Overview
Students can apply to American College Dublin through two main channels: via our website or the CAO application system.
CAO
Undergraduate –
Direct
Undergraduate –
• Students from Irish Further Education institutions
• Students who qualify as a “Mature student”
• Transfer students
Postgraduate –
Please see the relevant tabs above for more information.
Direct Applicants
Direct applications are accepted for students applying for undergraduate programs who are: Non-EU nationals; from Irish Further Education institutions; or who qualify as “Mature” or “Transfer” students.All postgraduate applicants should submit a direct application.
Please note that a €35 application fee is required at the time of application.
For a direct application, the following documents are needed:
• A completed online application form
• An updated, detailed, chronological CV (Work History)
• Notarised copies of your secondary school/university transcripts and diploma (if applicable), these must be translated into English if necessary
• A personal statement of one page about why the applicant wishes to study at ACD
• Proof of English language proficiency (see Language Requirements tab)
Some programs may require additional documents, please see the Course page of the program that you are interested in for more information.
CAO Applicants
The Central Applications Office (CAO) is the national application system for undergraduate programs in Ireland. The CAO processes applications for undergraduate programs in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Admission decisions are made by the HEIs who instruct CAO to make offers to successful candidates.Irish and EU national students applying for the September intake on the following two programs should apply through the Central Applications Office www.cao.ie.
• Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Business [AC120]
ACD normally has a limited number of places available on the CAO system each year for its listed programs. Irish & EU national students are advised to make all applications for the programs above through the CAO system. For all other programs, these students can apply directly through our website.
Students need to have an Irish Level 5 Leaving Certificate and obtain a minimum grade of H5 in two subjects and a grade of O6/H6 in four subjects. This is equivalent to the previous requirements, which was a minimum grade of C3 in two Higher-level subjects and a grade of D3 in four Ordinary-level subjects. Students must pass mathematics and a language (English, Irish or a European language).
EU Nationals
Students should check the CAO website for the entry requirement criteria for EU/EFTA/UK applicants.
Students are advised to apply online well in advance of the deadlines at www.cao.ie.
• 1 February – the normal closing date for applications to the CAO
• 1 May – the closing date for late applications
• 1 July – Change of Mind, where students can adjust their preferences closes
Students are advised to apply online well in advance of the deadlines at www.cao.ie.
Mature students
Mature students aged 23 or older by January 1st of the application year, and who lack a sufficient diploma that allows for admission to a Bachelor’s program, are encouraged to apply to ACD.
Unlike traditional applicants, mature students are not required to meet minimum academic requirements. Instead, we assess their suitability based on a holistic review of their:
• Educational background
• Work history
• Community involvement
• Other achievements and interests
While we request secondary education transcripts for context, we focus on your motivation for returning to education and your desire to learn.
To apply, visit our application and submit the following:
• High school transcripts and diploma
• CV
• Personal statement
An online interview may be required to further evaluate your work and academic experience, personal goals, and suitability for your chosen program.
American College Dublin is committed to an open admissions policy. We do not discriminate based on gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, or membership in the Traveller community.
Transfer Students
American College Dublin welcomes applications from transfer students.Undergraduate transfer students can earn credits based on their College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams or previous studies at the college/university level.
All transfer students should apply directly to American College Dublin. International students typically cannot transfer into the final year of a program. However, they may be eligible for advanced admission based on a lower qualification, such as a national diploma or associate degree.
Every student is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Students enrolled on one of our 4-year programs, who achieve a score of 4 or higher on an AP exam will receive 3 US general education credits (6 ECTS) toward the general education requirement.
To facilitate the evaluation process, transfer students should upload transcripts and class outlines or syllabi from their previous institution to their application.
