How to Use CAO Available Places in 2025: A Simple Student Guide

Available Places can be a confusing part of the CAO process, but don't worry - this piece will explain Available Places and how you can use them! 

What are CAO Available Places? 

Available Places is a list of courses that have yet to be filled by CAO applicants. Available Places become available after the Round 1 CAO offers have been made and arise only when a college or university still has places available for application. These courses are still open to applications, so if you’re still undecided about your current choices, you can update your CAO form to include these courses. 

It is important to note that CAO Available places are open to both existing CAO applicants and new CAO applicants. Those who have applied already can apply for an Available Place online without payment of a further fee. Those who have not applied can make an Available Place application for a fee of €45.00. 

When do CAO Available Places open? 

Available Places open on Thursday, 28th of August at 12:00 noon. 

Should I use Available Places? 

If you have not received an offer in subsequent rounds or are unhappy with the offer that you have received, availing of an Available Places course could be a fantastic option for you. Make sure to examine your current course choices, and if you have any doubts about your choice, take a look at Available Places to see if there is a course that interests you.

Where can I see the Available courses? 

Once the 2025 Available Place course list becomes available on 28th August, you can view all the current Level 6, 7, and 8 Available courses on the CAO website. 

How do I add a new course? 

• Log in to the application using 'My Application' 
   
• Click on 'Add Level 8 Available Place Course' or 'Add Level 7/6 Available Place Course' as appropriate and follow instructions. 

See below for links to more detailed steps on the application process. 

Need more info? 

• Check out this handy CAO video on how the process works!
• If you can’t watch the video right now, this PDF document provides a valuable breakdown on adding Available Place Courses to a CAO application.
   

If you have any further questions, please contact us at - [email protected]