CAO Guide
Complete guide to CAO (Central Applications Office) for Irish medical schools accepting GAMSAT
What is CAO?
CAO (Central Applications Office) is the central application system for undergraduate and graduate-entry programs at Irish universities. All Irish medical schools accepting GAMSAT require applications through CAO.
CAO processes applications for graduate-entry medicine and veterinary medicine programs at RCSI, University College Cork, University College Dublin, and University of Limerick.
Participating Universities
The following Irish universities accept GAMSAT applications through CAO:
Application Process
Step 1: Sit GAMSAT
Before applying through CAO, you must sit the GAMSAT exam. GAMSAT is offered twice a year in March and September.
GAMSAT results are valid for 2 consecutive years in Ireland. For applications in 2026 for courses commencing in 2026, you can use GAMSAT results from: September 2024, March 2025, September 2025, and March 2026.
Step 2: Register with CAO
Create an account on the CAO website (www.cao.ie) and obtain your CAO application number.
Step 3: Indicate Irish Application in GAMSAT Registration
You must indicate on your GAMSAT registration that you are an applicant to an Irish program. This must be completed by 28 April 2026 by logging into your GAMSAT account and ensuring that 'Ireland' has been ticked in the course application section.
You must also provide your CAO application number to the GAMSAT office when you register for the test. If you do not have a CAO application number at the time of registering for GAMSAT, you should add it to your GAMSAT registration account as soon as you receive it.
Important: If you do not indicate you are an Irish applicant or provide your CAO application number by 28 April 2026, your GAMSAT results may not be forwarded to CAO and the institutions. Your results with your best Overall Score will be forwarded to CAO for inclusion in your application.
Step 4: Submit CAO Application
Complete and submit your CAO application by the deadline. Check the CAO website (www.cao.ie) for specific application deadlines.
Make sure to use the correct CAO codes for each program you're applying to.
Step 5: Offers
Offers are made based on GAMSAT cutoff scores. There is no interview component for GAMSAT applications to Irish medical schools.
Admission Criteria
Selection for graduate-entry medicine programs in Ireland using GAMSAT is based on:
- ✓Upper Second Class Honours Degree (2:1)
A minimum of upper second class honours degree (2:1) or higher is typically required.
- ✓GAMSAT Score
Selection is based solely on GAMSAT cutoff scores. Each university sets its own GAMSAT score requirements.
Important: Unlike Australia and the UK, Irish medical schools do not require interviews for GAMSAT applications. Selection is based solely on GAMSAT cutoff scores.
Important Dates (2026 Application Cycle)
Sit GAMSAT
September 2024, March/September 2025, or March 2026
GAMSAT Ireland Application Indication Deadline
28 April 2026
CAO Application Deadline
Check CAO website (www.cao.ie) for exact deadline
Offers Released
Based on GAMSAT cutoff scores (no interviews)
Resources
Official CAO Website
https://www.cao.ieVisit the official CAO website to create an account, submit your application, check application deadlines, and view eligibility criteria.
CAO Universities
View detailed information about each university that uses CAO: