Explore UCD

UCD Home >

AHSSL for Young Adults

AHSSL for Young Adult Applicants

If you're 21-years-old or younger on 1 January of the year you apply, you’ll need to meet specific access criteria and submit the required documentation. These criteria ensure the programme supports the goals of the National Access Plan 2022–2028, which aims to improve equity of access to higher education. 

APPLY NOW to start in September 2025.

The closing date for young adult applications to AHSSL for the 2025/26 academic year is 4 July. 

If you are applying as a Young Adult and meet the required (opens in a new window)access criteria- you will be eligible for a fee reduction - reducing fees from €890 to €445.

Access Criteria

To be eligible, you must meet at least three of the following:

  • Attended a DEIS post-primary school for at least two years
  • Your household income in 2024 was €55,924 or less (Please provide evidence of this with your application under the Files Section for e.g. A Statement of Liability (formerly a P21) or Self-Assessment Chapter 4 or complete this ((opens in a new window)Social Welfare Form) 
  • You or your family had a Medical/GP Visit Card valid on 31 December 2024 (Please provide evidence of this with your application i.e. a letter confirming that you are in receipt of a medical card/GP Visit Card or a copy of the valid card. It can be included in the Files Section of the application form)
  • Your family received a means-tested social welfare payment for at least 26 weeks in 2024 (If this applies to you, please download this (opens in a new window)Social Welfare form. You can upload the completed form with your online application. It can be included in the Files Section of the application form)
  • You live in an area classified as disadvantaged, very disadvantaged, or extremely disadvantaged
  • Your parents/guardians have not attended higher education. 

Are you already HEAR eligible for 2024 or 2025?

If so, all you need to do is provide proof of HEAR eligibility instead of evidence of the above criteria. 

To apply for AHSSL as a Young Adult you will need to download and complete the below forms. You can use this How to Apply: Step by Step Guide to assist you in completing the application. 

Access Criteria Information Sheet
Social Welfare Form

More info

You must be 21 or under on January 1st of the year you apply and must meet the stated (opens in a new window)access criteria.

If English is not your first language you must satisfy UCD’s English Language requirements. A score of 6.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required.

There are no other formal entry requirements but you must 

  • Be able to demonstrate a readiness to pursue third level programmes and a level of learning ability suitable to do so.
  • Share life experience and any formal or informal learning undertaken. Provide as much information as you think is relevant on the application form and please include all educational history.
  • Attend an informal interview and complete a short written assessment on the day. In the written assessment applicants must demonstrate engagement and interest in their response to the question. 

It is also important to note that applicants who already hold a higher education qualification (level 7 or above) are not eligible to apply.

Applications for the 2025/26 academic year are now open - apply now to start in September 2025. Please use this Step by Step Guide to assist you in completing the application. 

The closing date for young adult applications to AHSSL for the 2025/26 academic year is the 4 July. 

Once you have submitted an online application you will be invited to come and meet with us for an informal interview. During this time you will also be asked to produce a short written piece. In the written assessment we want you to demonstrate engagement and interest in your response to the question. This written piece will form the basis of a conversation where we can explore how the course meets your needs and expectations.

The interviews are an opportunity for you to discuss your study plans, as well as allowing us to advise whether the access course will be suited to you. After the interview you will be informed of whether you are being offered a place on the course.

Interviews are typically scheduled during June, July and August by arrangement.

Classes are timetable during the day and in the evening. For more information on these modules, including what and how you will learn, please click on their title below. Timetables can be subject to change.

Access students take six modules during the academic year, three per trimester, including these three mandatory 'Core' Modules:

  1. (opens in a new window)IDIS00010 First Steps - Introduction to Higher Education
  2. (opens in a new window)IDIS00020 Digital Literacy
  3. (opens in a new window)IDIS00030 Applied Academic Writing

and anythreeof the following 'Option' Modules:

Image of the UCD AHSSL Course Structure

Scholarships:

  • Sanctuary Programme Scholarship - Scholarship for International Protection (Asylum Seeker), Refugee, Subsidiary Protection, or Leave to Remain (except deportation stage) status and who are not eligible for other state support. Please visit the webpage for more details.

Bursaries:

Please see our Scholarships and Financial Support website for more information.

Please Note:

UCD Access and Lifelong Learning

University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 7123