CCT College Dublin

About CCT College Dublin

Founded in 2005, CCT (formerly College of Computing Technology) has developed into one of Ireland’s most respected specialist higher education institutions. It focuses on Computing, Information Technology (IT), and Business programmes, offering professionally-aligned courses validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). The college’s mission is to provide industry-relevant education that combines theory and practical skills, designed to prepare students for global careers in business and technology.

 

Key features:

  • Fully accredited programmes recognised nationally and internationally

  • Career-focused curriculum with strong links to industry

  • International student body — around 45+ nationalities represented

  • Strategic partnerships with tech leaders like Microsoft

 

Why Choose CCT College Dublin?

Here’s why so many international students choose CCT:

  •  Quality-assured degrees: All programmes are validated by QQI and aligned with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

  • Industry-connected curriculum: Courses are designed alongside industry partners, internships and certification paths.

  • Practical learning focus: Emphasis on hands-on projects, labs and real-world case studies.

  • Personalised student support: Small class sizes, dedicated student services and career-developed support.

  • Global recognition: Competitive international reputation and acceptance of qualifications worldwide.

 

Highlights for International Students

  •  A truly international campus: Students from over 45 countries studied here in 2025.
  • Industry partnerships: Collaboration with Microsoft and others provides access to internships and career pathways.
  • Accessibility & recognition: CCT was awarded Autism-Friendly Higher Education Institution status in 2024.
  • Career-focused outcomes: High graduate employment rates across tech and business sectors.
  • Flexible study: Options for online and blended learning help international students complete degrees even without living in Ireland.

Scholarship

A. CAO School-Leaver Scholarship (full year-1 fee exemption)

  • What it is: CCT runs an annual scholarship scheme for CAO applicants (school-leavers) that can provide a full exemption for year-1 tuition (details published annually).

  • Who is eligible: Applicants who apply through the CAO for the relevant CCT programme (usually computing/ICT or business pathways). Exact eligibility and availability are published each year.

  • How to apply (CCT’s instructions):

    1. Apply to your chosen CCT programme via the CAO system.

    2. Send a letter of application plus a one-page essay explaining your motivation for a career in Computing/ICT or Business.

    3. Provide details of any computing/business projects you’ve completed (portfolio, GitHub links, project summary).

    4. If shortlisted, attend an in-house interview with CCT (semi-structured: prior academics, career plans, commitment).

  • Where to verify / next step: CCT’s Financing page and the CAO entry for the programme.

 

B. General Student Scholarships — three awards (up to €1,000 each)

  • What it is: CCT awards three partial scholarships of up to €1,000 to Irish school-leavers (announced annually). The college invites applications and interviews.

  • Eligibility: School-leaver applicants who request consideration on their application form and perform well in the in-house interview (academic record, motivation, interview performance).

  • How to apply: Indicate interest on your CCT/CAO application and submit the one-page essay / supporting project evidence; interview if shortlisted.

 

C. Installment & payment supports + Tax Relief

  • Installment plans: CCT can arrange instalment payments (majority of fees must be paid before term; outstanding by end of first semester).

  • Tax relief: Irish tax relief on third-level tuition may be claimed by qualifying taxpayers (rules apply for course length and provider); CCT issues receipts to support claims. This can reduce effective cost for sponsor/payor.

 

2) Funded programmes that act like scholarships (high value) — Springboard+

What is Springboard+ (short)

Springboard+ is an Irish Government / HEA initiative that funds targeted courses at levels 6–9. Funding categories:

  • Returners / Jobseekers: often free (100% funded).

  • Employed / Recent graduates: 90% funded (you pay a 10% contribution), depending on the specific intake and course rules.

 

CCT Springboard+ provision (2025/2026 examples)

CCT lists funded programmes for Sept 2025 intake, including:

  • Diploma in Networking & Systems Security (Level 7)

  • Diploma in AI and Working into the Future (Level 7)

  • Diploma in Data Analytics for Business (Level 7)

  • Higher Diploma in Science Data Analytics for Business (Level 8)

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 9)

  • Certificate in Data Preparation and Visualisation (Level 9 micro-credential).

 

Eligibility & evidence (high-level)

  • Eligibility is set by Springboard+: categories such as employed / recent graduate / jobseeker / returner. The HEA/Springboard site lists acceptable evidence (employment letters, P60, Garda/DEASP paperwork, graduation date proof, etc.). CCT directs applicants to the Springboard pages for precise evidence lists. Important: many Springboard+ benefits are only available to EU/Irish residents — non-EU international students are generally not eligible unless they hold relevant Irish residency / PPS / employment status. Always check the Springboard official site for country/residency filters.

 

3) Research scholarships & targeted awards (CCT ARC / research office)

  • The CCT Research Strategy (2019–2024) states that two research scholarships would be established (one for the School of Business and one for the School of ICT). These are targeted awards linked to the College’s research agenda; details and availability vary year-to-year and are managed via CCT’s ARC/research office. If you’re a prospective postgraduate/research candidate, contact the research office for up-to-date funding calls.

 

4) Third-party & external scholarships commonly accessible to CCT students

International students should also look beyond CCT for scholarship funding — many external grants are open to students who enrol at CCT:

  • Government of Ireland / International Education Scholarships — country-specific awards for non-EU students (check HEA / Irish government calls each year).

  • Fulbright (for US citizens), bilateral government scholarships, private foundations (e.g., ACES), Erasmus+ mobility grants (if your home university has a partnership), and discipline-specific awards. These funds are not administered by CCT but are available to students who meet each provider’s rules. Use portals like ScholarshipsPortal, StudyinIreland, and national embassies to search. (Examples of such listings appear on scholarship aggregator sites that list opportunities for CCT students.)

 

5) Who (realistically) can access each funding route?

  • International students on a standard Non-EEA student visa

    • Eligible: CCT internal scholarships (if you meet CAO / programme entry and apply as required) and many third-party scholarships that accept any institution.

    • Usually NOT eligible: Springboard+ funded places unless you hold the required Irish residency/employment status (Springboard is primarily for Irish/EU residents). Always verify eligibility on the Springboard official pages.

  • EU / Irish residents (including returning grads / employed in Ireland)

    • Eligible for: Springboard+ (90–100% funding depending on category), tax relief, and CCT internal scholarships.

  • Research / PhD applicants

    • Eligible for: CCT research scholarships and external research council grants — contact CCT research office for cycles and deadlines.

Programs

Dublin, Ireland