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An Information Guide for Leaving Cert Students & Parents
The 2026 Leaving Certificate results will be released on the Candidate Self Service Portal (CSSP) at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 21, 2026, accessible using examination credentials. The portal is currently open for verification and password resets. Access the portal to check your status at cssp.examinations.ie.
The National Parents Council Helpline is available from Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Tel: +353 1 887 4477, and you can also contact them via email at helpline@npc.ie
Website: www.npc.ie
| 21st August | Current year Leaving Certificate results issued |
| 26th August (14:00) | Round 1 offers available from 14:00 online* Applicants who have not received an offer will receive a `Statement of Application` email. |
| 1st September (15:00) | Round 1 acceptances closing date. |
| 7th September (14:00) | Round 2 offers available online. |
| 9th September (15:00) | Round 2 acceptances closing date. |
| 15th September (10:00) | Round 3 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text. |
| 17th September (15:00) | Round 3 acceptances closing date. |
| 22nd September (10:00) | Round 4 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text. |
| 24th September (15:00) | Round 4 acceptances closing date. |
| 29th September (10:00) | Round 5 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text. |
| 1st October (15:00) | Round 5 acceptances closing date. |
| TBC | Results of Leaving Certificate appeals released. |
| 1st October | Offer Season Ends. |
| 5th November 2026 | CAO application facility opens for 2027 applications. |
You can also talk to a trained Youth Information Officer, Mon – Fri 4pm – 8pm via the SpunOut website.
Visit: spunout.ie/education/article/youth-information-chat
| Higher Level Grade (%) | Points | Ordinary Level Grade (%) | Points |
| H1 (90 – 100) | 100 | ||
| H2 (80 – 89) | 88 | ||
| H3 (70 – 79) | 77 | ||
| H4 (60 – 69) | 66 | ||
| H5 (50 – 59) | 56 | O1 (90 – 100) | 56 |
| H6 (40 – 49) | 46 | O2 (80 – 89) | 46 |
| H7 (30 – 39) | 37 | O3 (70 – 79) | 37 |
| H8 (0 – 29) | 0 | O4 (60 – 69) | 28 |
| O5 (50 – 59) | 20 | ||
| O6 (40 – 49) | 12 | ||
| O7 (30 – 39) | 0 | ||
| O8 (0 – 29) | 0 |
25 bonus points will be awarded for Higher Level Mathematics for H6 grades and above. For example, if an applicant receives a H6 grade an additional 25 points will be added to the 46 points already awarded for a H6 grade i.e. Higher Level Mathematics now carries a points score of 71 for this applicant. Click here to view a more detailed description of the Bonus Points Scheme for Higher Level Leaving Certificate Mathematics, with some examples.
F1: 20
F2: 12
Distinction: 66 points
Merit: 46 points
Pass: 28 points
IMPORTANT: All HEIs award points for results in Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Link Modules, in place of a sixth Leaving Certificate subject. However, not all HEIs count LCVP as meeting eligibility requirements in regard to passing subjects. Applicants should refer to HEI literature for full details.
A Points Calculator is available on the CAO website at www.cao.ie
What is HEAR?: The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is an admissions scheme for students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. It improves access to college for school-leavers from socio-economic backgrounds that are under-represented in third-level education. Under the HEAR scheme a number of third-level places are allocated to school-leavers on a reduced points basis. To be eligible for the scheme you must meet certain indicators (or criteria) related to your financial, social and cultural circumstances – see ‘Indicators’ below.
What is DARE?: The Disability Access Route To Education (DARE) is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers under the age of 23 as of 1 January 2023, whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education.
For more information on the HEAR and DARE Schemes visit www.accesscollege.ie
For 2026 DARE and HEAR applicants, The CAO website contains a page specifically dedicated to the DARE / HEAR process, including key dates and much more. Visit www.cao.ie for details.
NCAD (National College of Art and Design): NCAD does not use the traditional CAO points system for programs that require a portfolio submission. Instead, offers are based on the applicant’s portfolio score, provided they meet the minimum academic entry requirements.
Portfolio Submission Guidelines: Applicants should consult the NCAD website for the most current portfolio submission guidelines. This process is essential for entry into art and design programs at NCAD (Search for services or information).
Undergraduate Medicine Courses: To be eligible for entry to undergraduate medicine in 2026, applicants must achieve a minimum of 480 points. Applicants must also meet the minimum entry requirements for each medical school to which they apply.
