A-Level to CAO Points Converter
Convert UK A-Level grades (A*, A, B, C, D, E) to Irish CAO Points for university applications in Ireland. Includes the full A-Level to CAO Points conversion table, CAO system explanation, Irish university entry requirements, comparison with Irish Leaving Certificate points, and complete guidance for UK students applying to Irish universities.
A* at A-Level = 90 CAO Points — the maximum for a single A-Level subject
Three A-Levels can generate up to 270 CAO Points — competitive for most Irish degree courses
CAO applications from A-Level students use the same portal as Irish Leaving Certificate students
The CAO (Central Applications Office) is the Irish equivalent of UCAS — the centralised system through which students apply to undergraduate courses at Irish universities and colleges. A-Level grades are accepted for CAO applications and converted to CAO Points using a specific scale published by the Irish universities. This page covers the full conversion, the CAO system, Irish university entry requirements, and everything a UK student needs to know before applying. For UK tariff planning in parallel, see A-Level to UCAS Points, A-Level to GPA, and how to calculate UCAS Points. Cross-check grade descriptors with A-Level grade points and A-Level to Percentage when you need UMS-style percentage context.
CAO uses best six results for Irish Leaving Certificate students, while A-Level applicants are usually assessed on three subjects. This toggle only changes the explanatory note beside your total.
Note on the scale. Irish Leaving Certificate uses a different point scale (H1 = 100, H2 = 88, and so on at Higher Level). A-Level points are capped at 90 per subject while LC H1 = 100. The A-Level scale is set to reflect the comparable academic standard — an A* at A-Level (90 points) is considered broadly equivalent to a high H1 or H2 in the Leaving Certificate.
What Is the CAO System — Ireland's University Application Process
Overview. The CAO (Central Applications Office) is the Irish centralised university application system — the direct equivalent of the UK's UCAS. Students apply through CAO (cao.ie) to undergraduate degree, higher certificate, and advanced certificate programmes at Irish universities and colleges. Unlike UCAS, which uses a personal statement and reference as core components, the CAO system is almost entirely points-based — entry to each course is determined by the CAO Points total of the student, and places are offered to the highest-scoring applicants until all places are filled.
How CAO Points are calculated for Irish Leaving Certificate students. Irish students sit the Leaving Certificate examination, which includes Higher Level (H) and Ordinary Level (O) subjects. Higher Level grades generate more points than Ordinary Level. The points scale for Higher Level: H1 (90%+) = 100 points, H2 (80–89%) = 88, H3 (70–79%) = 77, H4 (60–69%) = 66, H5 (50–59%) = 56, H6 (40–49%) = 46, H7 (30–39%) = 37, H8 (below 30%) = 0. Ordinary Level: O1 = 56, O2 = 46, O3 = 37, O4 = 28, O5 = 20, O6 = 12, O7 = 0. Students can count their best 6 subjects including at most 1 Ordinary Level result toward their CAO total. Maximum possible CAO Points from 6 Higher Level H1 grades = 600 points.
How A-Level students are assessed. Irish universities and the CAO have published a specific points scale for A-Level applicants — separate from the Leaving Certificate scale. A-Level grades convert as: A* = 90, A = 77, B = 71, C = 64, D = 55, E = 45. A-Level students count their best results from up to 3 A-Level subjects for the CAO total. Because A-Level students typically take only 3–4 subjects (compared to 6 for Leaving Certificate students), the maximum achievable CAO total from A-Levels is lower (270 from 3 A* grades) than the Leaving Certificate maximum (600 from 6 H1 grades). Irish universities account for this in their published minimum requirements for A-Level applicants.
The offer system. CAO offers are made in two rounds — Round A (for early applicants meeting specific criteria) and Round 1 (the main offer round, typically in late August). Offers go to the highest-scoring applicants for each course until all places are filled. If you meet the minimum points threshold, you receive an offer — if you do not, you can apply through subsequent rounds or seek vacancies directly from institutions.
