The Common Travel Area ensures that citizens of Ireland and the UK have the right to access all levels of education, along with associated student support, in each other's state under terms that are equally favorable to the citizens of that state.

For students in Northern Ireland considering their education options, the Republic of Ireland (ROI) offers a broad and diverse range of high-quality courses, across a multitude of disciplines. There are very good reasons to consider heading south of the border on your education journey.

Students from Northern Ireland who study at colleges in the Republic are not required to pay tuition fees. Under the present arrangements, Northern Ireland students will have their tuition fees paid by the Irish Government. In addition, students from Northern Ireland can avail of student loans & grants from Student Finance NI, while also availing of a SUSI maintenance grant from the ROI.

College applications in the ROI are made via the Central Applications Office (CAO), and the application process under this system is considerably more straightforward​ than that of the UCAS system.  

• In the ROI, students do not need to submit references or a personal statement in order to apply​.
• The CAO application takes less time (average UCAS application takes 10 hours)​
• The CAO allows for a broader range of options. Applicants may list up 20 courses (ten at Level 8, and ten at Level 6 or 7), compared to only 5 choices on UCAS​.
• The CAO allows for a longer time frame for you to decide on choices as deadlines are later in the year.​
• CAO does not restrict what universities you can apply for on the same applications

A degree from TU Dublin is globally recognised and offers much more than just an academic qualification. Enrolling in one of our undergraduate courses ensures an exceptional university experience that fosters educational growth, personal development, and professional readiness. TU Dublin boasts a vibrant community with a diverse student population, representing almost 27,000 students from over 100 countries, ensuring that our campuses in Aungier Street, Blanchardstown, Bolton Street, Tallaght, and Grangegorman are rich, dynamic environments for learning and growth. Our courses provide numerous opportunities within the curriculum and through extracurricular activities, prepare you for the world of work.

Courses are delivered through our five faculties:

• Arts and Humanities
• Business
• Computing, Digital and Data
• Engineering and Built Environment 
• Sciences and Health

At TU Dublin, we believe in learning by doing. Our practice-based learning approach is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and experience you need to excel in a competitive job market. We assess our students based on their depth of knowledge and how they apply what they've learned to tackle problems creatively through project-based learning. Our innovative education model also embeds sustainability as a learning outcome, nurturing responsible, sustainably minded global citizens

University life provides a multitude of enriching experiences for students to explore and engage in and TU Dublin offers a dynamic campus environment filled with a diverse range of activities for all our students to enjoy. We are committed to offering a well-rounded university experience that incorporates high quality learning and personal development through a diverse array of extracurricular opportunities. There are over 120 student-led societies and sports clubs across our five campuses with something for everyone, including the arts, fashion, photography, music, soccer, yoga, basketball, tennis, and scuba diving.

As a new student, it may take some time to adjust to the fast-paced life of college. We understand that transitioning from school to college can be difficult for some people, which is why we offer a range of support services to guide you through this new chapter of your life, including the Students Union, counselling services, student health centers, disability support services and the range of academic supports that will be available to you as a student. 

Further information

Students from Northern Ireland who study at colleges in the Republic of Ireland are not required to pay tuition fees. Under the present arrangements Northern Ireland students have their tuition fees paid by the Irish Government. However, all students are required to pay the Student Contribution Fee.

The Student Contribution fee in the Republic of Ireland is capped at a maximum of €3,000 per year, making it a more affordable option compared to Northern Ireland and the UK. The standard fee is €3,000, but it was temporarily reduced to €2,000 in 2023. Please note that fees are subject to change. Northern Irish students have the opportunity to apply for a grant through SUSI (www.susi.ie). If you meet the eligibility criteria for a grant, SUSI may cover some or all of the Student Contribution Fee and/or provide assistance with student expenses. It's important to highlight that SUSI grants do not require repayment, unlike student loans.

Northern Ireland applicants may avail of finance assistance to cover study expenses in the Republic of Ireland. For more information, please reach out to the Local Education and Library Board, or visit the following websites: www.slc.co.uk and www.studentfinanceni.co.uk.

For information on financial assistance in the Republic of Ireland, please visit www.studentfinance.ie. 

Information on how the entry requirements equate to the school-leaving qualifications from Northern Ireland/UK can be found at entry requirements criteria for EU/EFTA applicants & CAO.

Applicants from Northern Ireland should apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The application process via CAO is simple and does not involve submitting a personal statement or demonstrating proficiency in a second language. Applicants have the flexibility to select up to 20 courses, with ten at Level 8 and ten at Level 6 or 7. Students from Northern Ireland/UK who are interested in enrolling at TU Dublin can submit their application through the CAO until May 1.

The below video gives a general overview of the CAO Application process.

There are good public transport links between Northern Ireland and Dublin City. 

By Train

• Belfast: The Enterprise service operated by Translink and Iarnród Éireann provides the train connection between Belfast and Dublin. For the latest information, visit the Translink website or the Irish Rail website.
• Derry/Londonderry: Translink operates train services between Derry/Londonderry and Dublin. The journey involves a transfer at Belfast Lanyon Place.
• Enniskillen: As there is no direct train link to Dublin, travellers from Enniskillen to Dublin should take a Translink bus from Enniskillen to Belfast and from there, avail of rail services to Dublin City.
• Newry: The Enterprise service, operated jointly by Translink and Iarnród Éireann, includes stops at Newry on its route between Belfast and Dublin.
• Armagh: As there is no direct train link to Dublin, travellers from Armagh should avail of the Armagh to Portadown Bus Service. From Portadown, travellers can then take the Enterprise train service to Dublin Connolly.
• Bangor: Passengers from Bangor should take the train to Belfast and then transfer to the Enterprise train service to Dublin Connolly.

This information should be used as a guide and may be subject to change. For the most accurate and updated information, visit the websites of the respective train operators.

By Bus

• Belfast: Translink operates the Goldline Service between Belfast and Dublin. Aircoach705X service between Belfast & Derry/L'Derry and Dublin City via Dublin Airport with 13 each way Express services daily.
• Derry/Londonderry: Goldliner / X4 operates between Derry/Londonderry and Dublin City, via Dublin airport. Aircoach705X service between Belfast & Derry/Londonderry and Dublin City via Dublin Airport with 13 each way Express services daily.
• Enniskillen: Bus Eireann / X30 operates a direct route from Enniskillen to Dublin City via Dublin Airport. 
• Newry: The Goldliner X1 Service from Belfast to Dublin serves Newry.
• Armagh: Passengers from Armagh should take Bus 40 towards Newry and avail of bus services to Dublin from there. 
• Bangor: Passengers from Bangor should take Bus 502a towards Belfast. From there, passengers can avail of direct bus routes to Dublin. 

This information should be used as a guide and may be subject to change. For the most accurate and updated information, visit the websites of the respective bus operators

From Dublin City, all TU Dublin campuses are well served by public transport services. Please see our campus pages for further information on how to get there. 

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