There are a number of different application mechanisms for UCD:
The Central Applications Office (CAO)
In general EU/EFTA/UK applicants to UCD apply via CAO (exceptions to this are distance and online learning and applicants who are seeking to enter with advanced standing).
UCD Registry - Admissions is responsible for assessing applications and allocating places to meet the agreed quotas which are supplied to admissions by 1 March prior to entry.
More information about applying via CAO..
Direct application via UCD Applications
The following applicants apply direct to UCD via UCD Applications.
- Graduate Taught applicants (exceptions under other routes)
- Graduate Research (but not for all programmes)
- Applicants for certificates and diplomas
- International (non-EU students) for undergraduate programmes
- Exchange students (e.g. Erasmus)
- Post stage 1 undergraduate transfer applicants
UCD Registry - Admissions' role in this is managing the application system. Decisions are made by programme areas or by UCD Global
Transfer applicants
Please see details of the roles and responsibilities in this process.
- Transfer applications to undergraduate degrees apply via CAO for stage 1 (NB must declare previous third level) or direct to UCD for post stage 1.
- Postgraduate transfer applicants apply direct to UCD in the normal way and may apply for recognition of prior learning.
Other Routes
Applications for the
- Professional Master's in Education
- Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Public Health)
are currently made through the (opens in a new window)Postgraduate Application Centre (PAC).