DRHEA Guide to Admission Processes for Mature Students Applying to HEIs in the Dublin Region
Guide to Admission Processes for Mature Students in HEIs in the Dublin Region
This is aguide to the admission processes that exist for Mature Applicants to Full-time undergraduate degree programmesin the 12 participant Higher Education Institutes(HEIs) of the DRHEA Widening Participation Strand(plus Nursing and Midwifery courses in the Dublin region). Participating institutes are; Dublin City University incorporating Mater Dei Institute and St Patrick’s College Drumcondra, Dublin Institute of Technology, Institute of Art Design and Technology Dun Laoghaire, Institute of Technology Blanchardstown, Institute of Technology Tallaght, National College of Ireland, National University of Ireland Maynooth, National College of Art and Design, Trinity College Dublin, and University College Dublin.
This guide gives summary information for the application and admission processes in these HEIs. It is, however, very important that you read the prospectus and talk to a representative in the admissions department of the institute to which you are applyingabout the application processes for mature students for the programme that you are interested in.
What is a Higher Education Institute (HEI)?
A Higher Education Institute provides education programmes at level 6 and above on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) .
Who is a mature student?
Mature Students are students in higher education who are 23 years of age or over on the 1st January in the year of entry to a programme.A mature applicant is a person who is applying to attend a programme of study in a Higher Education Institute. For applicants who wish to begin their programme of study in September 2015 this means that their date of birth must be on or before the 01/01/1992.
I want to apply to be a mature student…..
Mature applicants to most courses are not required to meet the minimum entry requirements specified for standard applicants (that isperformance in the Leaving Certificate or other examinations) and can apply based on their experience. This may be life and/or work experience, further studies, or other experience relevant to the application. There are exceptions to this and when applying to some programmes you may have to achieve some specific entry requirements. It is important that you check whether the programme that you are applying for has specific entry requirements with the HEI that is running the programme.
For some programmes it may be necessary to meet specific educational requirements, such as Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) Science for some science based programmes or higher level mathematics in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) for some engineering programmes.If you wish to train as a Teacher in a primary school please check this document entry requirements to undergraduate degree programmes which prepare students to be teachers in primary schools.
The CAO Handbook and Application Form is available online from the CAO website ( copy of the CAO handbook is available from the CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway (phone +353-91-509800). You can also apply online at The closing date for receipt of Irish based applications to the CAO is 1st February each year. Most but not all of the HEIs listed accept applications as a mature student through the Central Applications Office (CAO).You can apply directly to some HEIs (for example NCI), check this with the institution to which you are applying. When applying to the CAO,indicate that you are a Mature Applicant in the relevant section of the CAO online or paper application.
If you have taken the Irish Leaving Certificate examinations (or equivalent school leaving exam) you can use the results from these to apply for undergraduate degree programmes in a HEI as a mature student. Check with the CAO and/or the HEI(s) to which you are applying to see how to do this.
Mature applicants can also apply for entry to higher education on the basis of relevant FETAC Results. Please see the website of the institute to which you are applying or get in touch with the admissions office to see how to apply for a programme using the resultsfrom FETAC programmes that you have completed.
Where can I get more information?
Before making applications to a HEI for entry to a programme of study it is important to thoroughly research programmes that you wish to apply for. Sources of information include:
- The websites of the HEIs, where you can get information on courses, application and admission processes
- The Adult Education Guidance Service has a network of Guidance Counsellors and Information Officers who provide independent advice to adults wishing to return to education. Contact details are available here .
- Prospectuses from the HEI(s) to which you are applying – these are generally available from the admissions office of the HEI – you can find contact details in this guide.
- You may want to talk to a person who can give you information. There are services which can give you information listed here - <link to information database>
- The Qualifax website information on further and higher education and training programmes available in Ireland
- The CAO Website Handbook has lots of information on how to apply as a mature applicant, it also has demo applications where you can practice making an application
- The National Framework of Qualifications describes the educational levels that exist in Ireland.
- CareersPortal.ie is a Careers Guidance resource and has information for adult learners which you might find useful
Do HEIs provide preparation/assistance for entry to higher education as mature applicants?
Many HEIs hold information events in the form of open days/evenings before the CAO deadline of the 1st February each year. See the Qualifax website for a list of events Staff in HEIs admission offices will be happy to talk to you about applying for a programme of study in their institute.
Access and Foundation courses exist in many institutions which aim to prepare people who wish to apply to higher education. You will need to check with the HEI to which you are applying to see if an Access or Foundation Course is suitable for you.
Will I have to pay fees?
As a mature student you may be entitled to arrange of financial supports to help with a return to education. The overall cost of your studies will depend on your circumstances. Studentfinance.ie is a website with information on fees, grants and financial supports for students attending further and higher education
The main sources of financial support available are the Free Fees Initiative, Student Grant (SUSI Grant) and Back to Education Allowance.
