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Dublin City University, Ireland: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students

May 29, 2024

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A leading Young University in Ireland and the world, Dublin City University (DCU) stands tall as a popular provider of modern education and research.  Recognized for its transformative impact on students and society this University is constantly providing the best of higher education for International Students. Ranked as Ireland's Top Young University by Times Higher Education and 59th Globally among Young Universities, DCU welcomes international students from 135+ Countries. 

Established as a University in 1989, DCU has rapidly ascended the ranks of academia, earning accolades for its Innovation, Research, and Employability. The university is renowned for its dynamic approach to education, offering a curriculum that integrates academic with practical experience. Additionally, DCU holds the top spot in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate with an impressive 95% of its graduates securing employment or further education within six months of graduation. Not just this, 80% of DCU courses feature INTRA-Paid Work Placements, ensuring students gain relevant industry experience before they graduate. 

If you are an international student aspiring to study at one of the Top Universities in Ireland and DCU is an option, then this article is for you. Scroll down to know everything about DCU.

Table of Content

  1. Top Rankings & Reputation 
  2. Top Courses to Study at DCU
  3. Academic Intakes at Dublin City University
  4. Eligibility Criteria to Study Bachelors & Masters at DCU
  5. Cost to Study at Dublin City University
  6. Scholarships for International Students 
  7. Student Life at DCU
  8. Career Opportunities for DCU Graduates 
  9. FAQs

Top Rankings & Reputation 

Dublin City University is consistently recognized for its academic excellence and research contributions. Here are some of its notable and latest rankings. 

  • It is Ranked 1st Young University in Ireland & 59th globally as per Times Higher Young University Rankings for 2024. 
  • Ranked 1st in Ireland and 23rd in the World for Graduate Employment Rate as per QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022. 
  • Ranked 436 according to QS World University Rankings 2024.
  • Ranked 401-500th as per Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. 
  • Ranked 660 as per Webometrics Ranking 2024. 

These rankings highlight DCU's commitment to maintaining high standards in education and research, positioning it as one of the leading Universities in Ireland and globally. Now that we have looked at the rankings, let’s explore some of the top courses that you can study here. 
 

 

Top Courses to Study at DCU

DCU offers a broad spectrum of programs at Bachelors and Masters levels to cater to the demands of the Global Job Market. Some of the top courses that are highly in demand among International Students are listed below. 

  • Electronic and Computer Engineering
  • Data Protection and Privacy
  • Computing
  • International Accounting and Business
  • Finance
  • Management – Operations & Supply Chain Management
  • Global Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Digital Marketing

These are just a few of the many courses offered by DCU. For more details and course specializations, you can visit the University’s official website. 
 

Academic Intakes at Dublin City University

Dublin City University offers two major intakes for its various programs, accommodating the diverse schedules of international students.

  • September Intake 
  • January Intake 

These major intakes allow flexibility for students to start their academic journey at a time that aligns with their previous academic, personal, and professional obligations.

Now that we know all the fundamental information about this leading university, let’s discuss the eligibility criteria for international students ahead.
 

Eligibility Criteria to Study Bachelors & Masters at DCU

International students must meet the following common eligibility criteria to apply for programs at DCU. Other requirements might vary as per the course, level of study and specialization. 

  • A minimum of 60% in the last education in a relevant field.
  • Proficiency in English demonstrated through one of the following language proficiency tests: IELTS, TOEFL, DET, or PTE.

These criteria ensure that students possess the necessary academic background and language skills to thrive in DCU's academic environment. 
 

Cost to Study at Dublin City University

Studying at DCU is a worthwhile investment in one’s future, offering competitive costs compared to other leading universities in the country. Here is an analysis of the expenses that international students have to bear. 

Average Tuition Fees for Bachelor’s Degree: EUR 15,000 - EUR 16,000 per annum

Average Tuition Fees for Master’s Degree: EUR 15,500 – EUR 25,000 per annum 

International Students also have to bear the living expenses, which can be estimated to be around EUR 10,000 to 12,000 per annum. These figures provide a comprehensive understanding of the financial commitment required to study and live in Dublin. Since international students now have an indicative figure encompassing tuition, accommodation, food, and other expenses, let’s move ahead and read about the scholarships offered by DCU that can help to reduce the cost of education substantially to study in Europe
 

Scholarships for International Students 

DCU offers a wide range of scholarships to support international students by reducing the financial burden and recognizing their academic and sports excellence. These generous scholarships provide partial to full tuition fee discounts or waivers, living expenses coverage, and travel costs. Some of the popular scholarships for international students are given below. 
 

