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At UCD, we support hundreds of mature students every year to unlock their potential through education. Your place is waiting for you.

UCD Mature Years

Studying at UCD

We offer mature places on a wide range of undergraduate degree courses, as well as part-time courses that will help prepare you for learning at third level. We value the diversity, wisdom and experience that mature students like you bring to our campus. 

We know you can face particular challenges coming to university, and we have decades of experience in supporting students of all ages to successfully navigate college life. Our dedicated Mature Student team will support you every step of the way.

Am I a Mature Student?

If you are aged 23+ on 1 January of the year you want to enter university, and you are starting college for the first time, you may be eligible to apply as a mature student. 

Other types of non-school-leaver students include:

  • ‘Second Chance’ mature undergraduate: You are aged 23+ and you started an undergraduate degree course but didn’t finish it and have had a break of 3+ years in your studies
  • University Access student: You are aged 22+ on 1 January of the year you want to enter university, and you are starting college for the first time
  • FET/QQI: You have completed QQI-FET (formerly known as FETAC) Level 5/6 major awards or components, with a minimum of Distinction in five components, and may be eligible to apply to the CAO on these grounds.
  • Graduate student: You have completed an undergraduate degree and are considering studying another undergraduate or postgraduate degree (please note that funding is not available for graduate students who are studying at undergraduate level) 

Non-EU student: If you are a non-EU applicant you should visit the UCD Global website for information on applying to UCD.

Undergraduate Study

UCD provides a wide range of full-time degree options for Mature Students. 

(opens in a new window)View the UCD undergraduate prospectus. 

Find out more about Mature Admissions Criteria.

You can find out more about applying as a FET/QQI student.

We also offer a range of part-time options to prepare you for undergraduate studies:

  • UCD Open Learning is a flexible way to study part-time at UCD. Open Learners who successfully complete 6 modules (subjects) will be awarded an NFQ Level 7 Certificate in Open Learning and can progress to a number of degree programmes. You may also choose to study single modules. Find out more here about Open Learning.
  • University Access Courses run from September to May and are designed to prepare you with the skills and confidence you need to study a degree at UCD. Find out more here about University Access Courses.
  • Lifelong Learning courses are open to all adult learners regardless of previous educational experience and provide a unique opportunity to explore a subject without examinations. Find out more here about Lifelong Learning.
  • Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) can be used by a wide range of learners seeking recognition for skills gained through informal learning, those wishing to improve their existing qualifications or change careers, those who have gained a range of skills and knowledge through experiential learning, those who require formal qualifications for career advancement, and adult learners returning to higher education. Find out more here about RPL.

Other Study

UCD Professional Academy offers ambitious professionals the opportunity to stay competitive and relevant in the changing workplace. With flexible learning that slots easily into your busy life, you can access industry-focused courses that deliver practical skills. In addition to classroom and on campus learning, we deliver expert-led courses live online and fully on-demand. Find out more about UCD Professional Academy.

UCD Micro-credentials are an exciting new innovation developed and delivered by UCD’s world-class academic faculty. Aimed at professionals, you will have the opportunity to upskill in highly specialised areas with short, flexible, industry-aligned courses that are fully accredited. Find out more about UCD Microcredentials.

Graduate Entry Pathways are available for four undergraduate degrees at UCD for holders of Level 8 degrees. The entry requirements vary so please visit the relevant pages. (Please note, graduates are not considered Mature Students for funding and are liable for fees when attending a second undergraduate course.)

Postgraduate Studies: Choose UCD for a qualification from an institution globally recognised for its excellence in teaching and learning, offering a wide range of high-quality graduate programmes across our six colleges. Find out more about Postgraduate Studies.

Where do I Start?

We have created a 5-stage checklist to help you navigate your journey to university. 

  • Take your place: Accept your CAO offer or offer from UCD. At this point, you can also apply for your Free Fees Assessment and find out about any relevant disability supports, scholarships and fee waivers at UCD.
  • Belong: Come to your welcome days and orientation week at UCD to meet your peers and give yourself the best start to your educational journey. You will have the full support of your Peer Mentor, Mature Student Adviser and the Mature Students Society, as well as the wider UCD community.

Important Dates

  • January

    - Exam results and registration for current students.
    - CAO applications are open for next academic year.
    - UCD online information session for prospective Mature Students.

  • February

    - CAO closes on 1 February for next academic year.
    - Applications open 1 Feb for Uversity.org scholarship.

  • March

    - Applications close 31 Mar for Uversity.org scholarship.
    - UCD online information session for prospective Matures.
    - Applications open for Think Again scholarships.

  • April

    - Susi.ie opens for applications (apply before CAO offers).
    - UCD Student Experience Day for prospective Mature Students.

  • May

    - Applications open for UCD Access Programme for next academic year.

  • July

    CAO Round A offers (one week to accept)
    UCD online info session for CAO offer holders
    Susi.ie deadline for priority applications
    Deadline for UCD Access to SEAM applications
    Apply for UCD Free Fees Assessment
    Priority closing date for Think Again

  • August

    - CAO Round 0 offers (one week to accept)
    - UCD welcome session for CAO offer holders
    - Deadline for Access to AHSSL applications
    - Open Learning open for applications
    - Apply for UCD Free Fees Assessment
    - Closing date for Think Again scholarship

  • October

    - Scholarship applications close
    - Student Support Fund applications open
    - UCD Student Experience Day for prospective Mature Students
    Cut-off for proof of living independently for Susi for next academic year

  • November

    - Susi closes for applications
    - CAO applications open for next academic year
    - Scholarship applicants notified

  • December

    End of teaching term and exams for current students
    CAO applications open for next academic year
    Cut-off for Dept of Social Protection payments for Back to Education Allowance
    Cut-off for Dept of Social Protection payments Susi Special Rate

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