Entry Requirements

South Africa

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General Requirements

National Senior Certificate

Award of NSC or Senior Cert with Matric Endorsement

If you're following international curriculum, please see the following links for entry requirements:
Cambridge A Level
International Baccalaureate Diploma

If you have previously studied at university, you may be eligible for direct entry in our courses. Please contact us for further information

English Language Requirements

National Senior Certificate:

40% if taken through English or English at AP, otherwise 60%

For additional information, please refer to 
UCD Minimum English Language Requirements

This page provides information and guidance on entry requirements for international (non-EU/ non-EEA) students only. Specific subjects and grades required for the programmes are detailed below. In addition, please note that the equivalences shown are the minimum required to be eligible for consideration on a competitive basis. The information provided below is subject to change and annual review

Please be advised that your fee assessment status determines how you should apply.

In all cases, UCD applicants who are granted EU fee status will only be admitted through the Central Applications Office (CAO) system and in line with CAO policies and procedures and National University of Ireland (NUI) matriculation regulations.

If you are eligible for EU fees please contact UCD Registry-Admissions for further advice (www.ucd.ie/askus).

Students with UK citizenship and who meet the residency requirement will continue to be assessed for EU fees in the normal manner and should apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO). All other prospective applicants with UK citizenship who are assessed for non-EU fees should apply direct to UCD. For more detailed information on the EU fee assessment process and the conditions which require a formal assessment to be submitted to UCD Registry, please refer to the EU Fee Assessment webpage.

 indicates course has alternate entry pathway through Liberal Arts & Sciences (LBS1)

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Maths

Other Language

Business  

BSS1

Commerce ‡‡

61% Average in 5 subjects

65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC

 

BSS2

Economics & Finance

100% Average in 5 subjects


OR


64% Average in 5 subjects & 50% in 1st Year Uni

In order to be competitive applicants require additional examinations e.g. SAT or present with International qualifications i.e. A Level / IB.

75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC or 75% Math AP in IEB NSC

 

BSW1

Commerce International

61% Average in 5 subjects

65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC

If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level

B722

BSc Business ‡‡

61% Average in 5 subjects

65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC

 

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Maths

Other Language

Law

BSJ4

Business & Law

61% Average in 5 subjects

65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC

 

LWS2

Law with French

61% Average in 5 subjects

 

80% in 1st Uni or 80% Math AP in IEB NSC in French 

LWS6

Law

61% Average in 5 subjects

 

 

LWW1

Law with Philosophy

61% Average in 5 subjects

 

 

LWW2

Law with History

61% Average in 5 subjects

 

 

LWW3 

Law with Politics 

61% Average in 5 subjects

 

 

LWW4

Law with Economics

61% Average in 5 subjects

65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC or 65% Math AP in IEB NSC

 

 LWW9

Law with Social Justice 

61% Average in 5 subjects

 

 

LWWD 

Criminology with Psychology 

61% Average in 5 subjects

 

 

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Other Language

Arts & Humanities

BAU4

BA Modern Languages

57% Average in 5 subjects

At least one Advanced Level language must be selected, 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language required. If studying two at Advanced Level, 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC required in both.

BAU5

BA Arts (2 subjects) ‡‡

50% Average in 5 subjects

If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level

 

For Mathematics subject combinations, we strongly recommend that you also have at least a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in Mathematics.

AYS1

Languages, Linguistics and Cultures

50% Average in 5 subjects

If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level

CCS2

Creative & Cultural Industries 

50% Average in 5 subjects

 

CAS1

Classics, Art History and Archaeology

50% Average in 5 subjects

 

CAS2

Classics, English and History

50% Average in 5 subjects

 

ENS5

English Literature

50% Average in 5 subjects

 

ENS6

English with Creative Writing

50% Average in 5 subjects

 

ENS7

English, Drama and Film

50% Average in 5 subjects

 

HPS1

History And Politics

50% Average in 5 subjects

 

HSS3

History

50% Average in 5 subjects

 

HSS5

Global Studies

50% Average in 5 subjects

If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level

HSS6

European Studies

50% Average in 5 subjects

If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level

ISS1

Irish Studies

50% Average in 5 subjects

 

MCS4

Music, Film and Drama

50% Average in 5 subjects

 

MCS5

Music

50% Average in 5 subjects

 

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Liberal Arts &

Sciences

LBS1

Liberal Arts and Sciences

54% Average in 5 subjects

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Maths

Sustainability

STS1

BSc Sustainability

61% Average in 5 subjects

65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Maths

Other Language

Social

Sciences

COS1

Philosophy, Politics & Economics

57% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

 

ECS4

BSc Economics

57% Average in 5 subjects

70% in 1st Uni or 80% in NSC or 70% Math AP in IEB NSC

 

EMS1

Economics, Mathematics & Statistics

57% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

 

PCS2

BSc Psychology

67% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

 

PTS5

BSc in Politics and International Relations

57% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

 

SBU2

BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology

57% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

 

SBU3

BSc Social Science (2 Subjects) ‡‡

57% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

Please Note: In order to study Mathematics, a 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC or 75% Math AP in IEB NSC in Mathematics is required.

In order to study Economics, a 50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC in Mathematics is required.

German: In First Year two streams are offered, one for absolute beginners and another for non-beginners. For the non-beginners level a minimum of 75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC or equivalent is required.

