Dundalk Institute of Technology

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is a leading higher education institute situated in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland, right at the heart of the Dublin–Belfast economic corridor.

• Established in 1971, originally as the Dundalk Regional Technical College, DkIT evolved into a full-fledged institute in 1998.

• Today, DkIT hosts 5,400+ students of which around 600+ are international students from more than 50 countries.

• The campus spans 90 acres and hosts 4 academic schools:

  • School of Business & Humanities

  • School of Engineering

  • School of Health & Science

  • School of Informatics & Creative Arts

The institute is well-known for its student-centred approach, applied learning emphasis, strong industry links, and excellent employability outcomes, making it one of the most popular Institutes of Technology in Ireland.

Why Choose DkIT (Key Highlights)

There are several factors that make DkIT an excellent choice for international students:

• Career Focus: More than 55% of courses include industry work placements. Around 94% of graduates secure a job or enroll in further studies within 9 months.

• Diverse and Inclusive: Students from over 50 countries, with vibrant societies and cultural exposure.

• Affordability: International tuition fees are significantly lower than most universities, and the cost of living in Dundalk is about 54% cheaper than Dublin.

• Research & Innovation: Strong research culture with five dedicated research centres (e.g., Smooth Muscle Research Centre, Music Research Centre) and active industry engagement.

• Pathways to Ireland’s Economy: Located just 80 km from both Dublin and Belfast, offering broad career opportunities in two of Ireland’s leading economic hubs.

Rankings & Recognition

• DkIT consistently ranks among the top Institutes of Technology in Ireland and was placed above Dublin City University in the Sunday Times Student Experience category, with strong employment outcomes.

• Recognised by the European University Association (EUA) and actively pursuing technological university status, partnering with Maynooth University.

Study Levels & Programs

DkIT offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes across diverse fields:

• Undergraduate (Level 7 & 8) – Over 45+ full-time courses including business, computing, engineering, creative media, health sciences, nursing, and more.

• Postgraduate (Level 9) – Master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas in areas such as Computing, Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, and Humanities.

• PhD & Research – Research opportunities across multiple fields in collaboration with industry partners and research centres.

• Apprenticeships & Flexible Courses – Demand-led vocational programmes and continuous professional development courses.

• Online Courses & Foundation Pathways – International Foundation Programme for those needing additional English or academic preparation.

There are currently 200+ programmes offered at DkIT, catering to a wide range of academic and professional goals.

Mode of Learning

• On-campus (Full-Time): Most popular mode — traditional lectures, labs, and practical sessions.

• E-Learning / Blended: Flexible blended learning options combining online and face-to-face modes.

• Part-Time and CPD: Flexible schedule opportunities for working professionals.

• 1-Year Master’s / Accelerated Tracks: Some postgraduate courses offered as accelerated programmes.

Highlights and Key Advantages

• Exceptional Graduate Outcomes – ~94% of students employed or in further study 9 months after graduation.

• Global Student Community – more than 600 students from 50+ countries.

• Affordable Education – tuition and living costs far below major European capitals.

• Modern Facilities – world-class labs, specialised centres, IT hubs, and sports facilities.

• Campus Life – 50+ societies, clubs and student unions offering social and professional development opportunities.

• Work Placement Focus – 2/3 of programmes include internship/work experience.

• Strategic Location – close to major employment centres while being significantly cheaper than Dublin.

Scholarship

DkIT is committed to supporting international students through a broad range of scholarships, bursaries, and special funding initiatives. Scholarships are merit-based, needs-based, or targeted (such as for refugee students, disadvantaged backgrounds, or those with exceptional skills) — making study in Ireland more accessible.

1. Academic Merit Scholarships

• Eligibility: Non-EU international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes. IELTS ≥6.0 or equivalent is typically required.

• Benefit: Up to €1,000 tuition fee reduction per year.

• Duration: For the full duration of the study programme (e.g., 3–4 years for BSc, 1–2 years for MSc), provided academic performance is maintained.

• Application: Automatic consideration upon application submission. No separate form required.

2. Accommodation Discounts / Free Housing

DkIT offers a free accommodation scholarship to eligible international students entering Year 1 in selected schools:

• Benefit: Free stay in university halls (Setanta or Green Park) for the entire duration of the undergraduate degree.

• Eligibility: Offered to first-year students in Engineering, Science, Computing, and Nursing programmes.

• Application: Automatic upon enrolment; priority goes to students with strong academic results.

3. Bernard Duffy Scholarship

• Type: Prestigious merit-based scholarship.

• Eligibility: Available to two first-year students with excellent high school results (no nationality restriction).

• Benefits: €3,000 per year for up to 4 years (subject to annual review of academic performance).

4. DkIT Sport Scholarships

• For: Students with exceptional sporting talent who wish to combine elite sport with study.

• Benefits:

  • Up to €3,000 per scholarship holder per academic year.

  • Partial fee waiver (up to 50% in some cases).

  • Free sports membership, facilities, branded gear, and sports science support.

• Eligibility: Must demonstrate outstanding achievement in their chosen sport and provide evidence of sports accomplishments.

• Networks: Partnerships include DkIT & Dundalk FC, Drogheda United FC, Louth GAA, and more.

5. Servisource Nursing Scholarship

• For: Students enrolled in nursing and midwifery courses.

• Benefits: Tuition support, reduced fees for nursing degrees.

• Eligibility: Based on academic record and interview. Applicants must confirm their place in the nursing programme.

6. ABP Agri-Food Bursary

• For: Students enrolled in BSc Sustainable Agriculture or BSc Food & Agri-Business.

• Sponsored by: ABP, one of Europe’s largest agribusiness firms.

• Benefits: Bursary prizes for top performing students; exact amounts vary by year.

7. 1916 Bursary Fund

• Funded by: Department of Education.

• Purpose: Increase participation among groups underrepresented in Irish higher education (early school leavers, Traveller students, etc.).

• Benefits: Up to €3,000 per year for up to 4 years.

• Eligibility: Apply directly through the Irish government’s bursary application portal.

8. Kickstart Scholarship

• Purpose: Support students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, including those with prior contact with the criminal justice system.

• Benefits: Up to full tuition fee coverage, plus additional support such as academic mentoring.

• Eligibility: Based on personal statement and proof of background. Applications are reviewed individually.

9. DkIT Sanctuary Scheme

• For: Students granted refugee status or subsidiary protection.

• Coverage:

  • Full tuition waiver for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programmes.

  • €3,000 living allowance per year.

• Eligibility: Must provide official documentation proving refugee status.

10. Sibling & Family Bursary

• Benefit: Tuition discounts for students with siblings currently enrolled at DkIT (conditions apply).

• Eligibility: Declared at application stage — check with the International Office for eligibility criteria.

Application Essentials

• Most academic and merit scholarships are considered automatically with your course application.

• Some scholarships (e.g., Bernard Duffy, 1916 Bursary, Kickstart, Sanctuary Scheme) require separate applications or supporting documentation (transcripts, statement of purpose, socio-economic evidence).

• Scholarship deadlines usually fall between March and September for September intake applicants.

Pro Tips for Success:

• Submit academic transcripts and IELTS scores early — merit schemes often review the submitted file first.

• For niche scholarships (like Sanctuary, Kickstart, or 1916 Fund), prepare a clear personal statement linking your background to the scholarship’s aims.

• Keep track of deadlines, as many schemes close months before the intake begins.