routes into higher education and employment. PLC courses, apprenticeships and other programmes may offer valuable ways to gain qualifications and build towards longer-term career goals.
The key is to research each route carefully rather than accepting an option simply because it is available.
The immediate priority for Round One applicants is to check their CAO account, review any offer received and understand the course before deciding whether to accept it.
Keep track of the relevant deadlines, particularly the 1 September acceptance deadline for Round One and the 7 September release date for Round Two. Students who do not receive their preferred offer should continue exploring their options as further CAO rounds and other education pathways remain available.
Receiving a CAO offer is an important milestone, but it does not have to define an entire career. The right educational route may involve a Level 8 degree, a Level 7 or Level 6 programme, a PLC course, an apprenticeship or another progression pathway.
The most important decision is to choose an option that genuinely suits your interests, abilities and ambitions.
Explore colleges and courses on WhichCollege.ie to research your options, compare programmes and make an informed decision about your next step.
