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 in September 2027.

• No, the next intake will be in September 2027.

• 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 31st July 2027. Late applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

• The next intake will be in September 2027.

• 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 2027 to May 2028 with final exams taking place in June.

• This is a Level 5 award. As at 2025/2026 this award is provided by NCUK and recognised by DCU for entry to undergraduate degrees.

• If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your experience at DCU International Academy, you should first raise the matter informally with the relevant staff member where appropriate. If the issue cannot be resolved informally, you may submit a formal complaint using the DCU International Academy Student Complaints Procedure. Complaints will be handled fairly, confidentially and within the published timelines. 

• Tuition fees: €16,500
• Registration fee: €1,600

• 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.

• Refunds are governed by the DCU International Academy Terms and Conditions. Students who do not receive a visa are asked to forward a copy of the visa refusal letter in a timely manner. Fees paid will be refunded in case of visa refusal minus a €250 non-refundable fee.

• 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 2027 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. 

• 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.

If you fail a module, you may be eligible for summer resit opportunities depending on the programme regulations. The specific options available will depend on your programme, overall results and academic regulations. Students should consult their Academic Coordinator for guidance.

Progression requirements vary by destination degree the details of which are outlined on your DCU conditional degree offer letter. Students must achieve the required academic grades on the foundation course, meet subject-specific requirements and satisfy English language requirements via EAP grade. Progression opportunities and foundation programme exit criteria will be explained in detail during the pre-arrival registration process and again during orientation 

DCU International Academy provides a range of support services including:

• Academic support and study skills assistance
• Orientation and induction programmes
• Student wellbeing support
• International student advice
• Safeguarding and welfare advice for students under 18
• English language and learning support
• Module tutorials
• Study Skills
• Guidance on progression opportunities
• Maths learning support

Students will be introduced to available services during orientation.

DCU International Academy is committed to safeguarding and supporting students under 18 years of age. Additional measures may include:

• Support for accommodation applications on campus
• Emergency contact procedures – one to one meetings to explain these in detail
• Guidance for parents and guardians

Students under 18 will receive information on relevant support services before and during their studies.

In the event of an emergency:

• Call 999 or 112 for emergency services in Ireland.
• If you are living on Campus, you can reach out to the Campus Security team for additional support
• For out of hours assistance contact DCU International Academy using the contact details provided during induction.
• Inform your programme coordinator, or designated emergency contact as soon as possible.

Emergency contact information is provided to all students.

All current student policies, procedures and regulations are available on the DCU International Academy website. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these policies, particularly those covering:

• Student Handbook
• Complaints
• Assessment
• Attendance
• Student conduct
• Data protection
• Safeguarding
• Refunds (Terms and Conditions)