Step by Step Guidelines

For Undergraduate Mature Applicants

🌟 Discover Your Options 🌟

• Review course options in the DCU Prospectus. 
• Check programme specific entry requirements (some courses may require certain subjects, an interview or exams).  
• The DCU Admissions Page provides additional information on how to apply as a mature applicant.

📅 CAO Opens Nov 2026 📅

1. Review CAO Checklist
2. Create a profile at www.cao.ie
3. Use the CAO Mature Entry Hub for resources, guides & FAQs
4. Visit the CAO website www.cao.ie and review the CAO Handbook with Mature Student applicant information and watch the CAO Step-by-Step Video. 
5. Draft a statement of interest: https://www.dcu.ie/registry/personal-statement-guidelines

📧 Submit Application 📧

• Final day to apply via the CAO is 1st February 2027 www.cao.ie
• Late applications for nursing may be considered until 1 May. However, this is only possible if the applicant has already registered for and taken the mandatory Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) written assessment in the current year. See DCU prospectus for more details.  Please refer also to this helpful NMBI guide.  NMBI tests take place in April and CAO offers for nursing are in early July.  
• DCU will be in touch requesting supplementary information.
• Applicants can expect to hear outcomes from DCU and whether they are invited to interview or oral interviews in April.  Please contact matureapplications@dcu.ie for further information.  
• If you are invited to an interview please check out our Mature Applicant Interview Guidelines 
• Need details? See pages 27 & 28 of the CAO 2025 Handbook.
• Mature applicants will receive a notification of eligibility or ineligibility towards the end of May.  
• Mature offers are made in early July via the CAO. Please check the CAO website for a confirmed date
• Applicants for the BEd and Nursing courses may receive outcomes at a different time through the CAO.

🎉 Begin at DCU 🎉

• Attend Head First our Mature student onboarding programme over the summer.
• Attend a Mature Welcome Day (early September)
• Connect with your designated Support officer
• Continue to take part in the Access Service Mature Support over the academic year