Who should apply through the CAO?
Your residency and/or nationality determines how you should make an application to TU Dublin.
Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.
- Non-EU International applicants apply online through the TU Dublin application system linked on each course page.
For full details, please visit https://www.tudublin.ie/study/undergraduate/cao/entry-routes/how-to-apply/
Does the order of my CAO course choices matter?
Yes, the order is very important and will influence the offers you receive. The CAO processes your application based on a strict Genuine Order of Preference. Always place your absolute dream course at number 1, followed by your second favourite, and so on. For further information, please visit the CAO website.
Can I change my CAO choices after applying?
Yes. You can change your CAO course choices after applying. During the CAO Change of Mind period (up to 1 July), you can add, remove, reorder, or replace most courses as often as you like. Note that restricted courses cannot be added after their deadline. Please visit the CAO website for full details.
Can I apply for more than one TU Dublin course?
Yes. We strongly recommend that students fully complete the CAO application form in order to keep your options open and to maximise your application.
On the CAO you can list up to 10 choices for Level 8 degrees and up to 10 choices for Level 6/7 degrees. You must rank these in genuine order of preference, as you will only receive an offer for the highest-choice course for which you qualify
Is it too late to apply for an undergraduate course this year?
If you haven't submitted a CAO application by the closing date of 1 May, it's too late to apply for undergraduate courses through the CAO for that academic year. The 1 May deadline is the final deadline for late applications.
If you've already submitted a CAO application by 1 May, you can still change your course choices during the free Change of Mind period (typically until 1 July), although restrictions apply to some courses.
I missed the CAO application deadline. Can I still apply for a course?
The only possible option for people who missed the CAO deadline (May 1st) would be any courses that become available through Available Places after the first round of offers are issued in August. Any programmes with remaining vacancies will be listed on the CAO Available Places website, and eligible applicants may apply at that stage, provided they meet the minimum entry requirements. At present, we do not know which courses, if any, will be available, so you would need to check the CAO website after offers are released in August.
Are there Available Places after the main CAO offers are issued?
After the main CAO Round One offers are issued, some courses may still have unfilled places. These are listed as Available Places on the CAO website, and eligible applicants can apply if they meet the course's minimum entry requirements. We do not know what courses, if any, will have available places until after the initial round of offers are made in August.
What are the minimum entry requirements?
Minimum entry requirements vary by course and are detailed on each individual course page. In order to be considered for a place, applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements and achieve the CAO points quota.
What grade do I need in Foundation Level Mathematics or Irish?
We accept Foundation Level Mathematics for the purposes of entry requirements the case of any course where Higher or Ordinary Level Mathematics is not a requirement. Please check the course page to ensure you are aware of the individual math requirement.
Points are awarded as follows:
- F1 = 20 points
- F2 = 12 points
For the most part the University will not consider Foundation Level Irish for the purposes of entry requirements or for points, however a grade F3 in Foundation level Irish is acceptable for meeting the minimum entry requirements for some Higher Certificate courses. Students with an F3 in Foundation level Irish must have passed five other subjects with a minimum grade of O6 including Math, students should check on individual course pages to determine if their foundation Irish grade is sufficient.
How do bonus points for Higher Level Mathematics work?
25 bonus points will continue to be awarded for Higher Level Mathematics for H6 grades and above. Bonus points are only counted where that subject is scored as one of the applicant’s best six subjects for points purposes.
Which courses require a portfolio, audition or interview?
The following courses require a portfolio as part of the application:
- TU975 (Interior Design)
- TU973 (Design – Visual Communication)
- TU974 (Fine Art)
- TU795 (Visual Merchandising & Display)
- TU832 (Architecture)
Please see https://www.tudublin.ie/study/undergraduate/cao/entry-requirements/portfolio-submission/ for full details.
Courses which require an Auditions/Interviews/Test are detailed at:
https://www.tudublin.ie/study/undergraduate/cao/entry-requirements/auditions-interviews/.
How can I apply using a QQI/FET qualification?
QQI applications must be made through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Specific QQI requirements are detailed on each course page. A detailed guide on how to apply with a QQI qualification can be found at https://www.tudublin.ie/study/undergraduate/cao/entry-routes/qqi-fet-applicants/.
I am a student from from the EU/UK/Ukraine - How do I apply?
Applications are welcome from EU Students, students from the UK and students from the Ukraine. In all cases, applicants are required to meet the minimum entry requirements for the course they are applying for, and the application must be made via through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
You are advised to refer to the EU qualification Entry requirements to see how your non-Irish qualification compares to the Irish system.
Full details on applying as an EU Student can be found here: https://www.tudublin.ie/study/undergraduate/cao/entry-routes/eu-applicants/
Regarding documentation, you would need to submit copies of any school leaving certificates, copies of college certificates and examination transcripts when making your application.
I will be applying as an international (Non-EU) student. How do I apply?
Non-EU students typically make their application directly to the TU Dublin International Admissions Office if you meet either/or of these criteria:
- You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years
- You have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
- You hold Non-EU Nationality and you live in a Non-EU country.
A detailed guide on applying as an International Student can be found at https://www.tudublin.ie/study/international/how-to-apply/undergraduate-courses/
You should also refer to our International Student hub for a comprehensive guide on Visas, Fees, Living in Ireland etc: https://www.tudublin.ie/study/international/
What is Advanced Entry?
If an applicant already holds certified educational achievements and/or work experience in a relevant field, it may be possible to apply for entry to the second or subsequent year of an undergraduate course. This process is known as an “Advanced Entry” application.
Courses which are open for Advanced Entry are listed on the CAO website.
Advanced Entry onto a course is not guaranteed. The number of Advanced Entry places differs from year to year, and the option for advance entry will depend on availability of places.
How do I check the status of my CAO or direct application?
You can check the status of your CAO application by logging into your CAO account, while direct applicants such as postgraduate or non-EU students can log into the TU Dublin application portal used to submit their application.
Can I apply directly to TU Dublin without going through the CAO?
Some TU Dublin undergraduate courses accept direct applications without going through the CAO, and international or postgraduate applicants may also apply directly through TU Dublin’s online application system.
What is the closing date for CAO applications?
The standard closing date for CAO applications to TU Dublin is 1 February in the year of entry, while late applications close on 1 May.
Is there a mature student entry route?
Special considerations apply to mature applicants. Learn more on the Mature Applications page.
What is the DARE/HEAR access scheme?
DARE and HEAR are access schemes that support students with disabilities or socio-economic disadvantages. More information is available via the Disability Support Service: https://www.tudublin.ie/for-students/student-services-and-support/
How do I apply under the DARE or HEAR scheme?
DARE is a reduced-points access scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities impacted their second-level education, while HEAR is a reduced-points scheme for students affected by socio-economic disadvantage; both schemes support eligible applicants applying to TU Dublin through the CAO.
What supporting documents are required with my application?
EU undergraduate applicants usually apply through the CAO, and any required supporting documents depend on the course and entry route, with details provided through the CAO and individual TU Dublin course pages. For international students, supporting documents for a TU Dublin application may include your passport, academic transcripts, grading scale, degree or completion certificate, proof of English proficiency, and an up-to-date CV, with some courses requiring additional documents.