How do I apply to UCD as a mature student?

Information on applying to UCD as a mature student via the Mature Years Entry Pathway can be found on the dedicated UCD Admissions Webpage.  Several courses in UCD require mature applicants to complete an assessment as part of the application process, usually:

• MSAP-Ireland or  (for Arts, Social Science, Law, Agricultural Science and Science applicants)
• HPAT-Ireland (for undergraduate Medicine applicants)
• Nursing Written Assessment (Please see Nursing Careers for details)

Are there other pathways I could consider?

In addition, you may also qualify to apply to UCD via the QQI-FET pathway,  Pathway,  Pathway or via one of the four UCD Social Sciences progression routes.  You can apply under as many pathways as you qualify for.

What’s the deadline for accepting my offer?

It’s important that you accept your offer by the deadline, which is 3pm on 13th of July.

How do I accept my offer/place?

Confirm your place in the course by accepting your offer. UCD Registry have full instructions on how to accept your offer.

All mature applicants who accept an offer in UCD will be invited to take part in the Access and Lifelong Learning  (ALL) Student Welcome. 

How do I request a deferral?

If you receive a firm offer and wish to defer it you would have to complete a deferral form via registry . More information on deferring is available through UCD Registry.

When are my fees due?

There are two payment deadlines for Undergraduate, 1/3 of the total programme fee is due by the first deadline and 2/3 of the total programme fee is due by the second deadline. A calendar for these deadlines is available from the Student Fees Office.

Do I qualify for Free Fees?

All students with a gap between their Leaving Certificate and entry must apply for a fee assessment.

If you are unsure if you qualify for Free Fees, you may wish to use this Free Fees Self Assessment to help check your eligibility.

Do I have to pay the Student Contribution Charge and Student Centre Levy?

The Student Contribution is covered by SUSI for qualifying students. The Student Centre Levy must be paid even if you qualify for Free Fees.

Are there scholarships?

Mature students are eligible to apply for a number of scholarships in UCD including: UCD Cothrom na Féinne, the Sanctuary Programme and the UCD 1916 Leaders and Learners Bursary 2021-2022.

Visit our Scholarship page for full details on how to apply, opening dates, and our online application forms. For guidance on completing your application form please see our video guide to applying for our scholarships and writing a strong application.

Are there any financial supports for mature students?

Everyone’s personal circumstances are different and the cost of studying varies from student to student; however, a good starting point when considering your finances is this Mature Student Finance guide from UCD Registry. 

There are a number of supports available to Mature Students which you may wish to explore:

• The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is the main financial support available for eligible students attending full-time programmes. You can quickly determine your eligibility for SUSI using their Eligibility Reckoner.  

The priority closing date for new applications is 8th July 2021. Applicants can still apply after that, but priority will be given to those who applied before 8th July 2020. Any queries regarding the final application date should be directed to SUSI.

• Scholarships - There are a number of scholarship programmes open to Mature Students through UCD ALL including: UCD Cothrom na Féinne, the Sanctuary Programme and the UCD 1916 Leaders and Learners Bursary 2021-2022. Visit our Scholarship page for full details on how to apply, opening dates, and our online application forms. 

Outside of UCD there are also scholarships aimed specifically at adult learners, one of the largest is Uversity.

National Childcare Scheme - This provides universal and income-based subsidies to pay for childcare for children under the age of 15. You can determine what you may be entitled to using their Subsidy Calculator.

Student Assistance Funds - There are a number of student assistance funds, including specific funds for part-time learners and students who are parents. There is also a college-wide Student Support Fund which is administered by the UCD Student Advisers.

Laptop Loan Scheme -  To fully participate in your studies it is strongly recommended that you have access to your own laptop. The laptop loan scheme is a means-tested scheme which aims to provide students with their own laptop to support their learning. 

Where can I find the UCD Term Dates?

You can find the Academic Calendar, term dates and important events through the Key Dates page.

A helpful way to stay organised is to add the Key Dates calendar to your own Add the Students Key dates Calendar to your own Google Calendar.

When will I know my Timetable?

Your timetable will depend on your module choices, your tutorials and lab times - every student has an individual timetable which can be accessed through SISWeb.

Your Timetable will not be available to you until you have completed Registration and selected your modules. Before term starts, you will be sent an email with a ‘Start Time’ for you to log onto SISweb and select your modules. It is important that you log in on time to do this. UCD Registry offers a full guide on how to select your modules.

When selecting your modules it is a good idea to carefully read the module descriptor, this will indicate when lectures, labs and tutorials are due to take place and will help to give you a picture of your timetable.

Where will I find my timetable?

Your timetable will be available to you after the module registration. It will be available on your SISWeb account.

What other supports are available to me as a UCD Student?

All students entering UCD can access a range of supports. Please visit the UCD Student Services Guide 

I’m worried I don’t have the necessary digital skills. What can I do?

Digital Skills are important as a student e.g. you will need to type up all of your assignments and submit them through Brightspace (our Virtual Learning Environment). To get started we would recommend that you check out the UCD IT Services Start of Term Guide which takes you through all of the systems you’ll use as a UCD student.If you need support with your digital skills, our Digital Ambassadors provide drop-in sessions to help students develop their necessary digital skills to succeed in UCD. Take a look at some of the Useful resources created by our Digital Ambassadors.

Are there Childcare Facilities in UCD?

Yes, UCD has a private Creche on Campus. It caters for children from four months to 8 years. All queries can be made by contacting the creche directly.  More information is available on the creche website. Please note that this facility is not managed by UCD, it is a private Creche.