Applications FAQs

The Course Catalogue lists all courses available on the application system. Courses currently accepting applications will have the option to Apply listed under the 'who should apply section'. Please note that applications to certain graduate research programmes are not made through the course catalogue, if you do not see your preferred research area on this page, please consult with the Graduate Studies page on the research application process. When you have identified your preferred research area then you can consult with the relevant School on their application process.

In the Course Catalogue, you can refine the list of courses by using keywords. This will display all relevant courses in alphabetical order. You can click on the course title for more information.

To apply, please use the Apply button for that course. Please pay particular attention to the term and application type when applying.

If you select one of the menu options (for example, a particular discipline or College), it will refine the search. Please be sure you have selected the correct option.

Please note that applications to certain graduate research programmes are not made through the course catalogue. If you do not see your preferred research area on this page, please consult the Graduate Studies page on the research application process. When you have identified your preferred research area then you can consult with the relevant School on their application process.

If you have already selected Apply and started an application for a course, go to My Applications at the top of the application portal after logging in. From there, you can access your application.

To return to an application you’ve already started, log in to your application account on the UCD Applications website by clicking Sign in to Existing Account and selecting My Applications.

With some exceptions, courses open for application on 1 October each year and generally remain open to applications until all places are filled. If there is a specific closing date for applications to a particular course, it will be listed in the Course Search.

If a closing date is not listed there, the relevant School may be able to advise you further.

To confirm whether there is a known opening date for a course that is currently closed to applications, please contact the relevant School directly. 

To return to your application account, visit the UCD Registry website.

This message means that your new application record was merged with an existing UCD student number/applicant ID.

You will receive an automatic email when your application record is merged, explaining how to log in to your account in future. If you still experience a difficulty logging in, you can contact the UCD Applications team.

Your Application ID number (your unique reference in the system) and UCD ID number are listed in the Application Details section. This section is located on the right-hand side after you log in to your application.

It is not possible to change the course after the application has been submitted.

If you have applied for the wrong course, and you have not submitted the application, it will not go forward to be assessed and you can simply disregard it.

You can create a new application for the correct course by selecting Apply on the course page. 

If you submitted an application and wish to withdraw it, you can contact the Admissions Team.

Once you select the Complete Task option for a task in your application, you will no longer be able to make changes. Please contact the Admissions team to re-open a task if required. 

If you wish to include additional information, you can upload it as a document in the Additional Files section of the application. The document should be in the one of the following formats:  pdf, bmp, gif, jpg, jpeg, png.

Once a task is marked as completed, it is not possible to edit the information. If you need to make changes to a completed task, please contact the Admissions team for assistance.  

If you have not submitted the application, it will not go forward to be assessed and you can simply disregard it.

An application fee is normally payable for each term (e.g. for entry in September). You can make as many applications as you wish for the same term, with one application fee payment.

If you apply for a different term (e.g. for entry in January), that will normally require a separate application fee payment.

The application fee is normally €70. You can pay this fee using a credit or debit card via the payment link in the ‘Payments’ section on the right-hand side of your application.

If you encounter difficulties with payment or need information on alternative payment methods, the UCD Fee Payments office offers helpful tips and guidance. For more details, visit their website for information about application fee payments.

The preferred method is to use the upload facility in the Files section of your application. Only one document can be uploaded at a time. To upload additional documents, click the Add option after uploading the initial file. You can do this as many times as are necessary.

Accepted file formats include: pdf, bmp, gif, jpg, jpeg, png, with a maximum file size of 5 MB per document.

Please note: It is your responsibility to ensure your application, including all required supporting documents, is complete and submitted on time. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

References are not required for all courses. If a reference is needed, it will be listed as a requirement in your application.

You can provide referee contact details in the References section of your application. Alternatively, you may select No, complete the task, and move to the next section.

If you already have a reference letter, you can upload it directly under the Files section of your application.

For further queries:

• Contact the relevant School you are applying to.
• Non-EU applicants should contact UCD Global.

