International Office - Study Abroad Programme

Direct Entry

Study Abroad Programme Application Form (PDF 86K)

This is undoubtedly the most common means of applying for a place on our Study Abroad Programme, and currently the only option for EU applicants.

Places are available on all of our undergraduate programmes for suitably qualified students who wish to come to the DCU. Applications should be made directly to the International Office by 1 July (for Semester 1 or the full academic year) commencing in late September) or by 30 November (for Semester 2, commencing in early February) using the Study Abroad Programme Application.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Who can apply?

Any student who is currently pursuing a course of study at an institute of education outside of Ireland can apply to become a Study Abroad student at DCU. Students can attend accredited modules and arrange with their home institution for credit transfer.

Students should have a good standing at their home institutions and should have achieved a good average to date, such as a G.P.A. of 3.0 (or equivalent) to be eligible for the programme.

What courses are offered?

At DCU, we believe in flexibility and allowing the student to choose the subjects which are of particular interest to them. Study Abroad students can choose from a range of modules from any of our Schools and accumulate up to a total of 30 ECTS credits (18 US credits) worth of modules in each semester (generally 6 modules). Pre-approved List of Study Abroad Modules

Visas to study in Ireland?

Some students wishing to study in Ireland require a study visa, others do not. All EU students can study in Ireland without a study visa. US students can also study in Ireland without a study visa. Other non-EU students may need a study visa. Non-EU students are also required to register with the authorities upon arrival in Ireland. We will advise you on this process during the International Student Orientation period scheduled prior to the start of each semester.

How do I apply?

Simply download a copy of the application form (www.dcu.ie/international/studyabroad.pdf) or e-mail the International Office at study.abroad@dcu.ie for a hard copy. When completing the application, please follow these Guidelines. We will process your application within 4 weeks of receipt and inform you of the outcome.

Credits / Credit Transfer / Examinations:

In general, individual modules at DCU are worth 5 ECTS credits each (= 3 U.S. credits). Some of our more intensive courses are worth 10 credits each, others are 2.5 or 7.5. For details on the individual modules, please consult the Module Specifications website.

Students only receive credit for modules for which they have submitted the required assignments or passed the relevant examinations. Students do not receive credit if they register for a course for 'attendance only', although they are eligible to take part in these modules.

It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure that their chosen courses meet their study abroad requirements as set out by their home institution and that credit transfer to their home institution is possible. DCU will assist the student in whatever way possible.

Examinations can only be repeated during the scheduled repeat period in August. DCU does not have a facility for allowing students to repeat at any other time. DCU also cannot allow Study Abroad students to sit examinations abroad - at their home universities or elsewhere or outside the approved timetable.

Compensation for failed modules does not apply to Study Abroad students. Students must pass each individual module in order to receive credits for these modules.

Closing Dates for Applications:

• Applications for Semester 1 (Winter or Fall Semester): July 1
• Applications for Semester 2 (Spring Semester): November 30

Semester and Examination Dates:

Each of our semesters runs over 16 weeks. This includes 12 weeks of teaching, a two week exam study period, followed by two weeks of exams. The dates are as follows:

Semester 1: Classes from late September until middle of December, Exams mid- to late January
Semester 2: Classes from early February until late April, Exams mid- to late May.

Students wishing to study at DCU only for Semester 1 can do so if they only choose classes that are assessed by 100% Continuous Assessment (i.e. only those without an Exam component).

Accommodation:

Our on-campus accommodation service team will assist you in securing suitable on-campus accommodation before you arrive in Ireland. For further details, please visit our accommodation website. This website also offers some information on off-campus accommodation. Successful applicants will receive detailed information on all housing options in their offer pack.

Fees:

In 2009/10 our Study Abroad Programme Fees are as follows:

One Semester only (up to 30 ECTS credits):

EU applicants pay €2,900
Non-EU applicants pay €5,400

Full Academic Year (up to 60 ECTS credits):

EU applicants pay €5,400
Non-EU applicants pay €10,400

These fees include the student levy, capitation fee and development fee.
(These fees are correct at the time of publication. For further details on fees, please visit our Fees Webpage)

Orientation and Social Programme:

An extensive Orientation period for new international students takes place prior to the start of each semester. During this period, students receive general and practical information. We also offer a number of workshops and provide our new students with plenty of opportunities to meet other new and existing students, and also relevant members of staff.

Throughout the year, the International Office, in conjunction with other departments and various Clubs and Societies, offers an exiciting social programme to International Students, and students will always find individualised support available in the International Office.

General Guidelines for Study Abroad Applicants wishing to apply directly to DCU

The following guidelines apply to Study Abroad Students:

• Apply using the official Study Abroad Application Form
• Complete sections "Personal Information", "Emergency Contact Information" and "Academic Background" on page 1.
• The section on "English Language Competency" should only be completed by non-native English speakers.
• On page two you should insert details regarding Programme Information and your Course Selection. You should indicate your intended Study Period and your Study Abroad Stream (please choose from the following):
  • Business (BSSAO)
  • Engineering and Computing (ECSAO)
  • Science and Health (SHSAO)
  • Humanities and Social Sciences (HMSAO)
    
• You should also use this page to make your course selection. It is recommended that you choose additional modules to avoid disppointment if some courses are not approved. You can choose from a wide variety of undergraduate modules from across the university, but you may not apply for postgraduate modules. Entry to some modules may be restricted due to space limitations or you not meeting the prerequisites etc. This will be ascertained once you have submitted your complete application. You shall be contacted regarding their availability and then offered a place, if appropriate. Please click on the link for pre-approved modules for the current academic year to view the list of available subjects, but note that these are subject to change. For detailed information on any of these modules, please visit http://www.dcu.ie/registry/module_contents.php

  You can choose up to a total of 30 ECTS credit points (18 US credits) worth of modules in each semester. A semester fee is charged, which covers the cost of these modules (please see details under Fees above).

  Although you are permitted to register for modules in different Faculties and Schools, you are encouraged to register for modules within your discipline and within the same programme, as this reduces the possibility of clashes in the class and examination timetables. Any clashes which result in a student not being able to attend their choice of modules cannot be catered for by the University. It is therefore your responsibility to ensure that the classes are compatible.

• Once all sections are complete, ensure that you read and understand the "Waiver and Declaration" at the bottom of page 2 before signing it.
• In addition to the Application Form, you should submit the following items:
  • Certified transcripts of your academic record to date
  • Reference from an academic referee from your home university
  • Copy of your birth certificate
  • One recent passport photograph, signed on the back
  • Application fee of €40

Useful Websites and Links:

• International Office Website
• Pre-approved List of Study Abroad Modules
• Description of Modules
• Faculties and Schools at DCU
• Academic Calendar
• Accommodation Service
• English Language Requirements
• Immigration (General Information)
• General Information on Ireland
• Working in Ireland
• Location Map