UCD reaches new heights with 2026 CAO first-preference applicants

10 March 2026

First-preference demand for University College Dublin has reached its highest level among CAO applicants. Almost 11,000 students have selected the university as their top CAO choice for September 2026.

According to preliminary data, 28,415 students have applied to UCD this year, representing 36.6% of all applicants through the CAO.

UCD’s share of first-preference choices for Level 8 degrees in 2026 now stands at 13.8%, equivalent to 10,737 applicants - the highest number of first-preference applications to the university.

The degree courses that have seen increased CAO first-preference demand include: DN400 Medicine (Undergraduate Entry), DN650 Commerce, DN670 Economics and Finance, DN620 Criminology with Psychology, DN720 Psychology, DN130 City Planning, DN261 Food Science and DN452 Midwifery. 

Outside of the increases in the number of 2026 Leaving Cert students applying to UCD there were also notable increases across a variety of entry routes including a 15.5% and 16.4% respectively for those students undertaking A-Levels and other, mainly, EU exams.

Applications from Mature candidates saw a 4.5% increase, while those applying through the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) rose to 11%, representing 33.9 % of all DARE applicants through the CAO.                                                                

"It is encouraging to see strong demand across UCD's programme offerings,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Colin Scott, UCD Registrar, Deputy President and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“We see this year not only record first preferences, but also significant growth in demand from applicants from the UK and EU and in mature and DARE entrance routes. The continuing diversification of UCD's undergraduate entry enriches the student experience and is supported through an inclusive learning environment."

Late applications close in early May, while the CAO change-of-mind facility — which opens the same month — remains available until 1 July.

As this is the first stage in the CAO process, the figures represented may change when the total number of expected 2026 CAO applicants are recorded. 

The CAO received 88,817 applications for third-level study this September, an increase of approximately 5,400 applicants on last year. Overall, the number of Level 8 CAO applicants has increased by 7.4% in 2026 as compared with 2025.

By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie