Registry
Prospective Students
Information for mature applicants
DCU has a diverse student body and strongly encourages applications from mature candidates who wish to study towards obtaining a third level qualification. Mature students are those aged 23 years, or above, on 1st January in the year of entry.
Mature students have a wealth of knowledge and experience with which they make a valuable contribution. DCU adopts an ethos of lifelong learning and is continually working towards wider entry routes for mature students in order to increase participation of adult learners.
What courses does DCU offer?
DCU offers over 50 Honours degree programmes in the general areas of science, nursing, business, humanities, education, engineering and computing. The best source of information on these courses is our online prospectus . Copies of the prospectus can also be requested (free of charge) from our Registry Office tel: (01) 700 5338 or email: registry@dcu.ie .
What Supports are Available for Mature Students?
You are not alone! If you're a mature applicant to DCU or are an existing mature student, support is available from a number of sources. DCU provides a range of services and supports to students through Student Support & Development. In addition to this, supports specifically for mature students are available and continue to be developed at DCU. These include our Mature Student Summer School for new students, which will take place in mid-September. This Summer School aims to help smooth your transition to college life, here you will get advice on aspects such as the use of computers/technology in learning, study skills, writing an academic paper and getting involved in student life. Other supports available to mature students include our personal tutor system , counselling service , health service , and dedicated careers advisor . On the social side of things, our University Sports Club and more than 100 clubs and societies can help you to balance study with play!
How do I apply?
Mature EU candidates for full-time study should apply to the Central Applications Office (CAO) . Application forms and copies of the CAO Handbook can be obtained from the CAO at Tower House, Eglinton St., Galway, or by telephoning (091) 509800. Applications can be made online at www.cao.ie and copies of the Handbook can also be downloaded from the website. Mature applicants to DCU (except those applying for Nursing programmes or Non-EU applicants) must also submit a Mature Applicants Supplementary Information Form directly to the University. Copies can be requested from The Registry at Tel: +353 (0) 1 7005338 or email: registry@dcu.ie or Download a copy of our Mature Student Supplementary application form (pdf).
In the case of mature applicants, 'other' experience, apart from performance in examinations, is taken into consideration - this may be work experience, further studies, or other such experience deemed to be relevant to the application. For some programmes it may be necessary to meet specific educational requirements, such as Leaving Certificate Science for science based programmes or higher level mathematics in the Leaving Certificate for engineering programmes. Mature applicants are assessed based on their application details and some may be called for interview (typically in late March/early April). The University will inform applicants of the outcome of their application however, official offers issued by the Central Applications Office (CAO) in Round 0 in early July.
Application to DCU's part-time undergraduate courses is direct to the University . Download a copy of our direct application form (pdf) or call the Registry on tel: (01) 700 5338 to request a copy.
Non-EU mature applicants for both full-time and part-time study should apply direct to DCU, using the above form. Please note, however, that non-EU applicants to Nursing programmes should apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), as outlined above. For mature non-EU applicants, 'other' experience, apart from performance in examinations, can also be taken into consideration. Non-native English speakers will need to provide evidence of their English language competency .
In all cases, the University will look for satisfactory evidence of your ability to pursue and get the most out of the programme(s) for which you are applying.
When do I apply?
The closing date for EU applications to full-time programmes is 1st February. Late applications for Engineering programmes and also for the BA in Languages for International Communication (English Studies)(CAO Code: DC156) [For non-native speakers of English only] are accepted until 1 May, while places remain. Please contact our Mature Student Officer for details.
Non-EU mature applicants are accepted on an on-going basis up to 1 July, but are advised to apply as early as possible.. No late applications can be accepted for Nursing programmes.
Application deadlines for part-time courses vary, so please check individual online programme listings for details.
What Types of Financial Assistance are Available?
Candidates who qualify as EU students for fees purposes, and who intend to study towards their first undergraduate degree, are typically eligible for the Government's Free Fees Initiative. Such students pay a reduced registration fee. To check your eligibility for the Free Fees Initiative, and for information on tuition fees, please see the Finance Office webpages, or contact the fees staff at tel: (01) 7008836.
Back to Education Allowance
The Back to Education Allowance (BEA) is available to certain people who are in receipt of unemployment benefit/allowance, lone-parent payment or disability allowance. For further information on this allowance, visit the webpages of the Department of Social and Family Affairs .
Local Authority Higher Education Grants
The Higher Education Grants Scheme provides financial assistance to many students on approved full-time Third Level courses. Students who qualify receive a maintenance allowance, and tuition fees are also covered by the scheme. To apply for the Mature Student Grant, the student must be at least 23 years of age on 1st January in the year of entry to full-time third-level education. For the grant, the income of the mature student is assessed (plus spouse if applicable) - unless the mature student is considered to be dependent on their parents and in that case the income of the parents is also assessed. Applicants should apply to the Local Authority in which they were resident in the October previous to their year of entry. Contact details for Local Authority Offices .
Millennium Partnership Fund
The Millennium Partnership Fund supports students from disadvantaged areas who are attending higher education. To find out more about the Partnerships and possible education funding, contact the Area Development Management (now Pobal) at tel: +353 (0)1 240 0700 or email: enquiries@adm.ie .
Financial Assistance Service
The DCU Student Assistance Fund is aimed at tackling educational disadvantage by providing assistance to those who may require additional financial support to enable them to fully benefit from their third-level education. Further details of Student Assistance Fund.
The Department of Education's Financial Support for Further and Higher Education booklet is an excellent information source for mature applicants. Download the booklet from the Department's website or request a free copy from the Student Support Unit at tel: (01) 8734700.
As a prospective or current mature student, you may contact the Careers Service to arrange to speak to a careers advisor. To arrange an appointment, please telephone the Careers Service at: +353 (0) 1 700 5163 or e-mail: careers@dcu.ie .
