Information for Direct Applicants to UCD

The following applicants apply direct to UCD via UCD Applications.

• Graduate Taught applicants* 
• Graduate Research (but not for all programmes)
• Applicants for certificates and diplomas
• International (non-EU students) for undergraduate programmes
• Exchange and occasional students (e.g. Erasmus)
• Transfer applicants
• Applications for modular study/microcredentials at the (opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)Advance Centreand UCD Microcredentials

The programmes that accept online applications can be found in the Course Catalogue.

First Time UCD Applicant or Not a UCD Student
Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to apply in our How to Apply to UCD Guide (pdf) or (opens in a new window)video tutorial.

Previously Registered User
You can log into the application system by selecting  'all other users' when prompted and use your UCD ID number as the username to log in. 

Current Registered UCD Student
If you are a currently registered  UCD student,  select 'Current students' when prompted and use your UCD connect email to log in.

Previous UCD Student

If you were a previous UCD student who is not currently registered, select 'all other users' when prompted and use your UCD ID number  to log in . 

UCD Staff
Staff who wish to apply for a course need to create an applicant account, unless they already have a UCD student account. Staff credentials cannot be used to apply for a course.

Click here to(opens in a new window) Sign in to an existing account and you will see 'My Applications ' in the top menu.

In general, applications for graduate taught programmes to start next September, open on 1 October. However, some applications may open at various stages throughout the year. 

It is advisable to make your application as quickly as possible as competition for places may result in courses reaching capacity soon after applications open. In general, courses remain open until such time as all places have been filled.

Closing dates vary and may be seen on thecourse catalogue if they are already decided. Most courses operate a rolling admissions policy with decisions being taken as soon as possible after receipt of completed applications. 

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.

Under immigration regulations, all non-EU/EEA students must be registered to a full-time programme.