Key CAO dates. Applications open in November for courses beginning the following September. The standard closing date for applications is February 1. Change of Mind (changing course preferences) is possible until July 1. Offers are made in late August after Leaving Certificate and A-Level results are released. A-Level results (available in August) align with the main CAO offer round — unlike IB results (July) or Scottish Highers (August).
If you are also weighing UK offers, map grades on our UCAS Points Calculator and read A-Level to UCAS Points for tariff-side totals.
A-Level to CAO Points — Full Conversion Table
The table below shows the official CAO Points for each A-Level grade, alongside the Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level equivalent grade for comparison. These values are published by Irish universities and the CAO for use by A-Level applicants and are updated periodically — always verify the current scale on the CAO website (cao.ie) before applying.
| A-Level Grade | A-Level Descriptor | UMS % Range | CAO Points (A-Level scale) | Leaving Cert HL Equivalent | LC Points (for comparison) | GPA (4.0) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A* | Outstanding | 90–100% | 90 | H1 / H2 boundary | 88–100 | 4.0 | Highest A-Level grade — 90 points is the maximum per A-Level subject |
| A | Excellent | 80–89% | 77 | H3 | 77 | 3.7 | Directly equivalent to H3 in point value |
| B | Very Good | 70–79% | 71 | H3/H4 boundary | 66–77 | 3.3 | Slightly above H3 — between H3 and H4 |
| C | Good | 60–69% | 64 | H4 | 66 | 3.0 | Close to H4 equivalent |
| D | Satisfactory | 50–59% | 55 | H5 | 56 | 2.3 | Close to H5 equivalent |
| E | Pass | 40–49% | 45 | H6 | 46 | 2.0 | Close to H6 equivalent |
| U | Unclassified | 0–39% | 0 | H8 | 0 | 0.0 | Not a pass — no points awarded |
Three-A-Level profile CAO Points
Typical three-grade profiles help you translate an A-Level combination into a single CAO Points total before you compare it with each course's published A-Level expectations. For other international baselines, see A-Level to Australian ATAR, A-Level to Canadian GPA, and A-Level to European Grades.
| A-Level Profile | CAO Points Total | Comparable LC Points (approx) | Irish University Tier | Common Courses at This Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A*A*A* | 270 | Equivalent to approximately H1H1H2 in LC terms | Elite — Medicine, Dentistry at TCD/UCD | Medicine (very competitive), Dentistry, Veterinary |
| A*AA | 244 | Approximately H1H3H3 range | Top Irish universities — very competitive courses | Law at TCD, Engineering at UCD, Computer Science at TCD |
| AAA | 231 | Approximately H3H3H3 | Competitive — Russell Group equivalent courses | Business at UCD, Architecture, Pharmacy |
| AAB | 225 | Approximately H3H3H4 | Competitive | Sciences, Psychology, Education at major universities |
| ABB | 219 | Approximately H3H4H4 | Standard | Most degree courses at UCD, UCC, University of Galway, DCU |
| BBB | 213 | Approximately H4H4H4 | Standard to accessible | Wide range of courses at all Irish universities |
| BBC | 206 | Approximately H4H4H5 | Accessible | Most courses at IoTs and some university programmes |
| BCC | 199 | Approximately H4H5H5 | Accessible | Higher certificate and some degree programmes |
| CCC | 192 | Approximately H5H5H5 | Minimum entry | Some programmes with lower entry requirements |
Irish Leaving Certificate vs A-Level — Key Differences for CAO Applications
Number of subjects. The Irish Leaving Certificate includes 6–8 subjects (with the best 6 counting for CAO). A-Level students typically take 3–4 subjects. This structural difference means A-Level students cannot achieve the maximum CAO Points total (600 from 6 LC Higher Level H1 grades) — the maximum from 3 A-Levels is 270 points. Irish universities account for this by publishing separate minimum points requirements for A-Level applicants, or by specifying that the A-Level total will be assessed proportionally.
Points scale differences. The LC Higher Level scale runs H1 = 100, H2 = 88, H3 = 77, H4 = 66, H5 = 56, H6 = 46, H7 = 37, H8 = 0. The A-Level scale runs A* = 90, A = 77, B = 71, C = 64, D = 55, E = 45. The A-Level A* (90 points) is below the LC H1 (100 points) — reflecting that the A-Level maximum is set at 90 to align with H1/H2 level performance rather than perfect H1. An A* at A-Level is broadly equivalent to a high H2 or low H1 in terms of academic performance.