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

  • Scholarship Award – Full Tuition Fee Waiver & Living Expense Allowance of €10,000. 
  • Description - This prestigious Government Scholarship is awarded to exceptional students demonstrating outstanding academic achievements and leadership potential. Among the many partner Universities, it is also applicable to DCU students. To be eligible for this, international students must be enrolled in one year of full-time study at Master’s or PhD level. The application process is separate and needs to be completed on this scholarship’s online application portal. 
  • Deadline – The applications for 2025 intakes are expected to be open in February 2025. 
     

DCU Merit Scholarships

  • Scholarship Award – Partial Tuition Fee Reduction. 
  • Description - These scholarships are available for high-achieving non-EU applicants providing a partial fee reduction for the academic year. As the name indicates, these scholarships are awarded based on academics.
  • Deadline – International Students are automatically considered for this scholarship. 
     

DCU Humanities and Social Sciences Bursary

  • Scholarship Award – Partial Tuition Fee Reduction of €2000 
  • Description - This academic Merit-Based Scholarship is open for high-achieving non-EU applicants, especially International Students who have received an offer to study Masters at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Applicants are notified via email. 
  • Deadline – International Students are automatically considered for this scholarship. 
     

Faculty of Engineering & Computing International Scholarship

  • Scholarship Award – Partial Tuition Fee Reduction of €6,400
  • Description - This scholarship is open for non-EU applicants who will be studying at the Faculty of Engineering and Computing and have received the offer letter. 

Eligible Programmes for this scholarship are: 

          1. MEng Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, 

          2. MSc Electronic and Computer Engineering, 

          3. MSc Electronic and Computer Technology and 

          4. MSc in Computing.

  • Deadline – International Students are automatically considered for this scholarship. 

These are some of the popular scholarships that can significantly lower the cost of education and enable talented students to pursue their studies at DCU without financial constraints.
 

Student Life at DCU

Life at DCU is vibrant and full of opportunities for personal growth and social engagement. The University's Office of Student Life (An umbrella body for the Students' Union, Clubs and Societies in DCU) supports a wide range of activities, from sports and recreation to cultural events and student societies. Students can join various clubs and societies, engage in volunteer work, and participate in campus events to make the most of their study duration as well as develop a sense of community and belonging. 

The university also offers excellent support services, including academic advising, counselling, and health services, ensuring that students have a fulfilling and well-rounded experience.
 

Career Opportunities for DCU Graduates 

Graduates of Dublin City University are highly sought after by employers across various sectors. As per the Graduate Outcomes Survey, DCU has a high rate of employment with 95% of the recent graduates being employed six months after graduation. The University's strong industry connections and emphasis on practical experience ensure that students are well-prepared to enter the professional world. 

Its dedicated career services provide comprehensive support in job placements, internships, and career development, enhancing employability and helping students achieve their professional goals. As such, DCU Graduates find well-paying opportunities in Multinational Corporations, SMEs, Businesses, and Start-ups, across industries such as Technology, Engineering, Finance, and Healthcare. So, international students can make the most of their 3-year Post Study Work Visa in Ireland and find suitable career opportunities. 

Summing up Dublin City University presents a unique opportunity for study abroad aspirants seeking a high-quality education in an innovative and supportive environment. With its strong emphasis on employability, DCU is undoubtedly an ideal University for International Students.  To get started with your application process for the upcoming academic intake, reach out to our team of Europe Experts at KC Overseas Education. Connect with our Team today to receive end-to-end assistance to pursue higher education at DCU! 
 

FAQs

1. When is the right time to start the application process to study at DCU?

Answer – Ideally, you should start the application process at least 6-8 months before the start date of your preferred academic intake. 
 

2. How to pay the application fees at DCU? 

Answer – For application fees, payments can be made online by credit card or bank transfer to the official DCU account. 
 

3. What Accreditation does DCU Business School have? 

Answer - The DCU Business School is EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA Accredited. So, it is now a Triple Crown Accredited Business School. 
 

4. What kind of study disciplines come under DCU’s INTRA (INtegrated TRAining) internship programs? 

Answer - DCU’s INTRA provides an opportunity to gain practical skills across study disciplines like Business, Science, Computing, Engineering and Humanities. 
 

5. Does DCU provide accommodation assistance to international students? 

Answer – Yes, the university offers accommodation assistance for international students. DCU provides single and double rooms as well as shared student accommodation options.
 

6. Does DCU provide Student Visa Application Support? 

Answer – Yes, the University has advisors to guide you on how to acquire the student visa. Once you have received the confirmation letter, you can then start with your visa application process.

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