Dublin, Ireland’s capital, is home to Dublin City University (DCU), a prestigious public institution. Established in 1980, it has expanded fast into one of Ireland’s most innovative and industry-focused colleges. DCU is renowned for its cutting-edge teaching strategies, excellent employability results, and top-notch research.
According to the latest worldwide rankings, DCU is consistently ranked among the best universities worldwide, demonstrating its academic quality and expanding reputation. It is also recognized for its exceptional student support services, multicultural environment, and strong industry relationships in Ireland and beyond. In the 2026 QS World College Rankings, it comes in at number #410. It is ranked #421 in the 2025 QS World College Rankings. DCU is ranked as the seventh university in Ireland and the twelfth worldwide. The acceptance rate at Dublin City College is roughly 20%.
Dublin City University Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- A high school qualification equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate.
- A minimum overall score of 65%–75%, depending on the programme.
- Some courses, such as Engineering, Computer Science, Law, Business, and Health Science, may require specific subjects or minimum grades.
- A personal statement, CV, or portfolio may be required for selected programmes.
- For international students, meeting the English language requirement is compulsory.
Postgraduate Admission
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Second Class Honours (2:2) or higher.
- For competitive programmes such as Business, Engineering, and Computing, a 2:1 (upper second class) is preferred.
- Relevant work experience may be required for specific programmes, such as MBA and professional master’s degrees.
- A strong personal statement, academic references, and sometimes an interview may be required.
PhD Admission
- A Master’s degree (or substantial Bachelor’s degree with research experience) in a relevant subject.
- A research proposal aligned with DCU’s research areas.
- Academic references verifying the applicant’s research capabilities.
- Applicants must meet DCU’s English language requirement for research programmes.
English Language Requirements
To ensure students can fully engage with academic content, DCU requires proof of English proficiency.
For Undergraduate Programmes
- IELTS (Academic): Overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 92
- PTE Academic: Minimum 63
- Cambridge English: Minimum 176
For Postgraduate & PhD Programmes
- IELTS (Academic): 6.5–7.0 depending on the course
- TOEFL iBT: 92–100
- PTE Academic: 63–68
- Cambridge English: 176+
Note: Students who do not meet these requirements may take a Pre-sessional English Programme before starting their degree.
Tuition Fees for International Students (Per Year)
Undergraduate Programmes
BSc Computer Science: €15,000 – €16,000
BEng Electronic & Computer Engineering: €15,500 – €16,500
BA Psychology: €14,500 – €15,000
BA Business Studies: €14,500 – €15,500
BA Journalism: €14,000 – €15,500
BSc Biotechnology: €15,000 – €16,500
Bachelor of Education (Teaching): €13,000 – €14,000
BSc Physics / Applied Science: €15,000 – €16,000
Postgraduate Programmes
MBA (Master of Business Administration): €20,000 – €22,000
MSc Computer Science: €17,500 – €19,500
MSc Data Analytics: €17,500 – €19,000
MSc Engineering (various fields): €17,000 – €20,000
MSc Biotechnology: €18,000 – €20,500
MSc Psychology: €16,500 – €18,500
MA Journalism / Communication: €15,000 – €17,000
LLM International Law: €16,000 – €18,000
PhD Programmes
Standard annual PhD tuition: €15,000 – €17,000 (varies by faculty)
Funded PhD positions may include fee waivers + monthly stipend.
Cost of Living in Dublin
| Accommodation | On-campus: €700 – €1,200/monthOff-campus private rent: €850 – €1,400/month |
| Food & Utilities | €250 – €350/month |
| Transportation | €50 – €100/month |
| Overall Estimate | €10,000 – €14,000 per year |
Dublin is one of the more expensive cities in Europe, so students must plan their finances carefully.
Scholarships at Dublin City University
Undergraduate Scholarships
DCU International Merit Scholarship
Value: Up to €2,000 – €3,000 tuition reduction
Eligibility:
- Must be an international (non-EU) student
- Have strong academic results in high school
- Hold an offer for a full-time undergraduate programme.
How to Apply:
No separate application—students are automatically considered.
Postgraduate Scholarships at DCU
DCU International Merit Scholarship
Value: €2,000–€4,000
Eligibility:
- Non‑EU (international) students
- Minimum undergraduate degree with honours (2:1 or equivalent)
- Must have applied or be applying for a postgraduate programme at DCU
How to apply: Automatically considered when applying for admission.
Deadline: Typically 15 June
DCU Business School International Scholarship
Value: Partial tuition reduction (€900–€1,400)
Eligibility:
- Non‑EU applicants accepted to eligible postgraduate programmes in DCU Business School (e.g., MSc Management, Finance, Digital Marketing)
- Must meet all admission requirements
How to apply: Automatically considered upon admission.
Deadline: Typically 31 December
John Thompson Scholarship (MSc Digital Marketing)
Value: Full tuition fee waiver
Eligibility:
- Accepted into MSc Digital Marketing at DCU Business School
- Cannot hold more than one Business School scholarship
How to apply:
- Apply for MSc Digital Marketing
Submit CV, motivation statement (~250 words), and academic transcript to the scholarship office
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