Mathematics requirements. Many Irish degree programmes — particularly Science, Engineering, Computer Science, and Business — have minimum Mathematics requirements. For LC students, this is typically H4 or H5 in Mathematics Higher Level. For A-Level students, a C or D in Mathematics A-Level typically satisfies this requirement. Some programmes specify Mathematics A-Level at grade B or above. Always check the subject requirements for your specific course.
English language requirements. Irish universities require evidence of English language proficiency. UK students who have completed their education in English are generally exempt from formal English language tests (IELTS, TOEFL). However, some universities may require documentation confirming that English was the language of instruction. UK students should contact the admissions office of their target Irish university to confirm their specific requirements.
CAO application process for A-Level students. A-Level students apply through CAO in exactly the same way as Irish Leaving Certificate students. The process: (1) create an account on cao.ie and complete the online application; (2) list course preferences in order of preference (up to 10 Level 8 degree courses and 10 Level 6/7 higher certificate courses); (3) submit A-Level predicted grades initially (or actual grades after results in August); (4) upload supporting documents including A-Level certificates when results are available. CAO does not charge a fee difference for UK applicants — the standard CAO application fee applies.
Major Irish Universities — CAO Requirements for A-Level Applicants
The following guidance covers the major Irish universities and their approach to A-Level applicants. Points requirements listed are approximate — they change each year based on demand. Always check the current year's requirements on each university's admissions page and on cao.ie.
Reputation. Ireland's oldest and highest-ranked university (global top 100). TCD is highly selective and popular with international applicants — Dublin's central location and TCD's prestige make it the most sought-after Irish university for UK students.
A-Level policy. TCD assesses A-Level applicants on a 3-subject basis. CAO Points from A-Levels are calculated using the standard scale. TCD also considers subject-specific requirements alongside the points total.
Typical CAO Points (A-Level) by course. Medicine: A*A*A* required (270 points) plus HPAT-Ireland (aptitude test). Law: A*AA to AAA (231–244 points). Computer Science: A*AA to AAA (231–244 with Mathematics required). Engineering: A*AA to AAA (231–244 with Mathematics and Physics preferred). Business: AAA to AAB (225–231). Arts (general): AAB to ABB (219–225).
Key note. TCD uses the Leaving Certificate points to benchmark its A-Level requirements. TCD's Medicine programme is one of the most competitive in Ireland — requiring HPAT-Ireland in addition to maximum A-Level grades.
Reputation. Ireland's largest research university — consistently ranked in the global top 200.
A-Level policy. UCD assesses A-Level students on a 3-subject basis and publishes specific A-Level requirements alongside LC requirements for each programme. UCD's Global Undergraduate programme allows students to enter without having chosen a specific degree — a flexible entry route.
Typical CAO Points (A-Level). Medicine (UCD): A*A*A* plus HPAT-Ireland. Engineering (UCD): AAA to AAB (225–231 with Mathematics). Business (Smurfit): AAA to AAB (225–231). Arts: AAB to ABB (219–225). Science: AAA to AAB (225–231).
Key note. UCD operates a broad subject entry system for many programmes — students enter a general programme (e.g. Science) and specialise in Year 2. This suits students who are undecided on their exact specialisation within a field.
Reputation. Strong research university — particularly known for Medicine, Law, Science, and Food Science. Cork is Ireland's second city and offers a strong quality of life for students.
A-Level policy. UCC assesses A-Level students on a 3-subject basis using the standard scale. UCC is generally slightly more accessible than TCD and UCD for the same programmes — points requirements are typically 10–20 points lower.
Typical CAO Points (A-Level). Medicine: A*A*A* plus HPAT-Ireland. Law: A*AA to AAA (231–244). Science: AAA to AAB (225–231). Business (Cork University Business School): AAB to ABB (219–225). Arts: ABB to BBB (213–219).
