CAO helpdesk: don’t like what you have been offered?

Guidance counsellors Brian Howard and Deirdre Garrett answer questions asked on our live blog

What is Available Places on the CAO website?

Courses that haven’t been filled – which appear under Available Places on the CAO website – can be applied for.

I got offered a course on CAO but I prefer the one below it in my list and didn’t get offered it as it was lower, is there any way I can do that course ?

Only if becomes available through available/vacant places. You will find more information on cao.ie. Available places opens on August 18th.

Am I correct in saying you can only apply for a vacant place if it is above the course you have offered on your original CAO list; ie, you can’t apply for a vacant place lower down?

Available/vacant place course codes may only be inserted higher in your list of preferences than any offer which you have received to date.

Are vacant places only in private colleges? Or do universities offer places too?

No, vacant places are not only for private colleges. All institutions can put courses up if they have availability.