Undergraduate Medicine Courses: To be eligible to compete for entry to undergraduate medicine in 2026, school-leaver applicants must achieve a minimum of 480 CAO points and meet the minimum entry requirements for each medical school to which they apply. The 480-point requirement and the relevant minimum entry requirements must both be achieved in the same sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination, or equivalent.
HPAT-Ireland: Applicants must complete the HPAT-Ireland admissions test in 2026. HPAT results are valid only for the year of entry. Pre-2025 Leaving Certificate results may be presented, but the HPAT must be taken in the year of entry
All students’ grades are transferred directly to the CAO. Following this the offers process begins and you will be notified if you have been offered a college course place. See ‘Important CAO Dates’ above for the provisional timetable of dates regarding offers.
2. Accepting an offer:
If you wish to accept a CAO offer, there are some things you need to know:
3. Available places:
After the initial CAO offers have been issued, CAO will post a list of courses that still have places available with no waiting list. If the course you were hoping to get into is listed, or if there is another course in the list that you are interested in, you can apply online. Visit the CAO website to view the list of available places. Check the site regularly to see if there are any new places available. You will need to meet the minimum requirements in order to get into the course.
If you wish to defer an offer of a place you do not accept your offer. Instead, you must email the Admissions Office of the appropriate HEI immediately. You must give your name as it appears on your CAO application, quote your CAO application number and the course code of the offer you wish to defer, and set out the reason(s) for the request. Applicants must mark “DEFERRED ENTRY” clearly in the subject line of the email.
You can also check the website of the relevant HEI to see if they have a deferral policy available online that you can refer to. The email must arrive in the Admissions Office of the institution at least two days before the ‘Reply Date’ shown on the Offer Notice. The HEI will communicate their decision to you directly.
If the deferral is not granted you may then accept the offer for the current year providing you accept the offer by the ‘Reply Date’. You must send all communications about deferrals to the appropriate Admissions Office and not to CAO.
Students who are not satisfied with their marks in one or more Leaving Certificate subjects can appeal those results to the State Examinations Commission. Before you appeal your result(s), you can view your exam script and then decide if you still want to appeal. See ‘Viewing your exam script’ below.
Your script will also be sent to an appeal examiner for re-marking. This will not be the same person who originally marked your work. The same marking scheme is used for re-marking. This means that appeal examiners apply the same standards in re-marking as were applied to all candidates in the original examination. There is further information about the appeal process on the SEC’s website.
If you are not happy with the outcome of your appeal, you may request an appeal review by the Independent Appeals Scrutineers. Application forms for an appeal review are provided with your appeal results.
There is a fee of €40 to appeal each Leaving Certificate subject. If your appeal is successful and your subject result is upgraded, you will get a refund of the appeal fee for that subject. Once again, see the State Examinations Commissions website for details.
IF YOU RECEIVE A HIGHER GRADE AFTER APPEAL:
If you receive an upgrade and your revised result places you higher on the order-of-merit list than the last person who actually got an offer, then the Higher Education Institution will usually instruct CAO to either offer you a place to begin immediately or offer you a place deferred to the next year.
Under QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland)
The Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS) gives learners the opportunity to use their QQI Level 5 or 6 major award to apply, through the CAO, for a place in the first year of a higher education programme. Programmes leading to Level 5 and Level 6 Major Awards are available through providers who have programmes validated with QQI. Applications to participate in these Level 5 and 6 courses are made directly to the college’s in question.
Linked awards, special requirements and available higher education programmes are published by the admissions office of the individual higher education institution and on www.cao.ie
For more information and guidance on HELS see www.qqi.ie
Commencement dates including start dates for specific courses will vary. Students will usually receive notifications and information from the HEI where they have accepted a place, with all relevant info regarding registration procedures and start dates etc. However, if you do not receive such correspondence soon after you have accepted your place we strongly advise students to contact their college as soon as possible after receiving and accepting an offer to confirm start dates.
Cork College of FET – Morrison’s Island Campus
Cork (Non-private)
Tel: (021) 422 2100 / Mail: morrisonsislandcampus.ie/contact / Web: morrisonsislandcampus.ie
Bruce College
Audley House, St. Patrick’s Hill, Cork
Tel: (021) 450 4122 / Mail: susan@brucecollege.ie / Web: brucecollege.ie
Hewitt College
24, Patrick’s Hill, Cork City
Tel: (021) 455 0430 / Mail: admin@hewittcollege.net / Web: hewittcollege.ie
Deane College
Fitzgerald House, 73-75 Grand Parade, Cork
Tel: (021) 427 4722 / Mail: info@deanecollege.ie / Web: deanecollege.ie
UCAS Offers – Tariff Points
UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) is the central applications body for full-time undergraduate courses in the UK (including Northern Ireland). If you have applied for a UK college place, UCAS will receive students’ grades from the relevant awarding bodies and pass them on to their chosen colleges.
