1. LC Points Scheme CAO PLC HEAR, DARE and SUSI
Parents evening
LC Points Scheme
CAO
PLC
HEAR, DARE and SUSI

2. CAO Points system LCVP Points Distinction: 80 – 100% – 66 points
Higher Level %
Ordinary Level
H1 100
90 – 100
O1 56
H2 88
80 – 89
O2 46
H3 77
70 – 79
O3 37
H4 66
60 – 69
O4 28
H5 56
50 – 59
O5 20
H6 46
40 – 49
O6 12
H7 32
30 – 39
O7 0
H8 0
0 – 29
O8 0
25 bonus points will continue to be awarded for Higher Level Mathematics for H6 and above.
LCVP Points
Distinction: 80 – 100% – 66 points
Merit: 65 – 79% – 46 points
Pass: % – 28 points

3. Main features There are less grade bands – 8 instead of 14
Theoretically there should be fewer rechecks
The difference in the points awarded for each grade varies
This should reduce the probability that students will achieve the same overall points score.
This will help to minimise the allocation of places in higher education by random selection.
Should encourage the take-up of Higher Level subjects through the introduction of points for the new H7 grade.
Bonus points for HL maths are still maintained.

4. National framework of qualifications

5. Undergraduate: level8 Honours Bachelor Degree 3 years +
Subject modules – Christmas and Summer exams
Work experience
Final thesis

6. Undergraduate: Level 6/7
Higher certificate course
Usually 2 years
Option to progress
2nd / 3rd year of a level 8
Ordinary degree
Usually 3 years
Option to progress
1 year follow on for a level 8

7. CAO Handbook Each student has received their CAO Handbook.
The CAO Handbook contains:
Reference list of Higher Education Institutions.
Section on White Paper, detailing information regarding CAO applications, offers and acceptance.
Section on Yellow Paper listing courses in Higher Education Institutions in alphabetical order, by location.
*Restricted courses (e.g. portfolio, interview, veterinary experience, etc.)
Any course alerts (name changes, new courses, courses closing etc.)

8. CAO Handbook The handbook DOES NOT provide any information on courses.
Each student must research their course choices by studying:
Matriculation, Course and Points Requirements
Course Content
Number of lecture hours on course
Qualification
Opportunities for postgraduate study or employment.

9. Cao Language Exemptions
Students with Irish and/or Language exemption.
If applying for an NUI college must fill out an exemption form and contact the CAO to inform them.
If applying for TCD must fill in a language waiver form and contact the CAO to inform them.
Both these forms are available online

10. Cao deadlines & fees Fees are Non-Refundable Fee Closing Date
Online Discounted Application
€30
20th January 17:15
Normal Application (Paper or Online)
€45
1st February 17:15
Change of Mind
Nil
1st July 17:15

11. Post-Leaving Certificate Course (PLC)
Level 5 (1 year) or Level 6 (2 year)
Not based on points, but on meeting minimum subject requirements (e.g. 5 passes) and interview
Can be used as a ‘back door’ to levels 6-8
Examples of Level 8 degrees which can be applied to in DCU:
DC009 Humanities
DC010 & DC011 Religion and English; Religion and History – post-primary education
DC111 Business studies
DC131 Communications
DC201 Science (Common entry)
DC240 Marketing, Innovation and Technology
Examples of Level 8 degrees which can be applied to in DIT:
DT101 Architecture
DT112 Geographic science
DT201 Science (Common entry)
DT228 Computer science
DT365 Business and Management

12. Dare – Disability access route To education
The third level alternative admissions scheme is for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.
Offers REDUCED points places to school leavers who as a result of having a disbility have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education.
It DOES NOT automatically mean 50 points off the CAO points.

13. Dare – Disability access route To education
Students with disability or any health problem are eligible to apply for the DARE scheme.
Autistic Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger’s Syndrome)
ADD / ADHD
Blind / Vision Impaired
Deaf / Hard of Hearing
DCD – Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia
Mental Health Conditions
Neurological Conditions (incl. Brain Injury & Epilepsy)
Speech & Language Communication Disorder
Significant Ongoing Illness
Physical Disability
Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia & Dyscalculia)

14. Dare – Disability access route To education
Step 1: Tick the box on the CAO form
Step 2: Complete the supplementary information form (SIF)
Decisions regarding eligibility will be made by Higher Education Institutions in June.
Section A
Completed by the applicant outlining the impact of his disability on his education. (Deadline: 1st March)
Section B
Completed by a member of the academic staff, providing an academic reference and information on his education experience. (Deadline: 1st April)
Section C
Completed by a relevant specialist, consultant or psychologist, providing verification of the condition. (Deadline: 1st April)

15. Hear – higher education access route
An admissions route for school leavers who for social, financial or cultural reasons are under-represented at third level education.
It was set up to ensure that all Leaving Certificate students have a fair and equal opportunity to progress to third level education.
Step 1: Tick the box on the CAO form
Step 2: Complete the HEAR form and submit all relevant supporting information (e.g. P60)
“99% of Students in Dublin 6
go to College, compared to
15% in Dublin 17”

16. Hear – higher education access route
Benefits:
Reduced CAO points offers in the participating colleges provided you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Post-entry supports such as financial, academic, social and personal.
You must meet the HEAR income limit
plus the right combination of 2 other indicators to be eligible 1.
Was your household income on or below €45,790 in 2017? 2.
Do you or your family have a Medical Card/GP Visit Card? 3.
Did your parents/guardians receive a means-tested social welfare payment for at least 26 weeks in 2017? 4.
Are your parents’ or guardians’ employment status under-represented in Higher Education? 5.
Have you attended a DEIS second level school for five years? 6.
Do you live in an area of concentrated disadvantage?

17. SUSI: Key Eligibility Criteria
Nationality: Irish, EU, Swiss nationals or have specific leave to remain in the State.
Residency: 3 of last 5 years in Ireland, EU or Switzerland.
Progression in education – NFQ levels 5-10.
Approved College/Course
‘Reckonable’ Income (Class - Dependent/Independent) less than €54,240/ €59,595/ €64,700
less than €39,875/ €43,810/ €47,575

18. Further Information www.cao.ie www.studentfinance.ie