If you are a mature student entering your first undergraduate, full-time degree in an approved HEI you are likely to be covered by the Free Fees initiative. This means that you will not have to pay tuition fees. The Student Grant is a means tested payment administered by SUSI to help you with the various costs associated with Post-leaving certificate and Higher Education programmes. If you are in receipt of certain social welfare payments you may be entitled to Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). Generally, the BTEA is for those over the age of 21 and have been getting a qualifying payment for over 9 months. If you are receiving JobSeeker’s Benefit or Allowance you must transfer to BTEA if you are in Full-time education. If you are on other payments you may have an option to switch to BTEA – more information is available from your local Citizens Information Service or your local Social Welfare Office.
Applications from Non- EU Mature applicants are welcome but attendance on a programme may be subject to fees. Admissions offices in HEIs may contact applicants to seek documentation regarding their status.
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DRHEA Guide to Admission Processes for Mature Students Applying to HEIs in the Dublin Region
Contents
Guide to Admission Processes for Mature Students in HEIs in the Dublin Region
Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT)
Dublin City University (DCU) incorporating Mater Dei Institute of Education and St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)
Institute of Art Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire (IADT)
Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB)
Institute of Technology, Tallaght (ITT)
Marino Institute of Education (MIE)
National College of Art and Design (NCAD)
National College of Ireland (NCI)
Nursing Careers Centre, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
Maynooth University
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
University College Dublin (UCD)
University of Dublin, Trinity College
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Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT)
Name of Institution / Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT)What options are there for mature students? / There are extensive support services available in AIT to support mature students to return to full-time study.
The Department of Lifelong Learning in AIT gives information on Part-Time Courses that are available.
A foundation course is available in AIT for adult learners who wish to return to education. More information on it is available here
How do I apply? / Apply to AIT through the CAO by February 1st on the year of entry.
Some courses in AIT may accept applicationsup to the 1st May but this is subject to the availability of places on the programme of study. Contact the Admissions Office for clarification on late applications.
Mature students to Nursing/Midwifery courses are required to sit a written assessment test. Applicants must register and apply to the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on For further information please see
Late applications (i.e. applications made to the CAO after 1 February) will not be considered for mature applicants to Nursing/Midwifery.
What do I need to include with my application? / Assessment for mature entry to courses that do not have specific entry requirements is based on the information supplied on the CAO application form and in an interview.
Further information to support your application (e.g. CV, transcripts, certificates or assessment results), should be sent to the CAO.
Keep a record of what you send and do not send original documents. Make sure your CAO number is clearly written on all documents that you send for consideration
Do I need to do an interview or entry test? / Interviews normally form part of the selection process for mature applicants. These take place in April and May.
Where can I get further information
on the application, admission process and entry criteria? / Prospectus is available here
AIT Admissions Office
Tel: 090 646 8130
Email:
Dublin City University (DCU)incorporating Mater Dei Institute of Education and St. Patrick’s College,Drumcondra
Name of Institution / Dublin City University (DCU) incorporating Mater Dei Institute of Education and St. Patrick’s College, DrumcondraWhat options are there for mature students? / DCU welcome applications from mature students. For application information, please visit .
Mature applicants may apply to transfer from another institution. In some cases, this can be for advanced entry. For further information, please visit,
DCU offers a range of post entry supports for mature students, for further information, please visit
How do I apply? / All mature applicants should apply through the CAO by February 1st in the year of entry.
Special Categories:Mature applicants to Nursing/Midwifery must apply to the CAO by 1st February using the mature application CAO codes (DC225/DC226/DC227/DC228). No late applications are accepted.In addition to the CAO application, Mature Nursing/Midwifery applicants must register and apply to the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on Applicants will undertake a written assessment arranged by the Irish Nursing Board. For further information please see
Mature applicants for the Bachelor of Education (Honours Degree) (DC002 & DC003) must apply to CAO by 1st February. In March, those meeting the eligibility criteria will receive a supplementary form and instructions for completing and submitting this form. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and complete the supplementary form will be invited to attend for an interview and test.
What do I need to include with my application? / For many programmes at DCU, experience other than examination grades may be taken into consideration. Assessment is based in your CAO application, supplementary information supplied during the application process (transcripts, certificates etc.) and in some instances, an assessment and/or interview.
For some courses, however, there are specific Leaving Certificate requirements. In all cases, the university will want to ensure that you have the ability and motivation to succeed in your studies at DCU.
Special Requirements:DC002 & DC003 Bachelor of Education. All applicants must present a minimum of HC3 in no fewer than three subjects and a minimum of OD3 in three other subjects to include HC3 in Irish; OC3 or HD3 in English; OD3 in Mathematics.
