Dublin City University

Information on The Recognition of Qualifications from the USA

Dublin City University warmly welcomes applications from candidates from the USA.  Places are available on undergraduate programmes, graduate taught programmes, at graduate-level research and for students wishing to spend one semester or year at DCU.

Undergraduate Study

Dublin City University is a member of the highly prestigious National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) www.nshss.org and we look forward to seeing high school scholar members at some of the various NSHSS events organised every year.

When assessing applications, we like to familiarise ourselves with students’ full academic potential. This includes not only a student’s academic achievements to date but also their potential to succeed in the course applied for.

Your application should evidence an overall strong academic achievement throughout high school. Your high school record should include Mathematics and English. Some programmes may require additional subjects, such as Chemistry or Biology or Physics for programmes in the Sciences. In addition, you should plan to sit the SAT or ACT test and / or have enrolled in higher-level subjects during your final years in high school. Our minimum requirements include the following:

GPA: A strong overall GPA should be evident

SAT 1: A balanced 1750 or higher on the new SAT test, with no component less than 550

Advanced Placement (AP) or Subject-specific SAT Tests: Applicants are also strongly encouraged to take Advanced Placement courses and tests wherever possible as they provide additional insight into a student’s academic performance in specific subjects. A minimum test score of 4 in relevant subjects is desirable. This is particularly important where a specific subject is required for your chosen programme (information on additional subjects required for any of our undergraduate programmes can be found in our online Undergraduate Prospectus at: http://www.dcu.ie/prospective/degrees.php?prog_type=under).

Subject-specific SAT test scores are an acceptable alternative to the Advanced Placement test scores.

Other evidence of a high level of academic achievement submitted as part of an application should also be submitted where available.

Applicants from the US wishing to apply for an undergraduate programme at DCU should submit a direct application form to DCU.  The form can be downloaded from: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/forms/pdfs/R10.pdf.  Apart from completing this form we request that candidates send the following additional information directly to the Registry at DCU to support their application:

• Transcript with classes and grades
• Information on any SAT or ACT tests taken
• Information on any AP test scores taken or details on tests due to be taken
• A reference from a teacher or guidance counsellor
• A profile of the school if available

Candidates from the USA who are pursuing other international qualifications such as the full International Baccalaureate Diploma or A levels are not required to submit the above additional information.

Students are requested to apply to DCU by 15th February so that we can make an early decision on the application wherever possible.  While the University continues to accept applications until 1 July where places remain, the deadline should be observed especially for highly popular courses.

DCU Study Abroad Programme

Current college students wishing to spend a semester or full academic year at DCU are encouraged to apply for a place on our Study Abroad Programme.  Full details and application materials can be found at: www.dcu.ie/international/studyabroad.shtml

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally required, though some Faculties may look for higher grades. Performance in subjects related to those you wish to study at DCU is likely to be a deciding factor in final decisions.

Our Study Abroad Programme Coordinator is available to answer any of your queries (study.abroad@dcu.ie).

Postgraduate Study at DCU

Holders of Bachelors, and Masters degrees with good grades from competitive Universities and Colleges in the US will be considered for entry to postgraduate degrees at DCU. 

For further details please visit our website: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/postgraduate.shtml

DCU uses an online application procedure for postgraduate taught programmes via what is called the Postgraduate Application Centre (PAC).  The website can be accessed at:
http://www.pac.ie/pgrad.php?inst=dc

Research at DCU

DCU is proud of its strong track record in a wide variety of research areas.  Opportunities exist for students from the US to apply as research students, either as part of a Masters degree through research or as a PhD candidate.  Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the individual Faculty / School homepage for details on research interests.  This information, together with details on the application procedure can be accessed at: http://www.dcu.ie/research.shtml

US Federal and PLUS Loans

DCU is approved by the US Department of Education to certify US Stafford, PLUS and private loans.  DCU’s School code is G26117.  Students planning to finance their education at DCU through US Federal and / or PLUS loans may visit our new US federal aid website at: www.dcu.ie/international/us_federal_aid

Further Information

Our representative responsible for students from North America will be happy to assist you with any questions in future:

Ms Sylvia Schroeder, International Office, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.          
T: +353-1-700 8699; F: +353-1-700 8698, E: Sylvia.Schroeder@dcu.ie, W: www.dcu.ie

Alternatively, you can also work through our Educational Advisors in the US:

CIS – Center for International Studies, 17 New South Street, Suite 205, Northampton, MA 01060, USA

t: +1 413 582 0407, f: +1 413 582 0327, toll free: 877 617 9090, e-mail: info@cisabroad.com, www.cisabroad.com