International Foundation Year Programme

Business Stream

Fees  €13,650  + registration
Closes in 201 days

  • Programme Code

    DC555

  • Application Deadline

    1st July 2025

  • Duration

    1 Academic Year

  • Location

    Dublin Ireland (in-person)

  • Workload

    30 weeks total
    (28 weeks + 2 exam weeks)

  • Intake

    September 2025

  • Fees

    €13,650 + Registration & Examination Fee of €1,500

Get the skills to succeed in an Undergraduate Bachelor degree

The programme is delivered by Dublin City University. You will be taught by expert teachers who understand the challenges international students might face and who will be there to support you on your path to university.

  • Equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to commence your DCU undergraduate studies.
  • You can progress to the DCU Business School, a leading business school that is accredited by AACSB, the world’s oldest and most prestigious global accrediting body for business schools.
  • Progression into highly ranked degrees. DCU Business School has been ranked in the QS World University Rankings.
  • DCU Business School is accredited by the prestigious European Foundation for Management Development Global Quality System (EQUIS), placing it in the elite 1% of business schools worldwide.
  • Join the proud community of successful DCU students.
  • Those who need to improve their English language skills or build up their academic level before studying at DCU.
  • Anyone who is looking to progress to a degree in the exciting fields of business.
Faculty CAO Code DCU Programme Title
DCUBS DC110 Business Studies International
DCUBS DC111 Business Studies
DCUBS DC115 Accounting and Finance
DCUBS DC117 Aviation Management / Aviation Management with Pilot Studies
DCUBS DC240 Marketing, Innovation and Technology
DCUBS DC241 Digital Business and Innovation
(* DCU Futures – Limited Spaces)

What our students say

I chose DCU because I wanted to study in a university with a great reputation and excellent facilities. Studying here has been amazing! I found everything I needed.”

Chan Um,

South Korea

Entry Requirements

The following are the academic requirements for entry to the DCU International Foundation Year programme.

  • Prospective students will need to provide a high school certificate from the student’s country of residence.
  • Good overall results from a high-school qualification equivalent of 5 GCSE’s in A to C grade range including Mathematics and English.

Direct entry into the DCU International Foundation Year Programme requires the following English level:

Qualification Password IELTS  TOEFL iBT PTE Academic OTE (Oxford Test of English Duolingo DCU EAP*
International Foundation
Year
5 5 35 36 100 75 B (no skill less than a C)

Students who have not yet achieved this direct entry standard can take a Pre-Foundation Programme.

Are you still unsure about our academic & English language entry requirements?
We will be glad to assist you.

Study Programme - Modules

On this subject route, you will study a mix of core academic modules, alongside English language preparation.
These subjects are compulsory and are delivered as co-requisites:

English for Academic Purposes (224 hours)
Business Math (168 hours)
Global Studies (168 hours)
Business Studies (168 hours)

Student Life & Activities

At DCU, we know that students participating in extracurricular activities experience a more fulfilling university life.

We encourage you to join events, clubs and societies to get involved in the vibrant student life.

Are you ready to start your Pathway?

DCU - Prospectus 2025

Step 01

Identify the DCU Bachelor degree programme that you wish to study. See DCU Prospectus 2025.

Step 02

The deadline for undergraduate applications is 1 July

Step 03

Submit your application to Intl.Pathways@dcu.ie and receive advice on the appropriate foundation programme for you.

Step 04

Your application will be assessed and if approved you will receive an offer to study on both the Foundation programme and Bachelor degree programme at DCU.

Step 05

Successful completion of your foundation programme guarantees progression to your DCU Bachelor programme.

Are you still unsure about which course or pathway is more suitable for you?

We will be glad to help you find the right pathway programme!

Accommodation Options

Make the most of your experience while staying in Ireland. See our range of accommodation options for international students and begin your experience of studying in Dublin at these ideal locations.

Additional information

The DCU International Foundation Year, quality assured by NCUK, is an undergraduate entry-level qualification designed for students to progress into first year of a bachelor’s degree at DCU.

The qualification is taught by highly experienced DCU teaching staff and awarded by NCUK. NCUK is a leading international higher education qualification and service provider with over 30 years’ experience and has helped more than 35,000 students progress into university.

NCUK Registration and Examination Fees for the International Foundation Year are additional to DCU Tuition Fees.

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