Advice for Prospective Irish/EU/EEA Students

Yes, the dates of term have been delayed.

In 2020, for first year undergraduates term will start on 28 September. Please note that entrants to  Stage 1 of the  Graduate Entry programmes  Veterinary Medicine (DN301/VTS3), Medicine (DN401/MDS9 ) and Radiography (DN411/MDSJ ) will start on September 21st. This is also the start date for later stages at undergraduate level and for graduate programmes.

Please see full term dates

We understand that the current COVID-19 crisis has created real uncertainty for all our future students, particularly those who need to travel from outside the Ireland to take up their place at UCD. We're absolutely committed to delivering the highest-quality learning and student experience at UCD and we're very much looking forward to seeing students on campus as soon as we can; however, we recognise that this might not be possible for a little while.

We're currently planning for every eventuality in order to follow Irish government advice and either begin the new semester wholly online, or deliver some activity on campus but provide our lectures and some other aspects of learning online. What this means is that students will still be able to engage with their programme effectively, and receive the highest quality learning and student experience, no matter what the circumstances.

For more detailed information, please see the Covid FAQs for students

In September, the University intends to reopen the campus within the national public health guidelines and to give you the best possible campus and blended learning experience so that you can engage in university life with your fellow students and with UCD faculty and staff.

For full guidelines please see the FAQs for Students

Yes the 2020 calculated grades and 2020 Leaving Certificate examination will count as a single sitting for points purposes.

However, it is most unlikely the results of the examination will issue in time to start a course in 2020 - applicants who become entitled to a place following the issue of the examination results will be given a deferral to 2021.

Not necessarily. In the extraordinary circumstances of 2020, students who have applied for a calculated grade in a subject or subjects in the Leaving Certificate 2020, with a view to satisfying matriculation/minimum entry requirements and for whom the Executive Office for Calculated Grades has been unable to award a Calculated Grade in the subject(s), will be granted an exemption in the subject(s) solely for matriculation/minimum entry purposes where the requirement is O6/H7.  (These exemptions will be granted automatically: it will not be necessary for students to apply individually.)

Please note this exemption will apply in 2020 only – you are advised to sit the subject in the Leaving Certificate later in the year if you may need it for future applications.

The subject(s) will count as a subject(s) for matriculation but will not attract points and the exemption(s) cannot be used to satisfy programme requirements greater than O6/H7.

For full details of UCD entry requirements please visit our website.

Your application is important to us and we are continuing to assess all applications in the usual way. If you are concerned about how Covid-19 may affect your plans to study at UCD after you’ve received a decision from the University, please read the advice being shared with current students on campus.

Since the points levels in any year are determined by the Leaving Certificate results of those who apply, it is not possible to forecast how many points will be necessary to gain entry this year, or at any future date.

In this respect, this year is no different to any other year.

We will endeavour to be as flexible as possible with timelines for submission of results. If you are aware that your results will be delayed, please upload a note to this effect in the "additional documents" checklist item in your application.

At the moment we have no plans to alter the start of our Academic Year for graduate programmes but any updates will be posted on our websites.

All new applications for study at UCD are treated in the usual way, irrespective of where you are from or currently reside. We are monitoring the situation closely and will update these FAQs as necessary. 

Yes – please still apply as the situation in all countries will change a lot over the next few months. Most of our courses are still open for 2020, and we continue to welcome new applications at all study levels. If your application is successful, we will be in touch with you about the next steps leading up to registration. We will continue to follow public health guidance and will be sure to notify any affected applicants should alternative arrangements apply.

The deferral option is open to applicants in the normal way. You should follow the procedures relevant to you

• CAO Applicants

• All other applicants

 Please note deferrals are not automatically granted.

No, at the moment our accommodation application deadlines are unchanged.  For the latest information visit our Accommodation website. In advance of campus accommodation bookings opening, incoming students will receive information, via email, with details of the accommodation booking process.

To support students who cannot attend campus in the early part of the trimester for personal or travel reasons, the University is proposing at-distance alternatives for undergraduate and taught masters students, with the expectation that these students will attend campus when it is possible for them to do so.

If your examination is one which we normally recognise, we will continue to accept the results provided they are formally issued by the examining body, in accordance with the timelines for 2020 admissions.

However, we will keep the situation under review and if there is a significant difference in grade distribution relative to Leaving Certificate results, we reserve the right to implement a system of proportionality.

We understand some of the providers are likely to offer alternative means of assessment in the coming weeks. We are also recognising Duolingo Test of English for 2020 only. This can be examined remotely. Please check our English language tests page  for a full list of recognised examinations.

No. If an interview is compulsory as part of your application, the relevant School or Unit will be in touch and it will be offered remotely. 

Yes, UCD Global has a website of FAQs for non-EU applicants.

Many of our academics are undertaking world-leading research on public health and our pandemic response protocols are founded on the latest science and expertise. We are busy making our campus safe, putting appropriate social distancing and new cleaning measures in place. Students will receive clear guidance on how our teaching spaces, libraries, study spaces and labs will operate to ensure everyone’s safety. Students will be fully briefed on health and safety, as part of our welcome and induction activities.  

We will follow government guidance between now and the proposed physical re-opening of our campus. Any action we take will be made with your safety in mind.  Plans are in place to ensure we can support you towards your desired learning outcomes, whatever the circumstances.

In line with government policy, the administrative office in UCD are closed and staff are working remotely. Please contact us via the website