ATU issues supports for students ahead of February's CAO deadline

With the CAO Normal Closing Date of February 1 at 5pm fast approaching, students across Ireland are finalising their applications and exploring options for the year ahead.

ATU is encouraging applicants to focus on two essentials: submit the initial CAO application on time to secure the lower fee and avoid restrictions.

Most applicants don’t need to lock in course choices by 1 February—there’s a free Change of Mind window from early May to 1 July at 5pm for those that are unsure of their courses.

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This year, ATU is unveiling several new programmes - including Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Physiotherapy, Master of Pharmacy, and Special & Inclusive Education - alongside expanded tertiary degree pathways that let students start Year 1 closer to home in their local ETB before progressing to an ATU campus.

To support decision-making, ATU’s CAO Hub (atu.ie/cao) centralises everything from programme details and entry requirements to accommodation, sports, and student life. ATU’s Schools Engagement Team is also available for one‑to‑one guidance and campus tours, ensuring applicants have practical support right up to the deadline.

Fiona Kelly, ATU Marketing Manager offers a breakdown of the procedure and said: “The weeks leading up to the CAO deadline can feel overwhelming for students, but they don’t have to be. ATU is committed to ensuring every applicant has the information and support they need to make confident decisions about their future. Whether students are exploring new programmes, considering tertiary pathways, or simply unsure of their options, our team is here to help every step of the way.”

What does the deadline mean?
Some applicants must list their courses by 1 February. The following groups must have their course choices selected before the deadline:

Restricted courses
Mature applicants - If you are 23 or older on 1 January, you usually must have your choices in by this date.
HEAR or DARE applicants - You must apply to CAO by 1 February and tick the box that you intend to apply for these access schemes.
Outside of above – and after the 1st of February – you can still apply but your application becomes a late application, which costs more and has restrictions - €65 cost.

Common misconception!
You do NOT need your course choices finalised by this date. For most applicants:
You can still add/change/remove course choices after 1 Feb.
The free Change of Mind period runs from early May until 1 July at 5pm, giving you plenty of time to decide.
ATU New Programmes

(AU375) Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery – some things to be mindful of when applying to this programme – there are specialised programme requirements so check out atu.ie/AU375 to find out more.
(AU374) Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physiotherapy
(AU975) Master of Pharmacy
(AU392) BSc (Hons) in Special and Inclusive Education
ATU CAO Hub

ATU’s CAO Hub is packed full of information on programmes, supports, clubs and societies, sport, student life, accommodation and lots more. Visit atu.ie/cao for more information.

Tertiary Education
Tertiary degree programmes allow students to complete year one close to home in their local ETB before choosing to specialise at an ATU campus of their choice. Check out atu.ie/tertiarydegrees for more information.

ATU Schools Engagement Teams – Contact Them – Got a Question – Just Ask!

ATU’s Schools Engagement Team are available to help you on your journey, you can contact the team any time – check out the contacts on atu.ie/cao or email cao@atu.ie

ATU Campus Tours and Open Days
If you want a one-to-one interaction, you can book a campus tour. To book a campus tour, please go to atu.ie/cao or Open Days – attend them – there are 9 Open Days to come between March to May 2026

ATU Social Media Channels
If you have a question, you can always ask via our social media channels, our team are always available online on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and LinkedIn. You can also receive information through ATU’s website: www.atu.ie/CAO.