TU Dublin Access Routes
We aim to ensure that students of all backgrounds and nationalities can find a pathway to higher education that suits their circumstances at different stages of their lives and careers. Please take some time to look at the various Access entry routes outlined below and feel free to contact us for further information. We are more than happy to give you advice on which entry route might be suitable for your individual needs and to support you in making your application.
Places for Access Entry Route students are reserved on most of our courses. Details of reserved places for entry in 2024.
Access TU Dublin is aimed at school leavers (under the age of 23 as of 1 January 2024) from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who would like to study a full-time undergraduate course in TU Dublin and who are resident in the Republic of Ireland.
How do I apply?
The Access TU Dublin Application form is now closed. Applications will reopen in January 2025.
Why Apply?
Pre-Entry Supports:
- Application Support from TU Dublin Access Service staff
- Reduced points CAO offers for courses in TU Dublin provided you meet the minimum entry requirements.
Post Entry Supports:
- Orientation programme before you begin your programme
- Financial advice and guidance (student financial assistance funds available)
- Support from staff in the Access Service
- Peer mentoring
- Additional academic support if required
- Volunteering and Leadership opportunities
Please Note:
The Access Service will only make reduced points offers in Round 1. If you are eligible and receive an offer in a later CAO round, you will be supported by either the Access Service and/or the Disability Support Service. If you are eligible and receive a CAO offer after round 1, please contact 01 220 7113 to avail of supports from the Access Service.
Criteria
Essential:
- Submit an Access TU Dublin application form
- Apply via CAO (based on leaving cert results) for full time undergraduate entry in Autumn 2024
- Under the age of 23 years on January 1 2024
Meet ONE of the following:
- Member of the Traveller community (Automatic Eligibility on supply of documented proof)
- In the care of, or recently in the care of, the Health Service Executive (HSE) or Tusla (Automatic Eligibility on supply of documented proof)
- Attending a TU Dublin TU Dublin Link and Partner DEIS Schools
- Be resident in one of the following post codes – Dublin 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24
- Submit a letter of support, written by a relevant person, with your application stating that Access TU Dublin is appropriate for you.
Meet THREE of the following financial & social and cultural indicators:
- Parents have not gone to college (higher education)
- Applicant has attended a DEIS school for at least 2 years
- Be from a socio economic group underrepresented in higher education
- Live in an area of urban or rural disadvantage
- Family received a means tested payment from the Department of Social Protection for at least 26 weeks in 2022
- Family income was below the following amounts in 2022
| Number of dependent* children in your family | HEAR Income Limit |
| Fewer than 4 | €46,790 |
| 4-7 | €51,325 |
| More than 8 | €55,630 |
| Add €4,785 to the total income for every sibling/parent enrolled in a full-time college, university or Post Leaving Certificate further education course | |
Further Information
If you have questions or concerns about your application, please contact Conor O’Malley (Pre-Entry Officer) at access.city@tudublin.ie or call us at 01 220 8440.
The QQI Access TU Dublin entry route is aimed at students, from a socio economically disadvantaged background, who have completed a QQI Level 5 and 6 course and are applying for entry onto year one of a TU Dublin course through the Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS).
QQI functions include those previously carried out by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC); the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC); the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB) and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI).
How do I apply?
The Access TU Dublin Application form is now closed. Applications will reopen in January 2025.
Why Apply?
Pre-Entry Supports:
- Application Support from TU Dublin Access Service staff
- Reserved places for successful applicants for courses in TU Dublin where applications are made through the higher education links scheme (HELS). Please note that you must meet the required number of distinctions and any specified modules required.
Post Entry Supports:
- Orientation programme before you begin your programme
- Financial advice and guidance (student financial assistance funds available)
- Support from staff in the Access Service
- Peer mentoring
- Additional academic support if required
- Volunteering and Leadership opportunities
Criteria
Essential:
- Submit a QQI Access TU Dublin application form
- Have completed or be in the process of completing a full QQI Level 5 or Level 6 award
- Apply via CAO to the higher education links scheme (HELS) for full time undergraduate entry in Autumn 2024 on the basis of your QQI results. Please note that this scheme is not open to advanced entry applicants.
- Under the age of 23 years on January 1 2024
Meet THREE of the following financial & social and cultural indicators:
- Member of the Traveller community (Automatic Eligibility on supply of documented proof)
- In the care of, or recently in the care of, the Health Service Executive (HSE) or Tusla (Automatic Eligibility on supply of documented proof)
- Parents have not gone to college (higher education)
- Attended one of TU Dublin Link and Partner DEIS Schools for at least 2 years
- Be from a socio economic group underrepresented in higher education
- Live in an area of urban or rural disadvantage
- Family received a means tested payment from the Department of Social Protection for at least 26 weeks in 2022
- Family income is below the following amounts in 2022
| Number of dependent* children in your family | HEAR Income Limit |
| Fewer than 4 | €46,790 |
| 4-7 | €51,325 |
| More than 8 | €55,630 |
| Add €4,785 to the total income for every sibling/parent enrolled in a full-time college, university or Post Leaving Certificate further education course | |
Further Information
If you have questions or concerns about your application, please contact Conor O’Malley (Pre-Entry Officer) at access.city@tudublin.ie or call us at 01 220 8440.
The Access Foundation Programme (AFP) is a one-year full-time course preparing students, both personally and academically, to pursue undergraduate programmes at TU Dublin. Graduates from the programme move on to undergraduate courses across a range of disciplines offered at the university, including Science and Health, IT and Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Social Science, Business, Hospitality, Arts and Tourism.
The AFP forms part of TU Dublin’s commitment to extending access to education to people from communities lacking a strong tradition of participation in third-level education. The course is of particular benefit to adults who’ve been out of education for a long time, or who did not complete a Leaving Certificate. In addition, we welcome applications from people whose skills no longer allow them to access the labour market.
Please see the course page for further details.
The Certificate in Hospitality Studies is a short-term educational programme focused on providing foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field of hospitality. It is designed to help graduates secure employment across the hospitality industry. The program is structured into 12 weeks of classes and 12 weeks of work placement. During the 12-week course, students will learn about different aspects of hospitality with a personalised learning experience, with small class sizes and individualised attention. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be offered a 12-week work placement, allowing them to get the chance to gain hands-on experience and apply their newfound knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.
The program is specifically designed to empower and create pathways for individuals from socio-economic and educational disadvantaged communities, providing them with opportunities to transform their lives by finding full-time employment and a successful career in the Hospitality industry. The course is of particular benefit to adults who’ve been out of education for a long time, or who did not complete a Leaving Certificate. In addition, we welcome applications from people whose skills no longer allow them to access the labour market.
Please see the course page for further details.
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