Students standing in front of the DCU sign.

For 6th Year Students

6th year is a busy time for students, between preparing for the Leaving Cert and making your CAO choices. We hope the resources below will be of use to you and help you confirm your CAO choices during this time.
DCU St. Patricks Campus on a sunny day.

Take note of these important dates!

Key Dates

To ensure your CAO application is processed without issue, please take note of these important dates.

4/11/22 - Applications to the CAO open.

20/1/23 - Deadline for discounted online application fee (€30).

1/2/23 - Normal closing date for applications (€45).

1/5/23 - Closing date for late applications (€60).

5/5/23 - Change of Mind facility opens.

1/7/23 - Change of Mind facility closes.

25/8/23 - Leaving Cert results issued.

30/8/23 - Round 1 CAO Offers issued at 2pm

Please take note of the important dates if you're interested in applying for DCU Accommodation or a scholarship (Sports, 1916 Bursary, McAleese Scholarship for Northern Ireland students).

Students at different desks studying in the library.

Further Education is an increasingly popular route to college.

Consider Further Education (PLCs)

If you are worried about CAO points, a Post Leaving Cert course is a popular route into most undergraduate courses at DCU.

Visit dcu.ie/fe for information on general requirements, an FE Points Calculator and testimonials from previous FE students.

We will also be hosting a DCU Further Education Open Day. More details will be made available here.

Please contact paul.hegarty@dcu.ie with any queries.

A young student reading a book.

DCU has many supports and resources for Leaving Cert students.

Leaving Cert & CAO Supports

The Leaving Cert Study Scheme allows Leaving Cert students access to DCU Libraries to prepare for their Leaving Certificate exams. The 22/23 scheme runs from the 8th of May until the 27th of June.

The June Open Day on Tuesday 27th June  is suitable for 6th years and other students who have put DCU on their CAO for entry 2023. For more information, visit DCU June Open Day.

If you're struggling with your CAO Choices, don't panic. Visit our CAO Hub for podcasts, webinars and blogs from our students and lecturers. Visit us at an Open Daychat to a current student or email us at studenthelp@dcu.ie to ask specific questions about courses.

If you are concerned about the costs of attending college, please visit our Parents and Guardians or Financial Assistance Service pages for advice and assistance.