If I have one piece of advice for parents, it is to ensure your child reads the 2026 online CAO handbook carefully. He is a very hands-on young man and was considering exploring a trade or apprenticeship option. He now feels that maybe he should reconsider and make a CAO application. They visualise their engagement with clubs and societies, going on Erasmus programmes abroad, travelling and working abroad during the summer holidays, and working abroad in Australia or the Middle East for a period after graduation. [ Where CAO points are likely to settle in 2026Opens in new window ]My advice would be to let your son apply to the CAO now, or by the January 20th deadline, for early application costing €35.

Source: The Irish Times December 14, 2025 07:31 UTC