If you're thinking about taking a degree programme at any third-level institution, you'll need to think carefully about the costs involved. This includes everything from academic fees and books to food and accommodation. The following Q&As should be of some help to you in this.

• What's it going to cost me to be a full time student at DCU?
• What fees will I have to pay at DCU?
• Could I qualify for a grant or scholarship?
• Is there any financial help if part of my programme requires me to study abroad?
• For full information on fees visit the Finance Office's Fees webpage

Q What's it going to cost me to be a full time student at DCU?

A We estimate that if you're living away from home for the 30-week academic year your living costs (exclusive of programme fees and living expenses during the holidays) will be approximately €6,475.00. We estimate your living costs if you're living at home will be approximately €3,550.00.

Q What fees will I have to pay at DCU?  

The fees for the academic year 2007/2008 are available from the Finance Office website at www.dcu.ie/finance/fees/schedule.html .
Full-time undergraduate students who are nationals of an EU member state and who qualify for free tuition under the "Undergraduate Free Fees" scheme, must pay a basic fee of €863.00 on the basis that they were neither repeating a year nor pursuing a second undergraduate programme. This fee level applies only to those students who are nationals of a European Union Member State and have been ordinarily resident in the EU for at least three of the five years preceding entry to a third-level programme. If you do not qualify for this fee level you'll find the information you need on the fees webpage above.

Q Could I qualify for a grant or scholarship?

A You may qualify for funding through either the Higher Education Grants Scheme or the VEC Scholarship Scheme. You can apply for assistance under both schemes, but you can only avail of one. Full details are available from your Local Authority or VEC. If you are an EU national but not resident in Ireland, you can still apply for support under the Higher Education Grants Scheme by contacting Dublin City Council. No European Social Fund (ESF) funding is available for undergraduate programmes. In cases of financial hardship, the University will consider remitting or deferring payment of programme fees. This is not normally given to either first-year undergraduate or postgraduate students. The University also has a small scheme to help students who encounter financial hardship. We also offer a limited number of sports scholarships to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Currently, these are in the areas of Gaelic Games, volleyball, hockey and golf. Scholarships may be awarded for outstanding athletes based on individual merit. Department of Education and Science scholarships for second-level pupils in all- Irish education or from the Gaeltacht are also available for prospective FIONTAR students. Each scholarship is held for one year prior to being reviewed. The holder of the award will follow a normal academic programme and must fulfil all the requirements of their course of study. First-year candidates can only apply if they have obtained a place at the University through the CAO system. For more information see the Student Support & Development website.

Q Is there any financial help if part of my programme requires me to study abroad?

A Students on degree programmes which involve a period of study in a university in another member state of the European Union may be eligible for financial support from the Commission of the European Union through the framework of the SOCRATES-ERASMUS Programme. More information is available from the International Office in the Registry.

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