ATU issues supports for students ahead of CAO deadline

With the CAO normal closing date of February 1 at 5 p.m. fast approaching students across Ireland are finalising their applications and exploring options for the year ahead.

Atlantic Technological University is encouraging applicants to focus on the following: submit the initial CAO application on time to secure the lower fee and avoid restrictions; applicants don’t need to lock in course choice by February 1, as there is a free change of mind window from early May to July 1 (5 p.m.), for those that are unsure about their choice of courses.

This year, ATU is unveiling several new programmes including: Veterinary Medicine and Surgery; Physiotherapy; Master of Pharmacy, and Special and 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. Further details on tertiary degree programmes are available here.

To support decision-making, ATU’s CAO Hub www.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 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.”

Some applicants must list their courses by February 1. The following groups must have their course choices selected before the deadline: Restricted courses; mature applicants - If you are 23 or older on January 1, you usually must have your choices in by this date; Hear or Dare applicants must apply to CAO by February 1 and tick the box that you intend to apply for these access schemes.

Outside of above – and after February 1, you can still apply but your application becomes a late application, which costs more and has restrictions - €65 cost.

You do not need your course choices finalised by this date. Most applicants can still add/change/remove course choices after February 1; the free change of mind period runs from early May until July 1, giving students plenty of time to decide.

ATU’s schools’ engagement team are available to help you on your journey, you can contact the team any time by emailing cao@atu.ie

If you want a one-to-one interaction, you can book a campus tour. To book a campus tour, please visit here atu.ie/cao or attend one of the nine open days at the university which take place from March to May.

Further details and information about ATU are available here.