FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

• We will require a copy of your passport, your high school academic transcripts and English exam results.

• Yes, you can still apply and may be eligible to receive a conditional foundation programme offer pending your final results.
  Once you have completed your high school studies and provided the final transcript, if successful you will receive a firm offer letter for the foundation course.

• The exit grades required will be outlined on your offer letter and depend on your chosen degree course. It will include a grade for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) plus the required grades in your 3 other academic modules.

• Orientation will start on Monday 8th September 2025. Academic classes will commence on Monday 29th September 2025.

• No, the next intake will be in September 2025.

• The minimum academic entry requirements for a large number of countries are provided in the booklet here.  The minimum English level required is IELTS 5.0 or above.

• We encourage students to apply by 1st July 2025. Late applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

• The next intake will be in September 2025.

• No, it is not possible to take 1 semester. This is a 2 semester programme and needs to be taken in full.

• Our International foundation programme is delivered on Dublin City University’s Glasnevin campus.
• The foundation programme is delivered in person via classroom based lessons.

• The programme runs for 2 semesters from September 2025 to May 2026 with final exams taking place in June.

• Tuition fees: €13,650
• Registration fee: €1,500

• No, all students that join the foundation programme pay the same fees.

• A list of course books required for the foundation programme will be given to you in advance of course commencement. Course books are not included in tuition fees. Books will be required based on your chosen foundation programme stream (humanities, science, business and engineering).

• In the case of visa refusal, please forward the visa refusal letter to intl.pathways@dcu.ie and cc dculsaccounts@dcu.ie. A €250 visa refusal administration fee will apply and the balance of payment received will be refunded.

• Please keep us informed regarding the status of your visa application. It may be possible to join 1-2 weeks late in exceptional circumstances.

• No, accommodation and living costs are not included in the tuition fee.

• On-Campus accommodation
  Students can apply to stay on campus (Glasnevin and All Hallows campus). Please note, only students who have paid their tuition fees in full can apply. Early applications are advised by April 2024 at the latest. Rooms are not guaranteed.
• Host family accommodation
  A single room with a local host family can be arranged. Further information can be found here.
• Off campus accommodation
  Off campus accommodation is also available but needs to be booked by each student individually. For a list of private accommodation providers please click here.

• Students study four examinable subjects for the IFY Programme. In addition to this, students will be expected to attend an Intercultural Module once per week during the first semester of their studies.

• All IFY students are required to purchase textbooks for all subject streams.

• IFY students will have access to the same facilities as an undergraduate student  at DCU. This includes access to the library, sports centre and student clubs and societies. Please note, fees will apply when joining the sports centre. In addition to this, students will have access to  a range of support services, such as a medical centre and counselling services.

• The IFY Programme runs classes and workshops from Monday through Friday from 9 am in the morning until 6 pm in the evening. Over the course of the week students will have approximately 30 hours of class time. 

• During orientation IFY staff will bring students over to the registry office to collect their student cards. You will need to print out and bring a copy of your offer letter and bring proof of ID, for example your passport to collect your student card.

• Once you collect your student card you can request your letter. In addition to any further documents you may need from DCU.

• Once you collect your student card you can request your letter. In addition to any further documents you may need from DCU.

The Careers Service is DCU’s central hub for employability. Through learning and development initiatives, we empower students to shape their futures to become successful in their chosen career paths; provide opportunities to connect students with the agile nature of the world of work; and be a leading player in the talent development and employer engagement for our local, national and global communities.

For more information please visit the dcu careers page.