 SCS1

Computational Social Science

57% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

 

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Maths

Lab Science

Engineering ‡

NUS1

Engineering Omnibus‡

61% Average in 5 subjects

75% in 1st Uni or 90% in NSC or 75% Math AP in IEB NSC

Pilot for 2026/27

Ecctis OMPT-D: 55%

65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Maths

Architecture  

LDS2

Landscape Architecture

54% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

RCS3

City Planning & Environmental Policy ‡‡

54% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

ATS4

Architecture ‡‡

61% Average in 5 subjects (452)

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Maths

Lab Science

Science,

Computer Science

&

Actuarial Science  

BSS3

Actuarial and Financial Studies

100% Average in 5 subjects (525)


OR


64% Average in 5 subjects & 50% in 1st Year Uni

In order to be competitive applicants require additional examinations e.g. SAT or present with International qualifications i.e. A Level / IB.

85% in 1st Uni or 85% Math AP in IEB NSC

 

CSSA

Computer Science

61% Average in 5 subjects

65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC

 

Science programmes, including:

SCU1

Science - Explore Multiple Streams ‡‡

61% Average in 5 subjects

65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC

65% in 1st Uni or 70% in NSC

BLS1

Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences ‡‡

CHS2

Chemistry ‡ (includes Medicinal/Sustainable/Biophysical)‡

EES1

Earth & Environmental Sciences ‡‡

MHS2

Mathematics ‡ (includes Applied/Financial/Statistics)‡

PYS2

Physics ‡ (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)‡

Check out the Science Brochure for details!

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Maths

Lab Science 

Agricultural

Science

ANS1

Animal Science ‡‡

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

CPS1

Animal & Crop Production ‡‡

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

CPS3

Crop Science ‡‡

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

DBS1

Dairy Business ‡‡

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

EQS1

Animal Science - Equine ‡‡

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

ESS1

AgriEnvironmental Science ‡‡

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

ETS2

Agricultural Systems & Technology

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

FAS1

Food and Agribusiness

Management ‡‡

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

FAW1

Food Business with Chinese

Studies ‡‡

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

FOS1

Forestry ‡‡

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

FSS2

Food Science ‡‡

57% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

FSS6

Sustainable Food Systems

57% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

HLS6

Horticulture ‡‡

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

HMS1

Human Nutrition ‡‡

67% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

UAS1

Agricultural Science - Omnibus

(You can decide on your area of

study during first year).

55% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Maths

Lab Science 

Health Science

BHS1

Biomedical, Health & Life Sciences

67% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

MDS2

Medicine 

64% Average in 5 subjects & 59% in 1st Year Uni

In order to be competitive applicants require additional examinations e.g. SAT or present with International qualifications i.e. A Level / IB.

+ Interview

Successful applicants often present with a stronger academic background.

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

MDS4

Radiography

65% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

MDS5

Physiotherapy

100% Average in 5 subjects 


OR


64% Average in 5 subjects & 50% in 1st Year Uni

In order to be competitive applicants require additional examinations e.g. SAT or present with International qualifications i.e. A Level / IB.

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

MDSS

Diagnostic Radiography

(Graduate Entry)

The 2.5-year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8) with a minimum of Second Class Honours and above, or equivalent. 

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

MDS9

Medicine (Graduate Entry)

The 4-year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold or are expected to hold a 4-year Bachelor degree(NFQ Level 8) in any discipline with a minimum overall Second Class Honours (Upper Division) and above, or equivalent.  Additionally, all applicants are required to submit a current GAMSAT* or MCAT* score (minimum 57 and 503 respectively). Although only graduates are eligible to apply for this programme, the graduate Medicine degree is equivalent in standard to the undergraduate Medicine degree.

*Currency of Results: GAMSAT: must have been taken within two years from 01 September prior to the start of programme (i.e. for admission in September 2026, the earliest acceptable test date would be 01 September 2024). MCAT: must have been taken within two years from 01 August prior to the start of programme (i.e. for admission in September 2026, the earliest acceptable test date would be 01 August 2024).

Students who have previously been unsuccessful in any Medicine programme (i.e. have not met academic or other requirements within the programme) or have any issues which would affect their registration with the Irish Medical council will only be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis in exceptional circumstances, to be considered by the Medicine programme board.

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Maths

Lab Science 

Sports &

Performance

MDSK

Sport, Health & Exercise Science

65% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

SMS2

Sport & Exercise Management

61% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

 

Code

Description

2026 Entry Requirements

Maths

Lab Science 

Veterinary Medicine

VTS1 

Veterinary Medicine

66% Average in 5 subjects & 50% in 1st Year Uni

In order to be competitive applicants require additional examinations e.g. SAT or present with International qualifications i.e. A Level / IB.

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

Chemistry 70% in 1st Uni or 80% in NSC

Applicants must normally have at least 60 hours practical experience relevant to animal handling. This must have been undertaken in the last three years i.e. for entry in 2026, between 1st February 2023 and 5th July 2026, and all details must be submitted by 5th July 2026 to be taken into consideration. This must include experience with at least two of the following four animal categories: Pets, Horses, Farm Animals, Wildlife/Zoos. For full details and to complete your records of experience, please click here for more information.  

VTS2

Veterinary Nursing

61% Average in 5 subjects

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

50% in 1st Uni or 40% in NSC

VTS3

Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry)

The 4 year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold or are expected to hold a 4-year Bachelor degree in a biological / biomedical / animal science discipline with a minimum of Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or above [or equivalent]. For full details about the application and assessment procedures, including information about pre-requisites, please refer to the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine website: www.ucd.ie/vetmed

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