Key note. UCC has a strong focus on student experience and is consistently rated highly for student satisfaction. Its Food Science, Pharmacy, and Environmental Science programmes are particularly strong.
Reputation. Strong university with particular strengths in Medicine, Engineering, Law, and Arts. Galway is a vibrant, culturally rich city — popular with students from both Ireland and the UK.
A-Level policy. University of Galway assesses A-Level students on the standard 3-subject CAO scale.
Typical CAO Points (A-Level). Medicine: A*A*A* plus HPAT-Ireland. Engineering: AAA to AAB (225–231). Law: AAA to AAB (225–231). Arts: ABB to BBB (213–219). Science: AAB to ABB (219–225).
Key note. University of Galway offers a distinctive Atlantic location and a strong Gaelic culture and arts scene. Its Business Information Systems programme is particularly highly regarded among Irish employers.
Reputation. Modern university with particular strengths in Communications, Business, Computing, and Education. DCU has strong industry links and an emphasis on practical, employment-focused education.
A-Level policy. DCU assesses A-Level students on the standard 3-subject scale. DCU is generally slightly more accessible than TCD and UCD for comparable programmes.
Typical CAO Points (A-Level). Business: ABB to BBB (213–219). Computing: ABB to BBB (213–219). Communications: ABB to BBB (213–219). Education: BBB to BBC (206–213).
Key note. DCU has a strong reputation for journalism, media production, and communications — programmes that are often more accessible in terms of entry points but highly competitive in terms of career outcomes. DCU's campus in Dublin 9 is well connected to the city centre.
Ireland has several Technological Universities (TUs) formed from mergers of former Institutes of Technology. Major TUs: Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin — formerly DIT), Munster Technological University (MTU), South-East Technological University (SETU), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). TUs offer Level 6, 7, and 8 programmes. Entry requirements are generally lower than traditional universities.
A-Level policy. TUs assess A-Level students on the standard CAO scale. Many TU programmes can be accessed with ABB or below.
Typical CAO Points (A-Level). Engineering: BBB to BCC (192–213). Business: BBC to BCC (192–206). Computing: ABB to BBB (213–219). Construction/Architecture: ABB to BBB (213–219).
HPAT-Ireland — Medical School Applications for A-Level Students
What HPAT-Ireland is. The Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT-Ireland) is a compulsory aptitude test for all applicants to Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine at Irish universities through the CAO. It tests logical reasoning, problem solving, and interpersonal understanding — skills considered important for healthcare professionals. HPAT-Ireland is separate from the CAO academic points calculation and is administered by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research).
Who must take HPAT-Ireland. All applicants to Irish medical schools through the CAO — including A-Level students from the UK. There is no exemption for A-Level students. You must register for and sit HPAT-Ireland in addition to your A-Level examinations.
How HPAT-Ireland affects your application. Your CAO application for Medicine combines your CAO Points (from A-Level grades) with your HPAT-Ireland score in a 2:1 ratio — academic points count twice and HPAT points count once in the combined score. The combined score determines your ranking for Medicine course offers. A very strong academic profile (A*A*A*) with a weak HPAT score may not secure an offer; a moderate academic profile with an exceptional HPAT score may also fall short. Both components matter.
HPAT registration and sitting. HPAT-Ireland is sat in February of the year in which you are applying. Registration opens in October–November. The test is held at centres across Ireland and the UK (including Belfast and London). Check the HPAT-Ireland website (hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au) for current registration dates, test centres, and preparation resources.
Alternative medical routes. UK students who do not achieve the required combined academic and HPAT score for Irish medicine may consider: applying to UK medical schools through UCAS (using UCAT), applying to graduate entry Medicine in Ireland (graduate entry programmes at RCSI and UL Graduate Entry Medical School require a completed bachelor's degree), or applying to medical schools in Central and Eastern Europe (particularly in Hungary, Czech Republic, and Poland) where English-taught programmes are available.
Tuition Fees and Funding for UK Students Studying in Ireland
EU fee status for Northern Ireland students. Students from Northern Ireland are eligible for EU fee status at Irish universities under the Common Travel Area arrangements maintained after Brexit. This means Northern Irish students pay the same (lower) EU tuition fees as Irish and other EU students, rather than the higher international student fee. Northern Irish students should confirm their eligibility with the admissions office of their target Irish university.
