For a list of all programmes available to international students please see below. You can read further details on each programme by visiting our programme pages. 

All programmes commence in September each year with a number of Masters programmes also commencing in January. Our Undergraduate programmes are 3 years in duration in our School of Business and 4 years in duration in our School of Computing and Center for Education and Lifelong Learning. Masters and higher diploma programmes are typically one year in duration, with a slightly longer duration in the School of Business if starting in January. 

School of Business

School of Computing

Center for Education and Lifelong Learning 

Fees and Scholarships 

NCI offers very competitive fees for international students. Scholarships are available on all programmes and are assessed during the application process. Therefore the first step to achieving a scholarship is to apply for your chosen programme. A full list of our fees and scholarships are available on the Fees and Funding pages.  

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the Awarding Body for the programmes offered by National College of Ireland. Our close partnership with QQI ensures that NCI’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are informed by the most current practices in quality assurance and delivered to the highest standards of academic integrity. You can find out more details on this relationship by visiting our Awarding Body page.

As well as our partnership with QQI, our programmes are accredited by some of the leading regulatory bodies within specific industries, including ACCA, CIPD, Chartered Accountants of Ireland and Psychological Society of Ireland. These accreditations acknowledge that NCI programmes are well regarded within these industries. 

NCI was recently awarded 5 Stars in the QS Stars rating for Higher Education Institutions. This is the highest result you can achieve within the industry and reflects NCI’s commitment to providing quality in everything we do. NCI scored particularly well in the areas of graduate employment, internationalization, inclusiveness and facilities. You can find out more about NCI’s QS Stars achievement here. 

NCI Careers Service 

NCI understands the importance of providing students with good career options when they graduate – which is why we have a dedicated Careers Team that begin working with students from day one of their student journey in order to provide the direction, skills and knowledge to successfully identify and secure the right career. Our Careers team have won eight national awards in the last nine years – so you can be guaranteed that you will be provided with the best possible service. They arrange over one hundred careers events annually that connect students with potential employers and provide dedicated support with CV clinics and interview practice.  

Graduate Outcomes 

As a result of providing globally recognised, high-quality qualifications and the exceptional service of our careers department, it is no surprise that 86% of our graduates secure employment within 6 months of graduation. This is an exceptionally high result within the higher education industry and something that NCI is very proud of. Many of our graduates are now working with top multinationals in tech and financial services that have their headquarters in Dublin. To learn more about the success of our graduates please read our graduate destinations reports.  

Graduate Work Visa 

To support students when they graduate, the Government of Ireland offers one year working visa for undergraduate students and two years for postgraduate students after they graduate from NCI. This allows students to gain invaluable working experience in Ireland and is testament to our commitment to attracting and welcoming the most talented international students.  

We understand that moving to a new country, where you might have no family or friends, can be daunting. The NCI International Office will ensure you have all the information, support and guidance you need from your arrival to Ireland until your graduation from NCI. The NCI international team won first place in The Education Awards 2021 for the International Engagement Award – testament to our commitment to providing outstanding student support.  

Preparation Programme 

From twelve weeks before the start of classes, we begin engaging with all applicants on the important information needed to help plan the journey to NCI and Ireland. Every week the international support team provides you with information and guides covering different topics such as accommodation, finances, careers, registration and starting at NCI. We hold weekly webinars, giving students the opportunity to ask questions or clear any doubts with the International support team and current NCI students.  

Airport Collection 

A free of charge airport shuttle service is available to students. Our team of drivers will meet you at the airport and safely transport you to your accommodation in Dublin, making your arrival to Ireland stress free and enjoyable.  

Arrival and Welcome Programme 

For new international students joining NCI in September or January of each year, the International Office runs a Welcome Programme. It is delivered over several weeks starting from the first week in September and January. The programme covers a wide range of essential topics and great activities that ensure students get off to the very best start for the year ahead and settle into college life in Dublin.  

Academic Support Services 

NCI is committed to ensuring every student feels supported in as many ways as possible, especially when it comes to academic success. NCI’s Learning Support Service is centered around core areas such as academic writing, reading, researching, studying, note-taking, exam revision and in general, a focus on aiding a student in all manners of academic advancement. Take a look at further information on our student support services.   

Students from more than 80 countries study at our campus and we accept high school and degree qualifications from thousands of education institutions around the world. 

For full details on the requirements for your country, including the specific grades you require, please visit our Country Pages.  

Undergraduate Entry Requirements  

We accept high school qualifications from around the world as well as A Level and International Baccalaureate qualifications. Our undergraduate programmes require you to have completed Mathematics and English subjects within your high school qualification and some programmes may have specific grade requirements. 

Postgraduate Entry Requirements  

Our masters programmes require students to have a bachelor degree (or international equivalent) from a recognised institution. To find out the accepted qualifications from your country as well as the required grades, please visit our Country Pages. In addition to the entry requirements from individual countries, certain courses also have cognate requirements. You should look at the programme pages for more information or email international@ncirl.ie 

English Language Requirement 

We accept a number of English language qualifications including IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo. Please visit our English language requirements page for more details.  

National College of Ireland welcomes students from around the world and is here to support you on each step of your journey. It is advised that you consider applying through one of our approved agents who can provide you with additional guidance and support with your application. Please view our agents on our Country Pages. If you do not find an agent near you, please email us on international@ncirl.ie and we will connect you with an appropriate agent. We are happy to discuss your application and any questions you have. Please email us on international@ncirl.ie  

If you wish to apply without an agent you can do so by using the "Apply Now" button on your chosen programme on our website.  

For all applications, we require the following: 

1. Official transcripts and graduation certificate of all study you have completed so far in both original language and English translation. 
2. English language certificate (if available – if not this can be uploaded at a later date)  
3. CV/Resume  
4. Passport (if you are currently residing in Ireland we also require a copy of your immigration card) 

For some programmes you will require the following:  

1. A personal statement (required for BA (Hons) in Psychology, BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance, BA (Hons) in Marketing Practice, MSc in Fintech) 
2. A completed Marketing Task if applying to the MSc in Marketing