For students currently holding a conditional offer, these offers will become unconditional, as long as students meet offer conditions (usually related to grades). The UCAS system is based on a different points system known as Tariff points. For information and details on UCAS and the Tariff Points system, you can visit www.ucas.com.
If you have applied for a UK course, you can track the progress of your application by logging in to the UCAS ‘Track System’ by visiting www.ucas.com/undergraduate/after-you-apply/tracking-your-ucas-application
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland:
Scotland:
Funding Information:
Further Information: For detailed information on grants and funding, you should consult susi.ie, hea.ie, and the GOV.UK websites for the latest details on financial supports available to EU students applying to study in the UK.
It is possible to apply for a maintenance only grant in Ireland for approved undergraduate courses in the UK via Ireland’s SUSI grant scheme. Visit SUSI.ie for more information on the application process as well as relevant dates and details.
The European Universities Central Application Support Service (EUNiCAS) provides information on College courses in Europe taught through English. Check the website for further information www.eunicas.ie
An apprenticeship is the recognised way people are trained in a craft trade or profession. The main craft trades and professions have been designated by an organisation called SOLAS (solas.ie). Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training with an employer and generally last for 2 to 4 years, during which time you will spend different periods in off-the-job training. When you complete an apprenticeship programme, you will get a recognised qualification at Level 5 or above (depending on the complexity of the trade or profession) on the NFQ framework.You can start an apprenticeship from age 16. However, some apprenticeships may have higher minimum age requirements, typically up to 18 years, depending on the nature of the trade or the employer’s preferences. For more advice on apprenticeships: Freephone 1800 794 487 from 12 noon to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Craft Apprenticeships
A craft apprenticeship will usually last for 4 years, during which time you will spend 3 different periods in off-the-job training. Generally, the first training phase will take place in an Education and Training Board (ETB) Training Center, while the remaining off-the-job training phases will take place in an Institute of Technology or Technological University.
The skills you develop will be assessed through on-the-job competence testing as well as off-the-job module-based assessment and exams and, if you complete these assessments successfully, you will be awarded an Advanced Certificate – craft (level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications).
Craft apprenticeships include:
New apprenticeships in other areas of industry
Apprenticeships introduced from 2016 on lead to an award between Levels 5-10 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Each apprenticeship programme can be for between 2 and 4 years.
There are a number of models of on-the-job and off-the-job training, as well as different models of delivery and different target groups. Industry-led groups, which work with education and training providers and other partners, oversee the development and roll-out of new apprenticeships.
New apprenticeships in ICT, finance and hospitality include:
You can find information about new apprenticeships on apprenticeship.ie
Solas offers Further Education and Training programmes. Part-time, full-time, day, evening and online courses. Programmes include apprenticeships, traineeships, skills to advance, eCollege and the European Globalisation Fund.
Visit solas.ie for more information
Recruitment competitions are held as required for the Defence Forces. Visit their website for more information – military.ie
An Garda Síochána
Applications should be made online to the Public Appointments Service through their website www.publicjobs.ie. It is recommended that applicants do not use a tablet / iPad or mobile device to apply. To apply, candidates must have a “User Account” on www.publicjobs.ie. If you have not already done so, you must register as a ‘New User’ to create your Profile (register a New Account). Once registered, you can set up a job alert for positions within An Garda Síochána.
Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland’s national awarding authority for all further and higher education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students, in approved full time third level courses at approved institutions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Any student wishing to undertake a course of study at a private college (e.g. Griffith College, Dublin Business School etc) will not qualify for a grant as the list of approved institutions does not include private HEI’s. Students attending these colleges will also be required to pay the relevant fees.
