CAO Points for Nursing
Plan your route into nursing.
Nursing is one of the most popular courses on the CAO. This guide explains how CAO points work for nursing, the minimum requirements, why points vary each year and the alternative routes if you do not get the points.
How the CAO works
The Central Applications Office (CAO) handles applications for most undergraduate courses in Ireland. You list up to ten Level 8 (honours degree) choices in order of preference. After Leaving Certificate results are released, offers are made in rounds based on your points and the demand for each course.
How points are calculated
Your best six Leaving Certificate subjects are counted. Higher level grades earn more points than ordinary level grades, and there is a bonus for higher level Mathematics above a certain grade. The highest possible score is 625. Applicants from other systems, such as A levels or the IB, have their results converted to CAO points using official scales.
Minimum entry requirements
Points alone are not enough. Nursing courses also have minimum entry requirements, which typically include:
- A minimum number of higher level grades
- Passes in English or Irish, Mathematics and often a laboratory science subject
- Specific grade requirements set by each institution
Requirements differ between colleges, so check each course’s details on the CAO website.
Why nursing points change every year
CAO points are not set in advance. They reflect how many students apply, how many places are available and the grades of applicants that year. A course’s points can rise or fall from one year to the next. General nursing points are often moderate to high, while some integrated children’s and general programmes and midwifery courses can be very competitive because they have fewer places. Always check the most recent points on the CAO website and treat previous years as a rough guide only.
Choosing your CAO preferences
- List courses in your genuine order of preference, not by expected points.
- Include a mix of courses and colleges.
- Consider different nursing disciplines if you are open to them.
- Read course details on placements, location and modules.
- Add non-nursing courses lower down as a backup if needed.
If you miss the points
Mature entry
If you are 23 or over by 1 January of the year of entry, you can apply as a mature applicant. Places are reserved, and selection usually involves a written assessment rather than Leaving Certificate points.
QQI/FET route
A QQI Level 5 Nursing Studies or related healthcare course at a further education college can lead to reserved places on nursing degrees. You must achieve the required modules and distinctions.
Healthcare work first
Some people work as healthcare assistants, gain experience and then apply as mature students.
Study abroad
Some Irish students study nursing in the UK or elsewhere and later register with the NMBI, which involves a different assessment route.
Key dates
The CAO application usually opens in November, with a main deadline in early February and a change of mind period in the summer. Offers are made after the Leaving Certificate results in August. Check the CAO website for exact dates each year.
Frequently asked questions
What points do I need for nursing in Ireland?
Points change each year with demand. Check the latest CAO points and each course’s minimum requirements.
Is higher level Maths required for nursing?
Usually not, but you need the minimum Maths grade set by each college.
Can I get into nursing without the Leaving Cert points?
Yes, through mature entry or QQI/FET routes.
Are A levels accepted for CAO nursing?
Yes, A levels are converted to CAO points using official scales.
Explore nursing courses
Learn more about studying nursing in Ireland.