Mature Students: What you need to know
Mature Students are a valued part of the DIT community, they can be found across all faculties, in all programmes and at all levels. The following pages will give you some information about taking that first step and becoming a student at DIT. If you have any further questions you should contact the Admissions Office on E: admissions@dit.ie / T: (01) 402 3445
Do I Qualify as a Mature Student?
To qualify as a mature student you must be 23 on the 1st of January of the year you intend to start your programme of study. As a mature student your application for an undergraduate programme will be assessed on a number of criteria including your previous education and relevant work experience, any relevant interests or voluntary work and your general readiness for third level education.
What Can I study at DIT?
Applications are welcome from mature students to all programmes at DIT, there are no restrictions.
DIT has 4 Colleges offering programmes relevant to specific industry and business sectors. Our programmes are career focused, they are designed around the principal of applied and vocational skills relevant to the real world of work. A recent study* has shown that 4 out of 5 DIT graduates find employment directly related to their field of study.
*Source: First Destination Statistics for DIT carried out on behalf of the HEA.
Explore DIT Colleges
Click here to explore our colleges
How do I choose a programme?
To choose a programme you will first need to find out as much information as possible about what DIT offers in the area of study that interests you. DIT has an excellent online resource for all prospective students which lists programmes by name and by faculty
DIT Prospectus, this is a really good place to begin your research. You should also attend any Information or Open Days DIT holds throughout the year. Open Days are a very good opportunity to meet with faculty members and discuss your application. You should also contact course providers directly to get the best and most up-to-date information.
I have selected a programme, how do I apply?
Undergraduate full-time applicants should apply through the CAO before the 1st of February each year. There are no supplementary application forms to fill out.
Central Applications Office Web: www.cao.ie / Tel: (091) 509800
Whether you choose to apply online or with a handwritten application you should read the CAO directions carefully. When filling out your form remember to tick the mature student box and fill in the Further Details section. Include any relevant additional information to support your application including work experience, educational background, interests, voluntary work etc..,
If there isn't enough space to fill out your details or personal statement online, you can simply write "see attached documentation" and write out your statement on a separate sheet of paper and post to the CAO, make sure to include your CAO number. If you have any paper documentation to submit in support of your application (transcripts, accreditations, qualifications, personal statement, CV, references etc), you should photocopy them, write your CAO number on them and post the copies to:
The Central Applications Office
Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway
Does DIT accept late applications from Mature Students?
Late applications will be accepted through the CAO up to the 1st of May, subject to the payment of a late application fee. Please note that places are limited and there is no guarantee late applications will be considered especially in popular courses. No late applications will be accepted for restricted programmes where candidates are expected to attend suitability test, audition or submit a portfolio. These include: Architecture (DT101), Music (DT501 & DT527), Drama (DT529), Design & Fine Art (DT544, DT545, DT546, DT598) and Photography (DT559).
How will my application be assessed?
Your application will be assessed in the first instance on the basis of the information you provide on your application form and the supporting documentation you send to the CAO. For many programmes there is also an interview process. In some programmes short-listing of candidates will apply and not all applicants are invited for interview. In the case of certain programmes there may be specifc requirements or you may be required to submit a portfolio, attend an audition or sit a suitability test. For further details on specific prorgamnme requirements and application assessment see How will my application be assessed?
I have sent in my application what happens next?
- 1st February: CAO closing date -last chance to apply for restricted programmes including: Architecture, Music, Drama, Design & Fine Art and Photography
- March - May: Applications are assessed, you may be invited to attend for interview, audition, suitability test or to submit a portfolio How will my application be assessed?
- 1st May: Late CAO application closing date
- April - June: Provisional offer of places sent to students by DIT
- July: CAO Mature Student early round offers, you must reply and accept your place through the CAO
- August: Final offers sent by CAO
- September: Mature Student Welcome Event, Orientation, Registration & start of lectures
What fees will I have to pay?
All EU students, regardless of age are eligible for the Irish Government 'Free Fees' scheme, provided that a number of criteria are satisfied. Click here for further details on DIT's Fee Policy.
A 'capitation' fee is payable by all students when they register, for the academic year 2010/11 this fee was €1,500, we expect this fee to be €2,000 for 2011/12.
Mature students may be eligible for financial support for fees and maintenance, through the third level grant or the Back To Education Allownace (BTEA). Click here for details and information on Financial Supports.
What supports does DIT provide for Mature Students?
DIT has a full-time member of staff dedicated to supporting mature students throughout the duration of their time with us. There is a very active mature student society and the mature student officer can advise on a range of issues including academic supports and finance. If you have any questions, or need more information, feel free to call Bob O Mhurcu at (01) 402 7658 or email ms.info@dit.ie . Alternatively visit the Mature Student Support Service.
What is Advanced Entry?
Advanced Entry is where an applicant has previous work experience and/or educational achievements that are considered directly relevant to the programme they wish to apply for. In such a case it is possible to gain entry to the 2nd or subsequent year of a programme at DIT. For Further information please click here.
Applications for Postgraduate and Part-time Programmes
The application process for postgraduate, part-time and short courses is different and depends on the specific requirements of each programme. You will need to consult the Part-time Prospectus or enquire with the course director for details. Applications for postgraduate programmes should be made through the Office of Graduate Studies.
International Students
International non EU applicants who are mature students must apply directly to DIT through the International Student Office.
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