The University encourages the transfer of students under one of three categories as follows:
1. those completing or about to complete Certificate/Diploma programmes at another institution
2. those undertaking a degree programme at another institution
3. those already registered on a degree programme at Dublin City University.

The criteria for qualifying within each category is outlined below. Where a candidate who does not meet the criteria outlined within any of these categories, they may apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) where they will be assessed SOLELY on the basis of performance in Leaving Certificate alone. Any such candidate should note that provided they are currently registered students in any year in any one of the Higher Educational Institutions on the CAO system, there is a "late application date" to the CAO of the 22nd July.
Applicants completing or about to complete Certificate/Diploma programmes at another institution
Applicants should have completed or are about to complete a National Certificate/Diploma awarded by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) (formerly the National Council for Education Awards (NCEA)). In all cases, the applicant's studies must have been in a COGNATE background. Further details on these courses are available from the HETAC website at http://www.hetac.ie.

The following general guidelines apply:

HETAC/NCEA National Certificate
Students holding this award with Merit or Distinction may be eligible for consideration for transfer to the second year of the relevant programme.
Candidates with Pass awards and appropriate work experience of at least one year may be considered for admission.

HETAC/NCEA National Diploma
Students holding this award with Merit or Distinction may be eligible for transfer to degree programmes with exemption from first year, and in certain cases, all or part of second year. The extent of the exemption is dependent on the content of the National Diploma programme.
Candidates with Pass awards may be eligible for consideration for admission on the basis described under National Certificate above.

Additional Programme Requirements for HETAC/NCEA Certificate/Diploma holders
Students are also referred to the additional programme requirements as follows:
Faculties / Schools

• Dublin City University Business School
• Faculty of Engineering and Computing
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Science and Health
• Joint Faculty of Education Studies
  

Applicants should have completed or are about to complete one year of study on a degree programme awarded by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) (formerly the National Council for Education Awards (NCEA)) or by a University established under the Universities Act 1997. It is NOT necessary for the candidate to have studied in a cognate area. The point of entry on the degree programme and any additional exemptions awarded will depend on the extent of the overlap of the candidate's studies to date with the content of the degree programme to which they are applying.
Applicants already registered on a degree programme at Dublin City University.

Candidates who are already registered on a degree programme of study at Dublin City University in any given academic year and who seek admission to another programme of study at Dublin City University in the subsequent academic year must have COMPLETED and PASSED AT LEAST the Semester 1 examinations of YEAR ONE in their current programme. Candidates who do not meet these requirements should refer to the separate publication "Registered Students at DCU- Applications to Transfer to another Programme of Study (R-39)", copies of which are available from the Registry.

Other Qualifications:

BTEC Higher National Diploma
The higher diploma should be awarded by the British Training and Education Council (BTEC). Students holding this award in a COGNATE area with Merit or Distinction may be eligible for consideration for transfer on to degree programmes. The extent of the exemption is dependent on the content of the Higher National Diploma programme.


Assessment

Applicants are assessed and ranked based on:

• their performance in their secondary and post-secondary studies
• the detail provided on the "Undergraduate Studies: Direct Application Form"
• performance at interview. (shortlisting applies)

Applicants should note, that owing to a large number of applications for transfer to undergraduate programmes for certain faculties/schools, it is necessary to rank qualified applicants for transfer. As a result not all qualified applicants for transfer may be offered places.

Outcome of an Application

Candidates who apply directly to the University will be notified of the outcome of their application in writing. As such, it is important to ensure that your address for correspondence is accurate and current.

Fee Considerations

Candidates applying to transfer into DCU should note that any student who:

• has pursued a course of study at another institution which has attracted exchequer funding under the "Free Fees Scheme"; and
• has NOT secured a terminal qualification and subsequently resumes third level studies
  will NOT be eligible for free fees for the equivalent period of time spent on the course taken at the other institution. Students in this category are liable to pay the FULL EU fee. However, notwithstanding this condition, students who already hold a National Certificate or National Diploma (as defined above) and are progressing to a degree course without having necessarily received exemption from the normal duration of the course may be deemed eligible for free fees.