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Mature Students Support

Applying to DCU as a Mature Student

Your Journey to DCU — Mature Applicant Timeline

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🔍 Explore & Prepare (Before November 2025)

Explore your options & confirm eligibility

  • ✅ You’ll be 23 or older on January 1st of your start year
  • 🎓 Check programme-specific requirements (some may require certain subjects)
  • 📚 Review course options in the DCU Prospectus
  • 🤝 The DCU Admissions Page provides information on how to apply as a mature applicant.
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📤Submit by Deadline (1st February 2026)

Submit Your CAO Application

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👥Assessment Phase (Spring–Summer 2026)

Assessment Stage

  • 💬 Applicants may be asked to complete an interview, a written statement, or both. 
  • 📧 In May, you’ll get an email from DCU about your status:

    ✅ Eligible to receive an offer

    ❌ Ineligible to receive an offer

     Need details? See pages 27 & 28 of the CAO 2025 Handbook 

  • 📅 Mature applicant offers go out in early July via the CAO
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🎓Start Your DCU Journey (September 2026)

Begin life as a DCU student 

  • 🎉 Attend orientation and settle into your programme
  • 🤝 Connect with support services and fellow mature students