QQI FET 2026 Entry - Frequently Asked Questions
You can view our list of QQI FET FAQs below. For information relating to QQI FET entry, please visit our QQI FET webpage.
Eligibility & Entry Requirements
Yes, the QQI FET route is a popular entrance route into most full-time undergraduate courses, with up to 10% of places reserved for QQI FET applicants on over 65 courses. Application is made through www.cao.ie
To compete for a place, you must have a full QQI FET Level 5 major award in the appropriate qualification, a minimum of 5 distinctions, and any course-specific Level 5 module requirements. These must all be achieved in one single sitting. Applicants must then compete on QQI FET points.
It depends on the DCU course you want to apply for. Many courses require a specific QQI award type and/or specific modules within that award. You should check the requirements for each individual DCU course on the CAO website before choosing your FET or PLC course. If you’re not sure which FET or PLC course to pick, visit www.careersportal.ie to explore options, and contact us to check alignment with your target DCU course.
No. 5 distinctions is the minimum required to compete. Application is competitive and places are awarded on a merit basis. DCU encourages applicants to aim for all distinctions, as this gives the best chance of competing for a place, but does not guarantee one. It is also worth applying for other DCU courses you are eligible for as back-up.
No. The full QQI/FET Level 5 award, including the minimum of five distinctions, must be achieved in one single sitting. Results spread across more than one sitting cannot be combined for entry purposes.
Applicants with a full QQI FET Level 6 major award may apply for Year 1 entry through the CAO Level 5 pathway. However, all applicants must meet any published award requirements. Level 6 applicants may wish to apply for courses that do not have a specific award or module requirement. You may also be eligible to apply for Advanced Entry into Year 2 of some DCU courses - see the Advanced Entry question below.
QQI FET Open Day
Yes. DCU hosts an annual QQI FET Open Day in December each year. Details will be posted on this page when available. For information on all DCU Open Days, please visit our Open Day webpage at www.dcu.ie/studentrecruitment/dcu-open-days
Applying Through QQI FET To DCU
You apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ie. There is a dedicated QQI FET application route on the CAO system. The CAO also provides a step-by-step video guide on how to complete your application.
The standard CAO deadline is 1 February, but you can apply up to 1 May (a late fee applies). For QQI FET applicants, what matters most is that your results and award are submitted to CAO in time for Round 0. Check CAO’s current deadlines on www.cao.ie.
You can list up to 10 courses on your CAO application. Please note DCU offers courses at Level 8 only. There is no limit on how many DCU courses you include - but make sure each one has a QQI FET entry pathway and that you meet the specific award and module requirements for each. You may also apply for courses at Level 6/7 at other institutions on your CAO choice form.
QQI FET offers are issued by CAO in Round Zero, which takes place at the beginning of August. This is earlier than the main Leaving Certificate Round 1, which issues in late August/early September.
QQI FET Points & Scoring
Points are calculated based on your module grades (Pass, Merit, Distinction) and the credit value of each module, using the CAO/QQI scoring system. The maximum points score is 390. You can use the QQI FET Points Estimator tool on this DCU QQI FET page to get an estimate based on your results.
You can view the 2025, 2024, and 2023 QQI FET Offers/Points on the DCU FET page (dcu.ie/fe). These show the cut-off points for each course in previous years and are a useful guide, though they can vary year to year.
It means no applicants who met the full entry requirements (correct award, 5 distinctions, specific module requirements) applied for that course in that year. It doesn’t mean the course is closed to FET applicants - it just means no qualifying applications were received. You can still apply.
Due to the competitive nature of FET quota places, it was not possible to offer to all applicants on the same points range, so random selection was applied. This means the course was oversubscribed at the cut-off points level and a random draw was used among tied applicants. It is important to keep other DCU courses you are eligible for as back-up options.
Advanced Entry & Other Pathways
Applicants who have successfully completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6, 7, or 8 at another institution may apply for Advanced Entry to continue their studies at DCU. Evidence of significant overlap in content and learning outcomes must be provided. Applications for Advanced Entry close on 1 July through the CAO. Please note, not all courses accept Advanced Entry, so check the list of eligible courses on the DCU Registry website first and review the Advanced Entry application criteria.
Please email advanced.entry@dcu.ie with any Advanced Entry queries
If you are aged 23 or over on 1 January in the year of entry, you can apply as a mature student. If a mature applicant is not offered a place as a mature student, and they have entered the correct information in their CAO application, they may also be eligible for assessment on the basis of their QQI FET qualification. This means you can effectively be considered under both routes from a single CAO application.
After You Apply To CAO
Following receipt of an offer, an applicant may apply to defer that offer for one year. A deferral will be considered but is not guaranteed. Please follow the defferal process as outlined in your offer.
For QQI FET questions, please contact:
Paul Hegarty
Student Recruitment Officer - FE Specialist
Email: paul.hegarty@dcu.ie
Or use the callback request form on www.dcu.ie/fe