CAO (www.cao.ie) deadlines are fast approaching.  Remember, there are two schemes available to FETAC (www.fetac.ie) students to facilitate greater progression to third level programmes, the 'Higher Education Links' and the 'Pilot Programme'. Some programmes link directly to year two for certain degree programmes. See the following information:

There are two schemes available to FETAC students to facilitate greater progression to third level programmes.  Applicants must have obtained a full FETAC award.  For information check www.fetac.ie

1.       The Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS) links specific FETAC level 5 awards to reserved places on a variety of higher education courses.

2.       Pilot Scheme:  The Pilot Scheme allows you to progress from most FETAC Level 5 courses to most Higher Certificate (Level 6) and Ordinary Degree (Level 7) courses and to some Honours Degree (Level 8) courses in the participating institutions.

The Central Applications office (CAO) processes applications to undergraduate courses in Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s).  For information on the CAO process check www.cao.ie

Applicants submit their third level applications to the CAO by 1^st February (1^st May for late applications).  In July FETAC results are issued to the CAO and the participating institutions/universities.

Research is key to making the correct course choice:

1. Search courses of Interest on www.careersportal.ie, www.qualifax.ie or www.cao.ie

2. Use the FETAC section of the CAO website to check individual colleges to see if your FETAC award is accepted (and if you need to pass certain modules). www.cao.ie

3. Contact colleges individually to see if they have additional entry requirements