Do I need to do an interview or entry test? / For entry to some programmes, there is an assessment and/or interview. Applicants may be called for interview in late March or early April.
Where can I get further information on the application, admission process and entry criteria? / For general information on programmes available in DCU, please visit our website, To request a prospectus, use the following link,
For further information about applying to DCU, use the following link, or contact the DCU Registry Office on 01 7005338 or by email on
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Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)
Name of Institution / Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)What options are there for mature students? / Mature applicants can apply for any course in DIT.
There is no guarantee of a place especially in popular courses.
DIT run an access course for mature students see
If appropriate, a mature student may gain entry into the second or subsequent year of a course through advanced entry.
How do I apply? / Apply to DIT through the CAO by February 1ston the year of entry.
Late applications will be accepted up to the 1stMay (subject to a late application fee) butthere is no guarantee that late applications will be assessed. There is no late application on restricted programmes
For advanced entry to the second or subsequent year of a course apply through the CAO. See
What do I need to include with my application? / Additional information such asqualifications,descriptions of work experience, background interests, voluntary work etc. mustbe posted or emailed to the CAO.These will be forwarded to DIT.Documentssupporting your application such as CVs, transcripts, accreditations, qualifications, personal statements and/or references should be photocopied with your CAO number written on them and sent to the CAO as soon as you can after application.Decisions on applications are often made based on what a student has provided to CAO. Not every programme interviews applicants so it is important that students provide documentation with their applications in order to have their application assessed.
Keep a record of what you send and do not send original documents. Make sure your CAO number is clearly written on all documents.
Do I need to do an interview or entry test? / For many programmes there is an interview, audition or portfolio review process.
More details are available to applicants expected to sit a test, submit a portfolio or attend an interview here.
There is a Maths Competency Test for applicants to Engineering Level 8 Degree Programmes. More details here
Where can I get further information on the application, admission process and entry criteria? / See
For a prospectus see
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)
Name of Institution / Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)What options are there for mature students? / A minimum of 20% of first year places on allprogrammes are reserved for mature applicants. (Please note that entry to Nursing and Midwifery programmes are managed by the Nursing Careers Centre of the Nursing Board -please contact them directly for information on mature entry to these programmes).
Applied Music, Performing Arts and Community Youth Work assess mature applications at the same time as they audition / interview all applications to these programmes.
How do I apply? / All applications must be made through the CAO by 1st February and the supplementary application form relating to mature applications must be completed on the CAO form.
What do I need to include with my application? / You should send the CAO copies of all relevant documentation to support your application e.g. examination transcripts, training certificates, employer references, etc. You should also include a personal statement - please feel free to include more than one personal statement if you have applied for a range of programmes at DkIT.
In the interests of fairness to all applicants, only information that is supported by evidence will be taken into account.
Keep a record of what you send and do not send original documents. Make sure your CAO number is clearly written on all documents.
Do I need to do an interview or entry test? / No. Academic staff assess applications based on the documentation supplied by the applicant (including one or more personal statements).
Where can I get further information on the application, admission process and entry criteria? /
Further queries should be directed to
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Institute of Art Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire (IADT)
Name of Institution / Institute of Art Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire (IADT)What options are there for mature students? / Mature applicants can apply for any course in IADT.
A number of places are reserved for mature students on all courses in IADT.
Limited places may be available each year for advanced entry or transfer to some programmes, e.g. direct entry to 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of a programme. More information is available here
How do I apply? / Apply to IADT through the CAO by February 1st on the year of entry.
Late applications will be accepted up to the 1st May (subject to a late application fee). There is no late application on the following BA (Hons) programmes:
DL 826 Visual Communication Design, DL827 Visual Arts Practice, DL828 Model making; Design and Digital Effects, DL829 Design for Stage and Screen; Make Up Design, DL 830 Design for Stage and Screen; Production Design, DL 832 Animation, DL833 Photography, DL 834 Film and Television Production.
What do I need to include with my application? / As a mature applicant, it is essential that you provide all relevant supporting documentation such as CV, transcripts, certificates, assessment results or other suitable information from courses previously taken for consideration as outlined on page 14 and 15 of the CAO handbook. These can be sent to the CAO directly.
Keep a record of what you send and do not send original documents. Make sure your CAO number is clearly written on all documents that you send for consideration.
If applying for a programme in the Department of Film and Media and the Department of Design and Visual Arts, you must submit a portfolio for assessment. Portfolio requirements and guidance are available here
Do I need to do an interview or entry test? / You may be invited to an informal interview to discuss your application and any additional provisions that may be necessary to ensure your full participation on programmes.
Where can I get further information on the application, admission process and entry criteria? /
The Access office may be able to support you in making an application. Details here
Information on open days for entry in 2014 here
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