We offer two entry routes to our courses...

CAO Courses

These are only available by applying through the CAO system www.cao.ie. CAO applicants are under 23 years of age and reside in Ireland or in the EU. All International applicants should apply directly to Griffith College.

School and FETAC applications for the first year of any full-time HETAC programme at Griffith College is through the CAO System. The CAO system applies only to applications for first-year admissions to undergraduate full-time day programmes described in the College prospectus or on this website, which have a CAO Course code.  Application forms and the CAO Handbook are both supplied by the Central Applications Office (CAO), Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway or from your Career Guidance Counsellor. Please note that there is a standard application fee of €45 made payable to CAO on submitting your CAO application form.

Direct Entry Courses 

Griffith College also offers a large number of courses in each Faculty that may not appear on the CAO system. Applications to these courses must be made directly to the GCD Admissions Office. There are three exceptions to this application process - LLB (Hons) in Irish Law, BA (Hons) in Business and Law and the BA (Hons) in International Hospitality Management. Applications for these courses can be made either through the CAO system or apply directly to Griffith College online.  

CAO Points Calculation

Selection of CAO applicants will be made on the basis of points. Your points will be calculated by adding together the points scored in the best of six subjects in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate. The results of two sittings at Leaving Certificate (or equivalent examination) can be combined for the purposes of meeting the subject requirements for minimum entry.

Griffith College welcomes applications from students who hold FETAC Level 5 Awards. A full FETAC award normally contains eight modules. A full award may be accumulated over more than one academic year. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the student to apply to FETAC for a full award where the modules are taken over more than one year. Please note that a record of achievement does not meet the minimum entry requirements. Some FETAC holders may be eligible for advanced entry onto specific related programmes at Griffith College. For such applicants, a transfer application should be made directly online to Griffith College and not through CAO.

Admissions Procedures

Griffith College Dublin welcomes applications from mature applicants for any full or part-time programme. A mature applicant is defined as 23 years of age, on or before January 1st of the year of entry. You may have some questions like:

• What is the timetable like for completing a law degree by night?
• How do mature students apply to Griffith College?
• Does it matter if I have a learning disability?
• How can I find a balance with my professional and personal commitments?
• I haven't been to College before. What support mechanisms are there to assist me?
• Where can I find out information on career opportunities available in my area?

Whatever your query, this section will have the answer and is complimented by a dedicated Mature Student Officer on email to help. Mail [email protected] for assistance. Mature applicants should demonstrate an ongoing interest and commitment to the subject matter of the course for which they are applying through their life and/or work experience. A brief summary of past educational and work experience in the form of an up to date CV (with a copy of relevant documentation) should be sent along with evidence of date of birth (copy of passport, driver's licence or birth cert.) and a completed direct entry application form.

Application Form

Mature students should complete in full the online application form which is available on www.gcd.ie/apply. Applications must be made by 31st August on the year of entry.