Non-EU fees for students from England, Scotland, and Wales. Students from England, Scotland, and Wales (not Northern Ireland) are classified as international (non-EU) students at Irish universities post-Brexit. This means they pay the higher international student tuition fees, which vary by institution and programme but typically range from 10,000–25,000 euros per year for undergraduate programmes. This is a significant additional cost compared to pre-Brexit arrangements.
The Student Contribution Charge. Irish and EU students pay an annual Student Contribution Charge (approximately 3,000 euros in 2024) rather than full tuition fees, with the remainder covered by the Irish state for eligible students. Non-EU students (including most UK students post-Brexit) pay full fees as set by each institution.
SUSI Grant for eligible Northern Irish students. Northern Irish students who qualify as EU students may be eligible for the Irish SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) maintenance grant — a means-tested grant covering living costs for eligible students at Irish institutions. Check eligibility on the SUSI website (susi.ie).
UK Student Finance for Irish study. Students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland may be eligible for UK Student Finance to support study at Irish institutions — Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI can provide loans for tuition and maintenance for study at EU institutions under certain conditions post-Brexit. Check eligibility directly with Student Finance England (gov.uk/student-finance) or the relevant devolved body.
Worked Examples: A-Level to CAO Points
Step 1. CAO Points — A* = 90, A = 77, B = 71. Total = 90 + 77 + 71 = 238 points.
Step 2. Compare to requirements — 238 CAO Points from A-Levels. This meets entry for Engineering at UCD (AAA to AAB range = 225–231 points). This profile exceeds the standard entry for most science programmes at UCC and University of Galway.
Step 3. For Medicine — total 238 is insufficient on its own for Medicine (typically requires A*A*A* = 270 from A-Levels). The HPAT score would also need to be exceptional to compensate for a slightly lower academic score.
Step 4. Subject requirements — Mathematics A* and Physics A satisfy the Mathematics requirement for Engineering at all Irish universities. Chemistry B satisfies the Chemistry requirement for Science and Pharmacy programmes.
Step 1. CAO Points — A = 77, A = 77, B = 71. Total = 77 + 77 + 71 = 225 points.
Step 2. Compare to requirements — 225 points. Meets entry for Law at UCC (AAA to AAB range = 225–231). Meets Arts at TCD (AAB range = 225). Competitive for Business at UCD and DCU.
Step 3. Subject requirements — no specific subject requirements for Law or Arts at most Irish universities. French B at A-Level may be valuable for Language programmes.
Step 1. CAO Points — A* = 90, A* = 90, A* = 90. Total = 270 points (maximum from 3 A-Levels).
Step 2. HPAT requirement — 270 academic CAO Points is the maximum achievable from 3 A-Levels. Combined score = (270 × 2 + HPAT score) ÷ 3. HPAT score must be strong to compete with Irish LC students who may have 550–600 points from 6 subjects.
Step 3. Subject requirements — Biology A* and Chemistry A* satisfy the two science requirements for Medicine at all Irish universities.
Step 4. HPAT preparation is essential — even with maximum academic points, a low HPAT score will significantly reduce the combined score and lower ranking.
Step 1. CAO Points — B = 71, B = 71, C = 64. Total = 71 + 71 + 64 = 206 points.
Step 2. Compare to requirements — 206 points. This falls below the typical requirement for Business at TCD (AAA to AAB = 225–231) and UCD (similar range). It meets entry for Business at DCU (ABB to BBB range = 213–219 — borderline) and Technological University programmes (BBC to BCC range = 192–206).
Step 3. Subject requirements — Mathematics C satisfies the Mathematics requirement for Business programmes at TU level. Economics B is a strong relevant subject.
Step 4. Options — this student should consider: TU Dublin or MTU Business programmes (accessible), applying for Year 1 entry to a foundation/access route at TCD or UCD, or considering a Level 7 programme with transfer to Year 2 of a Level 8 degree after one year if performing strongly.