DCU in the Community header
DCU in the Community
Shows DCU letters outside polaris
DCU's Polaris as seen from Collins Avenue. Pic: Kyran O'Brien/DCU

University of Sanctuary

DCU is Ireland’s first designated University of Sanctuary, and supports refugees and asylum seekers through initiatives like MELLIE, IRIN, and the Inter Faith Centre, promoting education access, cultural exchange, and inclusive community engagement.

Through a range of activities, DCU staff and students engage with the refugee community and those who have experience with the international protection system. In 2016, DCU was the first university in Ireland to be granted University of Sanctuary status, in recognition of its work with this community. 

MELLIE

One of the key Sanctuary initiatives at DCU is MELLIE (Migrant English Language Literacy and Intercultural Education). This project brings DCU staff and students together with asylum seekers and refugees living in Direct Provision, facilitating language and cultural exchange. 

Participants have produced a number of exhibitions which explore the global challenges of migration and reception. 

IRIN

IRIN is a collective of Dublin City University academics, students and members of civil society. As such, it is committed to welcoming forcibly displaced persons and supporting them in accessing third-level education through the awarding of scholarships. Its projects include  Refugee Week at DCU, the provision of language classes, and a DCU Buddy programme pairing asylum seekers with DCU staff members.

Inter Faith Centre

The DCU Inter Faith Centre on our Glasnevin campus is administered by DCU Chaplaincy. It is a place for people of all religions to practise their faith. As well as Christian denominations, the centre provides space for those who practise Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism to gather and worship.