The deadlines and process to apply to universities may vary. Always check with the university/program for specific requirements.
Note: the application process is later than the UK because Irish unis will wait for the Irish exam results to come out in late August. Therefore, students will not hear from Ireland until after confirmation on UCAS. However, since you can withdraw from your confirmed UCAS place up until the day you turn up to university and start, you could withdraw when you get your CAO decision... if you want to.
the cost of study in Ireland can vary depending on your country of residence. Many students in the UK and European Union (EU) can apply for the free fees initiative. Through this scheme, the Department of Further and Higher Education pays course fees to the institution. Then, students pay a separate student contribution of €3,000 per year.
Students from other countries may have to fund their own courses or apply for a student loan. Currently, the cost of an undergraduate course in Ireland can range between €9,850 and €55,000, depending on the course.
Always check with each university/programme to inquire about tuition, fees, and possible financial aid and scholarships.
See more general information about tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities here.
Most universities in Ireland accept the IBDP program. You can find specific information about which universities recognize the program and the specific course requirements here: https://recognition.ibo.org/en-US/. Always check the individual university websites to find their unique requirements.
IB to CAO score conversion: https://www.tcd.ie/study/apply/admission-requirements/undergraduate/index.php#cao
"If you are a May 2024 IB candidate, please ask your IB coordinator to list ‘Central Applications Office’ among the list of institutions that will have permission to access your results. In this way, when results are released, CAO will be able to access your May 2024 results (only) online and add them to your application file. We will then supply them to the Higher Education Institutions that you have applied to for their consideration." (CAO)
Didn't get the IB diploma? Don't panic! Read the guide here.
If you are interested in applying to study medicine in Ireland, please note that you will have to do the HPAT assessment test which was introduced for EU students applying for undergraduate medicine in the medical schools in Ireland. The score achieved in the HPAT-Ireland examination will be added to the Leaving Certificate points to create a total points score. Students will be eligible to compete for undergraduate medicine places provided they achieve a minimum of 480* points AND meet the matriculation requirements of the Medical School
*subject to change year on year.
For all non-EU applicants please contact the International Office in the college you are interested in applying to.
Students may want to consider using the CommonApp system if applying to schools in multiple countries or find the local system very confusing and difficult to navigate. The CommonApp, while typically used for US colleges/universities, is a non-profit organization with a single application which can be used to apply to 1,000+ universities worldwide. This will help make the application system more efficient and easier to navigate.
You can search for available universities and programs of study in Ireland and other countries HERE.