Note: UCD is subject to the Freedom of Information Acts (1997 and 2003). This means applicants can request any documentation submitted as part of the application process, including references sent directly by referees to UCD.

To confirm whether there is a deadline for supporting documentation, please contact the relevant School directly.

Please ensure your file is one of the correct formats. Only the following file extensions may be uploaded: pdf, bmp, gif, jpg, jpeg, png. The size limit for a document is 5 MB. Only a single document can be uploaded at any one time

Only a single document/file can be uploaded at any one time. To upload multiple files, please click the Add button to add additional files one by one. You can do this as many times as necessary. 

If you are receiving an error message or are unable to press Complete Task on the Files section, it may be due to uploading multiple files against a single file item.

Only a single document/file can be uploaded at any one time. To upload an additional document, please click the Add button. You can do this as many times as necessary. If you continue to receive an error message, please get in contact with the Admissions team. Files that were uploaded as multiples may need to be removed by Admissions.

The Additional Files section of the application form will always remain open. It remains open so you can supply additional documentation at a late stage, if needed.

You can see a summary of all files uploaded to your application under the Application Files tab, located beside the Application Tasks on the application.

Processing of completed applications may take an average of 20 working days; however, during busy periods it may take longer for some programmes. This may be due to how a programme assesses its applications i.e. in batches, by closing dates or an assessment of applications on a rolling basis. Assessment time depends on a number of factors that includes the complexity of the application, the volume of applications received, the timing of applicants' submission, the rate of acceptance, and the availability of faculty to review applications. Please note that this timeframe does not relate to applicants who apply via the CAO.

UCD operates a rolling admissions policy for graduate taught courses, with decisions issued as soon as possible after a submitted and complete application is received. An application is incomplete until you complete each task and pay the application fee, if applicable. 

Generally, courses will remain open to applications until all places are filled. Please note that some courses may have a specific closing date for applications. Please consult the Course Catalogue or contact the relevant School directly.

No confirmation email issues when a conditional offer is accepted. You can view your updated application status in your account.

To return to your application account, please go to the UCD Applications website and select Sign in to Existing Account to log in.

A deposit is normally payable to secure a place on most courses. Deposits are non-refundable. If you receive an offer and a deposit is payable, a payment link should appear on the Payment section, located on the right-hand side of your application.You can pay the deposit using a credit/debit card or one of the alternative methods of payment. In the case of a graduate research programme, please consult with the relevant School. 

Generally, you must accept an offer and pay the deposit within 14 days of the offer date, unless indicated otherwise in your offer letter.

Any request to extend the deadline for accepting an offer should be made directly to the office that issued the offer. Please see your offer letter for relevant contact details.

UCD has a comprehensive payments and refunds policy. Students who accept an offer of a place in UCD also accept the terms and workings of this policy.

Please contact the relevant School directly to request a refund of a deposit payment. 

In accordance with the Distance Selling Regulations, application fees are refundable upon submitting a written request through the Student Desk Connector within 14 days from date of receipt of payment. Please include your UCD student number / applicant ID number. If the request is in accordance with the Distance Selling Regulations, the refund will be processed and the relevant application(s) cancelled.

Please note that by submitting an application, you consent to the University proceeding with processing your application. If the University issues a decision in respect of your application within 14 days, you will lose your right to cancel and request a refund. This is because the application process will have been fully performed by the University.

If your application is successful, an offer will be entered on the system. You will receive an automatic email to say there has been activity in your account.

When you accept a full (i.e. unconditional) offer, a UCD student record will be created for you. If you have an existing UCD student number, you will continue to use it. If you do not have an existing UCD student number, one will be created for you.

You will receive an automatic email confirming your acceptance and informing you of your UCD student number.

As the UCD Applications team does not assess the applications, they are unable to provide feedback on a decision. Generally, you should contact the relevant School directly to request feedback. Non-EU applicants should contact UCD Global.

The granting of a deferral is at the discretion of the relevant School. 

Please contact the Student Desk team using the Student Desk Connector.

You can contact UCD Applications via the UCD Student Desk Connector.