While I would advise all Leaving Cert students to focus on their exams now, it is important that all students who have applied to the CAO before February 1 and are hoping to complete a level 6-9 course this year, are aware of both the CAO statement of application process and the SUSI grant scheme.
For those who have applied to the CAO, they will now be able to access their CAO statement of application by logging into their CAO account. An email containing the statement of application will be sent to all those who have made a CAO application. This statement will contain the CAO applicant’s personal information, examination details, exemptions and course choices in order of their preference. It is crucial that the CAO statement of application is examined carefully to ensure that everything is correct, as mistakes cannot be corrected afterwards and this could result in the loss of a place of the candidate’s preferred course. It is always important to remind students to select their CAO courses based on what they want and not base their choice on how many points they think they will get.
Every candidate will need to log in and confirm that all their details are correct. If they do need to make any changes, they will need to log into their CAO account and ensure these changes have been made. If the details are correct on the statement of application, candidates will also need to confirm this by logging into their account. All of the updates made in the CAO statement of application will be updated to accounts in early June. Please bear in mind that the CAO statement of application is completely separate to the change of mind form. The CAO change of mind facility opened on May 6 and will close on July 1 so applicants can fill in the change of mind form after they have completed their Leaving Cert exams when they may have more clarity on how they performed which could provide a different perspective on their course choices.
The SUSI grant
Students completing Level 6-9 courses are entitled to apply for and receive financial support through susi.ie The SUSI grant comprises two parts: a maintenance fee and a fee grant. The maintenance fee covers tuition fees, student contribution fees and the cost of essential field trips. Usually, if a candidate qualifies for a maintenance grant, they also qualify for a fee grant but terms and conditions do apply. The grant scheme is however means-tested meaning SUSI decides on an individual basis how much a student is entitled to receive. The amount is calculated based on the applicant’s household income, family size, and the distance between the course provider (college ) and the student’s permanent residence. There is a free, easy to use eligibility and grant calculator on the SUSI.ie website, along with details of the student grant scheme which any student can avail of. SUSI will provide funding for most CAO and PLC courses as well as many Northern Irish, British and European courses.
As a new grant applicant, you do not need to have accepted a college place course to apply for a SUSI grant, but it is really imperative that if a CAO applicant accepts a college course place, that this information is shared with SUSI. You can simply start the SUSI application process by logging onto www.susi.ie The closing date for new SUSI grant applications is July 10, 2025 so make sure to get your application in before then.
Claire Murphy obtained her Masters in career guidance and counselling in Trinity and has over 15 years’ experience working as a teacher and a career guidance counsellor at both second level and third level. Claire is working as a career adviser with www.galwayguidance.com
To book an appointment for a CV review, interview skills or help with CAO choice, email Claire [email protected].
