Dublin City University

Established in 1975 and gaining full university status in 1989, DCU is a public university known as “Ireland’s University of Enterprise.” It’s located primarily on Dublin’s northside and has grown into a vibrant academic community with 20,000+ students from more than 135 countries. DCU stands out for its entrepreneurial spirit, strong industry links, cutting-edge research, and commitment to social impact.

• Location: Glasnevin, St Patrick’s, and All Hallows — with innovation and sports campuses within the same north Dublin area.

• Students: ~20,377 (including ~15–20% international).

• Staff: Over 600 academic faculty and 1,600+ total staff.

• Global Presence: Over 110,000 alumni working worldwide.

Why Choose Dublin City University?

Choosing where to study abroad is about more than just rankings. Here’s what sets DCU apart:

1. Innovation & Industry Connections

DCU has a strong emphasis on innovation — hosting spin-off companies in DCU Alpha and collaborating with top employers like Google, PwC, and AIB for internships, research, and employment opportunities.

2. World-Class Research & Rankings

• Ranked among the world’s top 350 universities for 2025–26 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

• Ranked 23rd globally and 1st in Ireland for graduate employability.

• 1st in Ireland for Research Quality — ranked #138 globally.

3. Global Recognition & Diversity

DCU offers internationally recognised degrees and is consistently ranked among the top Irish institutions. The campus hosts students from 120+ countries, providing a multicultural and inclusive environment. 

4. Career-Focused Degree Design

Most programmes include internships, live projects or collaborative work with industry partners. DCU is ranked in the top 20 globally for employer partnerships.

Campus Locations

DCU operates across six campuses, all within 15–20 minutes of central Dublin by public transport:

• Glasnevin Campus: Main academic hub; home of the Business School, Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Engineering.

• St Patrick’s Campus: Focused on education and teacher training.

• All Hallows Campus: Historic site for arts, humanities, and social sciences.

• DCU Alpha: Innovation hub hosting start-ups and industry labs.

• Sports Campus: Major centre for athletics and student recreation.

Programmes & Study Levels

DCU offers 200+ programmes across all higher education levels, grouped into five main faculties:

1. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

2. Faculty of Science and Health

3. Faculty of Engineering and Computing

4. Business School

5. Institute of Education

Levels of Study

• Undergraduate (BA, BSc, LLB, etc.)

• Postgraduate (MA, MSc, MBA, MEd, etc.)

• Doctoral (PhD, research-focused)

• Executive/Professional Diplomas

The university also provides International Foundation Year programmes for those who need to improve English or meet academic entry requirements.

Mode of Learning

DCU is flexible in its approach, offering courses through various modes:

• On-campus (traditional classroom learning)

• Blended learning (combination of in-person and online)

• Fully online or distance learning (available for select programmes)

This flexibility is especially useful for international students seeking balance between travel, part-time work, and academics.

Highlights of Studying at DCU

• Top-graded for research impact and graduate employability.

• Strong business incubation hub (DCU Alpha) for entrepreneurial students.

• Global community from 135+ countries.

• Modern labs, VR studios, sports centres, and cultural venues (The Helix).

• Industry-aligned curriculum and internship opportunities.

• Options for fully online or blended learning.

Scholarship

DCU offers a diverse range of scholarships to support international students financially. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from specific regions, and assist those in need. Below is an overview of the available scholarships:

1. International Merit Scholarships

• Value: €900–€1,400 fee reduction on full-time 2025–2026 Non-EU Tuition fees.

• Eligibility: Non-EU applicants who have received an offer to study on eligible postgraduate programmes.

• Application: All Non-EU applications are automatically considered; no separate application is required. Successful recipients will be notified via email.

• Faculties Offering Scholarships:

  • Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: €2,000 fee reduction for postgraduate programmes.

  • Faculty of Engineering & Computing: €5,900 fee reduction for specific programmes.

  • DCU Business School: €900–€1,400 fee reduction for various programmes

2. Claddagh Scholarships

• Value: €2,000–€7,000, applied as a reduction to the second semester tuition fees.

• Eligibility: Applicants who are normally resident in China, have non-EU status, and will pay non-EU tuition fees.

• Application: Submit CV, motivation letter, and proof of deposit via the Education in Ireland Application Platform by May 1 in the year of entry.

• Note: Only one DCU scholarship can be awarded per student

3. University of Sanctuary Scholarships

• Value: Full tuition fee waiver and additional supports.

• Eligibility: International protection applicants and refugees who are not eligible for state support.

• Application: Apply for a full-time or part-time taught master's postgraduate course in DCU. Priority is given to applicants who have lived in Ireland for more than 12 months and do not have a postgraduate degree

4. John Thompson Scholarship

• Value: Full tuition fees for the MSc in Digital Marketing.

• Eligibility: Open to both EU and non-EU applicants.

• Application: Apply for the MSc in Digital Marketing. The scholarship covers full fees for one student each year

5. Study & Work Scholarship

• Value: Varies; provides assistance for students aiming to improve their English proficiency.

• Eligibility: International students requiring English language training.

• Application: Apply through the DCU Language Services Scholarship application portal

General Eligibility Criteria

• Admission Status: Must have received an offer to study at DCU.

• Academic Excellence: High academic performance in previous studies.

• English Proficiency: Meeting the required English language standards (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).

• Region-Specific Requirements: Some scholarships are targeted at students from specific countries or regions.

• Program-Specific Requirements: Certain scholarships are available only for specific programmes or faculties.

Application Tips

• Apply Early: Scholarship deadlines can be competitive; early application increases your chances.

• Prepare Documents: Ensure all required documents (CV, motivation letter, proof of qualifications) are ready and meet the specified requirements.

• Follow Instructions: Adhere to the application guidelines and provide all requested information.

• Check Eligibility: Verify that you meet the specific criteria for the scholarship you are applying for.

• Seek Assistance: Contact DCU's International Office for guidance and support during the application process.