Pre-entry Guide for Mature Learners

DCU has a diverse student body and strongly encourages applications from mature learners who wish to study towards obtaining a third level qualification. Mature students are those aged 23 years, or above, on 1st January on the year of entry.

Mature learners have a wealth of knowledge and experience with which they make a valuable contribution. DCU adopts an ethos of lifelong learning and is continually working towards wider entry routes for mature learners in order to increase participation of adult learners.

What can I study in DCU as a mature student?

DCU offers over 50 Honours degree programmes in general areas of science, nursing, business, humanities, education, engineering and computing. The best source of information on these courses is our online prospectus.

Details of all DCU programmes (prospectus) are available at:

DCU reserves 10% of places on each course for mature students.

Choosing a course:

Is third level education definitely for you? If you are unsure, seek advice from:

  • Local area Adult Education Guidance Counsellor.

Consult National Centre for Guidance in education:

| T: 01 869 0715/6

  • DCU Careers advisor. To arrange an appointment contact:

T: 01700 5163 | E:

  • Employer/Manager if you are working
  • DCU Mature Student Liaison officer or for learners with disabilities (includes learners with long term medical conditions, specific learning difficulties or mental ill health)to seek information on additional support you are entitled to avail of at DCU, contact:

Marian Scullion, Disability & Learning Support Service

T: 01 700 5686 | E:

  • Family and friends
  • Consult Qualifax, the National Learning Database to research your options:

If you decide DCU is for you and you wish to submit an application;

  • Research our courses:
  • Read our prospectus carefully
  • Consult our website:
  • Attend our yearly Open Days held in November:
  • Attend our information events for learners with disabilities: www4.dcu.ie/students/disability/events.shtml
  • Contact the academic staff and mature student officer to discuss your application
  • Select your courses
  • Apply

How do I apply? (full time courses)

  • Mature EU applicants to DCU for full-time study must complete two application forms:

One to the CAO: Request a CAO pack: or T: 091 509800

One directly to DCU: Download our Supplementary Application form from:

  • Applications to DCU can also be made online at (except those applying for Nursing programmes or Non-EU applicants) and must submit a Mature Applicants Supplementary Information Form directly to the University.

Copies can be requested from DCU Registry at:

T: 01 7005338 | E: | Download a PDF copy at:

  • Supplementary information such as examination results, certificates of attendance, a personal statement etc. should be submitted to the CAO with your application form
  • For applicants applying online, please forward any supplementary information to the CAO immediately after you have submitted your online application
  • Photocopy your completed application form and store in a safe place
  • Apply to CAO and return our application form to DCU by February 1st.

How do I apply? (part-time courses)

  • Mature applications apply to DCU for part time undergraduate courses directly to DCU
  • Download a copy of our direct application form from: or contact:

T: 01 700 5338| E:

In the case of mature applicants, 'other' experience, apart from performance in examinations, is taken into consideration- this may be work experience, further studies, or other such experience deemed to be relevant to the application. For some programmes it may be necessary to meet specific educational requirements, such as Leaving Certificate Science for science based programmes or higher level mathematics in the Leaving Certificate for engineering programmes.

Mature applicants are assessed based on their application details and some may be called for interview (typically in late March/early April). DCU will inform applicants of the outcome of their application

DCU will look for satisfactory evidence of your ability to pursue and get the most out of the programme(s) for which you are applying.

Frequently asked questions:

How do I apply as a learner with a disability?

Mature applicants apply as for any other mature applicant and follow the DCU Registry procedures.

What are the application deadlines?

Full time study: Both application forms must be submitted by February 1st.

Part time study:Application deadlines for part-time courses vary, so please check individual online programme listings for details.

What happens to my application?

  • All mature applications are forwarded from the CAO to DCU.
  • The relevant director of programme/admissions assesses your application.
  • Applicants are short listed for interview and interviews will normally take place during May or early June.
  • Applicants to Nursing should consult for information on applying to study nursing as a mature student.
  • For a small number of courses, selection is based entirely on your written CAO application.

Why do I have to complete a personal statement?

The personal statement tells us more information about you and your reasons for applying to DCU. When completing your personal statement you should include:

  • Evidence of your academic ability
  • Relevant work or life experience
  • Evidence of your interest and motivation and desire to return to learning

Are there any grants, scholarships or financial assistance for mature learners? Yes.

The new central online system for student grants is now live and can be accessed through This is a dedicated website where you can apply for a grant and source information on financial support for further and higher education. Student Universal Support Ireland or SUSI will be accepting all grant applications for new students or students who are changing course in the coming academic year.
If you have any queries in relation to the application process or the student grant scheme you should contact the "SUSI Support Desk" at:

T: 0761 08 7874 | E:.

Renewal applications for students already in receipt of a grant for their current courses and continuing on that course in 2012/13 will continue to be dealt with by the existing 66 grant awarding authorities.
Further information on student grants and other financial supports is available on

TheBack to Education Allowance Scheme

The Back to Education Allowance Scheme is aimed at assisting those who are unemployed, are lone parents or have a disability, to pursue approved third level education courses.

Contact your local Social Welfare Office to establish your eligibility for this allowance. Consult to locate your local office. Alternatively contact Back to Education at:

T: 1890 927999/ 071 9672616 or for general information on the scheme visit:

Local Development Authorities

Some local development companies provide financial assistance and bursary schemes or financial assistance for students who are intending to return to third level education. To find details of your local development authority and to make enquiries for possible funding, please visit or

Contact T: 01 5117000 | Email:

For people living in the Northside Dublin catchment area please contact:

Northside Partnership, Coolock Development Centre, Bunratty Drive, Coolock, Dublin 17.
T: 01 8485630 | F: 01 8485661 | E:

DCU Finance Office (Fees, Grants and Scholarships)

All matters to do with fees are dealt with by the Finance Office and can be contacted at:

T: 01 7008836 General Enquiries | E: |

W: dcu.ie/finance/fees/index.shtml

Supports:

What supports are available to me as a mature learner?

DCU provides a range of services and supports to students through Student Support & Development. In addition to this, supports specifically for mature students are available and continue to be developed at DCU. These include our Mature Student Summer School for new students, which will take place in mid-September. This Summer School aims to help smooth your transition to college life, here you will get advice on aspects such as the use of computers/technology in learning, study skills, writing an academic paper and getting involved in student life.

What additional support is available to me as a mature learner with a disability? (includes long term medical condition, specific learning difficulty or mental ill health)

Overview of DLSS Services:

The following supports and services are available through Disability & Learning Support Service to eligible students registered with the service.

  • CART Notetaking
  • Sign Language Interpreting
  • Notetakers
  • Academic Tuition
  • Learning Support Service
  • Personal Assistant
  • Assistive Technology
  • Exam Supports
  • Online Orientation
  • Additional Orientation to suit your needs
  • Unilink Service (for learners who may be experiencing mental health difficulties and/or physical and sensory difficulties)
  • Maths Learning Centre (one to one support from experienced tutors)
  • Campus Visits – view the accessible facilities including the library and campus accommodation at any time during the year or view our Campus Access Guide:

Note: Funded supports are decided on a case by case basis and are supplied subject to successful funding application

For more information please contact:Marian Scullion, Disability & Learning Support Service:

T: 01 700 5686 | E: or consult our online information at:

Other student supports include:

  • Dedicated Careers Advisor
  • Counselling Service
  • Chaplaincy Service
  • Disability & Learning Support Service
  • Health Service
  • Maths Learning Centre
  • Personal Tutoring System
  • Student Advice Centre
  • Students Union
  • Our University Sports Club has more than 100 clubs and societies

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