Post-Entry Supports | Access
DCU Access Students receive a financial scholarship and may apply for further financial supports based on individual circumstances.
Links for other student Financial Assistance
- Student Finance - Advice on finance for third level education.
- SUSI - Online application form for higher education maintenance grants.
- DCU Student Assistance Fund - Current DCU students experiencing severe financial hardship may be able to apply for assistance.
- All Ireland Scholarship Scheme - Scholarship scheme for current Leaving Certificate Students.
Educational Trust
Funding for all DCU Access Scholarships is raised by the DCU Educational Trust through private donors. Access students can get involved by attending donor events where they will have the opportunity to meet with donors, from the business world.
The Access Service provide professional supports that include internships, networking opportunities and placement support and guidance.
Some internships / opportunities that Access students can avail of:
- Washington Ireland Programme
- Digicel Internship, Jamaica
- Kansas University
Volunteering Opportunities
The Access Service strongly promotes an ethos of volunteering and provides volunteering opportunities including shadowing days, peer mentoring, school visits, university Open days and opportunities to volunteer abroad.
Students can gain academic credits in their final year based on their volunteering activities. Click academic credits to learn more.
Access to the workplace (ATTW)
DCU Access to the Workplace is an initiative introduced in 2019. DCU Access Service and DCU Educational Trust have partnered to provide Access students with a high-quality, fully paid professional internship in some of Ireland’s leading companies during the summer months. Further information is included in our Student Information Booklet.
First Year Orientation Programme
Students who enter DCU through HEAR or ADER must attend an orientation programme either on the DCU Glasnevin or DCU St Patrick's campus running for either one day or two days in September.
The programme aims to prepare students for undergraduate life, students will have the opportunity to:
- Get to know the campus
- Meet the DCU Access Team
- Participate in sports (optional)
- Attend presentation skills workshops
- Meet classmates
- Socialise and make friends
- Meet current Access Students, gaining valuable insights and advice from those students who have just negotiated first year themselves
Tuition Support
Additional tuition for students who are struggling with specific first year subjects/modules.
In extenuating circumstances, tuition can be provided to HEAR students in other years.
Tuition is arranged through designated Post Entry Support Officers.
Designated Post Entry Support Officer
- All first year students meet their designated Support Officer at the beginning of first semester. This provides students with an opportunity to raise concerns and for supports to be put in place.
- Second to Fourth year students can request a meeting at any time with their designated Support Officer.
Students are contacted throughout the year to ensure individual supports are being availed of.
In the absence of a Support Officer, another member of the Access team is always happy to meet with students.
Peer Mentoring
The Peer Mentoring scheme aims to help ease students into college life by:
- Introducing them to DCU students who have already completed first year
- Providing basic academic, social and general advice in an informal capacity
Peer mentors are trained and supported by the DCU Access Service.
Student Support & Development (SS&D)
The Access Service is part of the DCU Student Support and Development unit which offers a range of supports including:
- Careers Service
- Health Centre
- Counselling Service and Academic Workshops
Further information can be found at the at the SS&D website.
For further information on post entry supports please contact:
DCU Glasnevin Campus:
Colette Keogh
01 700 8868
Room: CG29, Henry Grattan Building
DCU Glasnevin Campus:
Antoinette Patton
01 700 5530
Room: CG29, Henry Grattan Building
DCU St Patrick's Campus:
Natacha O'Brien
01 700 9213
Room: A103, St Patrick's Campus