| Further & Higher Education | Level | Qualification | Max Period of Grant Funding |
| Further Ed | PLC Level 5 | Certificate | – Max 3 years funding at PLC level |
| Further Ed | PLC Level 6 | Advanced Certificate | |
| Higher Ed | UG Level 6 | Higher Certificate | – Max 2 years funding at undergrad level 6 – Max 3 years funding at undergrad level 7 – Max 4 years funding in total at undergrad level 6 & 7 – Max 4 years funding at undergrad level 8 (except where normal duration of course exceeds 4 years) |
| Higher Ed | UG Level 7 | Ordinary Bachelor Degree | |
| Higher Ed | UG Level 8 | Honours Bachelor Degree | |
| Higher Ed | PG Level 8 | Higher Diploma | – Max 4 years funding in total at postgrad level All previous attendance and attainment at postgraduate level are considered regardless of whether a grant was received previously or not. |
| Higher Ed | PG Level 9 | Diploma | |
| Higher Ed | PG Level 9 | Masters Degree | |
| Higher Ed | PG Level 10 | PHD |
Part 1. Maintenance Grant: This is a contribution towards day-to-day living costs and is paid directly to eligible students through nine monthly installments over the course of the academic year. The total amount of grant payable will depend upon the level of a student’s reckonable income. (see threshold breakdown below)
Part 2. Fee Grant:
Fee grants pay tuition fees for students who do not qualify for the Free Fees Scheme (see below). Fee grants can also pay the Student Contribution and the cost of essential field trips.
Free Fees Scheme: Most undergraduate students attending publicly funded third-level courses do not have to pay tuition fees. Under the terms of the Free Fees Initiative, the Department of Further and Higher Education pays the fees to the colleges instead.
Qualifying for the fee grant
If you qualify for the maintenance grant, you will most likely also get the fee grant. However, some people will only be eligible for a fee grant (this will depend on the outcome of the Means Test). The fees grant is also means tested and follows a lot of the same conditions as the maintenance grant.
If you’re eligible for a maintenance grant, it will be paid at either the adjacent rate or the non-adjacent rate. For the 2026/27 academic year the adjacent rate is paid when your college is less than 30 km from your normal residence and the non-adjacent rate is paid when your college is 30 km or more from your normal residence.
GRANT AMOUNT AWARDED
The total amount of the grant will depend on the level of a student’s reckonable income. The ‘Income Threshold’ table below illustrates the different income thresholds.
Disadvantaged students can qualify for a special rate of maintenance grant. To qualify, you must fulfill all the normal criteria for the grant and have a total reckonable income in the tax year January to December 2025 of less than the relevant designated income threshold (see Income Thresholds table below), not including Qualified Child Increases and standard exclusions. This income must include a long term Department of Social Protection eligible payment. For a list of eligible Special Rate payments visit susi.ie/special-rate-awards/
Undergraduate & PLC Grant Rates (Maintenance Only: No Fees Payable)
Levels of Grant Maintenance (Non-Adjacent) Maintenance (Adjacent)
Special Rate €7936 €3230
Band 1 Full Maintenance €4722 €1774
Band 2 Part Maintenance €3532 €1343
Band 3 Part Maintenance €2702 €975
Band 4 Part Maintenance €1866 €612
Household income thresholds (for the purpose of means testing) are laid out in the table below and relate to Rates of Maintenance Grant (Adjacent or Non-Adjacent).
*Family’s Reckonable income must be under the listed amounts (Maintenance & Fee Grant)
| RATE | Less than 4 Children | 4 to 7 children | 8 or more children | Increase per additional person in college |
| Special Rate | €28,600 | €31,350 | €33,980 | +€4,950 |
| Band 1 (Full Maintenance) | €47,010 | €51,520 | €55,850 | +€4,950 |
| Band 2 (Part Maintenance) | €48,270 | €52,900 | €57,345 | +€4,785 |
| Band 3 (Part Maintenance) | €51,040 | €55,940 | €60,635 | +€4,785 |
| Band 4 (Part Maintenance) | €58,470 | €64,080 | €69,465 | +€4,785 |
*The following table outlines conditions relating to the Fee Grant (i.e. No Maintenance Grant) for household incomes under the the listed amounts:
| RATE | Less than 4 Children | 4 to 7 children | 8 or more children | Increase per additional person in college |
No Maintenance FEES: 50% Tuition or 100% Student Contribution | €64,315 | €70,490 | €76,410 | +€4,950 |
No Maintenance FEES: 50% Student Contribution | €71,300 | €78,145 | €84,710 | +€4,950 |
No Maintenance €500 Student Contribution | €120,000 | €135,520 | €142,570 | +€4,950 |
SUSI is currently accepting new grant applications for the 26/27 academic year. You can apply online at www.susi.ie Applications should be made as soon as possible. Use the Eligibility Reckoner on SUSI website, for quick assessment of your eligibility for a grant. There is also an Online Tracker available to check the status of your application.
