Pre-tax profits at Central Applications Office up 27%

In 2025, the Central Applications Office (CAO) recorded a 27% increase in pre-tax profits, reaching almost €1 million, according to recent figures. The rise in profits was accompanied by a concurrent 5.5% increase in revenues, which climbed from €3.19 million to €3.37 million. This growth was driven by a 8.5% surge in the number of applications for third-level college places, which climbed from 83,424 to 88,817 - a 6.5% increase from the previous year.

The CAO firm's operating profits also increased by 29% from €561,055 to €725,377, with the company benefiting from €237,288 in interest receivable and a €195,679 gain in investments. After accounting for a €103,191 corporation tax charge, the CAO generated a post-tax profit of €859,474.

Established in 1977, the CAO is a private company that manages the CAO application process for students seeking third-level college places. The firm's cash funds rose from €3.15 million to €3.62 million in 2025, while its investment value increased from €4.9 million to €5.1 million. The CAO fees from application fees saw an increase from €2.97 million to €3.15 million, while income from secondments and assignments declined slightly from €209,829 to €205,363.

Despite the financial growth, the directors of the CAO noted that a rise in the overall cost of higher education could negatively impact the number of applicants. The company's key management personnel received a combined €425,527 in compensation, up from €399,737 in the previous year. As of December of the previous year, the CAO's accumulated profits stood at €11.32 million.