For more detailed information on eligibility and the SUSI grant application process (including ‘tips for applicants’) visit susi.ie
FINDING ACCOMODATION:
If you have gained a place, contact your college as soon as possible before the start of the
academic year for advice and support in accommodation locally. Some college Students Unions
provide lists of suitable/vacant accommodation. Also check the college website. Other useful
websites include:
There is a lot of help and support available to you when you start college – you just need to ask:
Admissions Officer: Often your first point of contact. They advise on the administration of college life, such as deferring courses, changing courses etc.
Access Officer: Assists students on various issues such as financial problems, education worries and facilities / resources for people with disabilities (some colleges have separate disability officers).
Student Services Officer: Plans for students needs such as orientation for newcomers, counseling, mentoring etc.
Student Union: Represents students and advises on student issues.
Contact info for all of the student supports above can be found on the relevant college websites.
Teagasc (The Agriculture and Food Development)
Address (Main Office): Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow R93 XE12
Tel: (059) 917 0200 / Mail: info@teagasc.ie / Web: teagasc.ie
*Also see CAO for related courses through MTU & UCC.
** Teagasc also has various regional offices nationwide
CETB (Cork Education & Training Board)
Address (Main Office): 21 Lavitt’s Quay, Centre, Cork.
Tel: (021) 490 7100 / Mail: info@corketb.ie / Web: corketb.ie
*A range of training and apprenticeships
National Maritime College of Ireland (NCMI)
Address: Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork
Tel: 021 433 5600 / Mail: reception@nmci.ie / Web: ncmi.ie
*Applications for all degree programmes made through the CAO
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) – Irish Sea Fisheries Board.
Several Locations Nationwide – See bim.ie for details
Cork College of FET – Morrison’s Island Campus
Address: Morrison’s Island, Cork City
Tel: (021) 422 2100 / Mail: morrisonsislandcampus.ie/contact / Web: morrisonsislandcampus.ie
Cork College of FET – Tramore Road Campus
Address: Tramore Road,Cork City
Tel: 021 496 1020 / Mail: info@csn.ie / Web: csn.ie
Cork College of FET – Douglas Street Campus
Address: Sawmill St, Cork City
Tel: 021 425 5500 / Mail: info@stjohnscollege.ie / Web: douglasstreetcampus.ie
Cork College of FET – Knocknaheeny Centre
Hollyhill, Knocknahey, Cork City
Tel: 021 439 1782 or 086 103 5343 / Mail: laura.dwyercanton@corketb.ie / Web: citynorthcollege.ie
Carrignafoy Community College
Address: Cobh, Co. Cork
Tel: 021 481 1325 / Mail: cobhcc@corketb.ie / Web: cobhcommunitycollege.com
Cork College of FET – Mallow Campus
Address: Mallow, Co. Cork
Tel: 022 43 309 / Mail: info@mallowcollege.ie / Web: mallowcampus.ie
Cork College of FET – Clonakilty Centre
Address: Technical School, Western Road, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Tel: 086 020 4681 / Mail: brid.m.murphy@corketb.ie
Maria Immaculata Community College
Address: Bantry Road, Dunmanway, Co. Cork
Tel: 023 885 6030 / Mail: miccinfo@corketb.ie / Web: micc.ie
Cork College of FET – West Cork Campus
Address: Rossa College, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
Tel: 028 21 644 / Mail: westcorkcampus@ccoc.ie / Web: westcorkcampus.ie
McEgan College of Further Education
Address: Maghereen, Macroom, Co. Cork
Tel: 026 41 076 / Mail: info.office@mcegan.ie / Web: mcegan.ie
Cork College of FET – Kinsale Campus
Address: Bandon Rd, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Tel: 021 477 2275 / Mail: info@kinsalecollege.ie / Web: kinsalecollege.ie
Griffith College Cork
Address: Wellington Rd, Cork City
Tel: 021 450 7027 / Mail: admissions.gcc@griffith.ie / Web: griffith.ie
WHILE EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS ACCURATE, THE YOUTH INFORMATION SERVICES CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LIABILITY INCURRED OR LOSS SUFFERED AS A CONSEQUENCE OF RELYING ON THAT MATTER.
YMCA Cork City
11/12 Marlboro Street, Cork
Contact John: 085 1306207
Email: john.russell@ymca-ireland.net
YMCA West Cork
Contact Ronan: 086 103 6467
Email: ronan.mccann@ymca-ireland.net
National Council of YMCAs Ireland | Charity Commission for NI Registration NIC105739 I UK Charitable Tax Ref. XN45820 | Company Number NI 15660 | RoI Charity Number 20001124 | RoI Charitable Tax Ref. 8234018T | Company Number RoI 234018
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