We are delighted you are considering making an application for a part-time programme with us at Adult Continuing Education.

To help you with your application, we have put together a step-by-step visual guide which outlines in detail all steps in the process. 

View this guide here before starting your application: General Application Guide 2026

To see a specific guide for your chosen programme, please contact the programme coordinator (listed on each programme web page). 

We have introduced a Concession Scheme at Adult Continuing Education (ACE) in University College Cork (UCC). This scheme aims to support those in receipt of Department of Social Protection (DSP) payments who are applying to particular community based programmes (listed below).

Concession Scheme applicants follow a specific process that the applicant must complete.

View this guide here before starting your application: Concession Scheme Guide 2026

Organisations may choose to partially or fully subsidise fees for individuals enrolling on open-access, part-time programmes at Adult Continuing Education (ACE) in University College Cork (UCC). This is known as a ‘Sponsored Application’.

Sponsored Applications follow a specific process that both the applicant and the sponsor must complete.

This guide outlines each step that must be taken by the Applicant: Sponsorship Guide | Applicants

Organisations may choose to partially or fully subsidise fees for individuals enrolling on open-access, part-time programmes at Adult Continuing Education (ACE) in University College Cork (UCC). This is known as a ‘Sponsored Application’.

Sponsored Applications follow a specific process that both the applicant and the sponsor must complete.

This guide outlines each step that must be taken by the Sponsor: Sponsorship Guide | Sponsors

This web page fully outlines the application steps and all relevant links. 

You may also view this PDF Guide here: Springboard+ Applications

• If you are an applicant to a programme:
  • You will need to withdraw your application via UCC Apply before you request a refund.
• If you are an enrolled as a student on a programme
  • You will need to speak with your programme coordinator prior to making a deferral or withdrawal request.
  • After you make this request and followed the process steps, you may make a refund request for any fee refund due. Making a withdrawal or deferral request may result in fee implications. 

This guide outlines steps for all processes that must be taken: Withdrawal, Deferral & Refund Requests Guide

Before making an application, you should review the IT student checklist:

1. You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer
   • It should have a modern, supported operating system with all software updates.
2. You will need access to a reliable broadband connection (at least 2Mbps)
3. You will need to use the most current version of your preferred browser.
   • We recommend the Chrome Web browser
   • Internet Explorer will not work for Canvas - the UCC Virtual Learning Environment
4. You will require basic computing proficiency skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office software such as Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
5. You will need to use Microsoft Office software such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Powerpoint during your studies
   • All students have access to Office 365 (online), see how to access this here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/sit/ 
6. Some of UCC's services (e.g. Canvas ) have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that you may wish to use as part of your studies.
   • We recommend using your desktop web browser for submission of assessments.

Our fees and finance web page contains further details on the following topics: 

• Fee payments & deadines
• Payment options 
• How to pay outstanding fees
• How to make a payment online
• How to request a fee receipt
• How to request a fee refund
• How to apply for a Sanctuary Scholarship

Visit the page HERE

Student IT Support

UCC Services Portal is your first port of call for student queries or issues. Here you can log your own support ticket with our Student IT Helpdesk and view any tickets you've previously logged with us. 

To access the UCC Services Portal please use the link below: 

UCC Services Portal

The Student IT Helpdesk is located in the Boole Library.

Alternatively, you can reach Student IT Support by email at sit@ucc.ie or by phone at 021 490 2120 and selecting option 2.

Multi Factor Authentication

Please note that all students must secure their account with Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) first and then reset their password before they can logon to Student services such as Canvas and Student email (umail).  To do this, please follow the student account set up steps below in the order that they are presented in. You can also follow this step by step video here :

Step 1

Sign in to https://www.ucc.ie/o365 with your UCC email address and your temporary password. If you are a returning student, please follow the instructions above first. 

Step 2

For MFA you have the option to choose verification by SMS text messages to your phone or to use the authenticator app (which is preferred and works over Wi-Fi so is useful for international students). Further information here  Multifactor Authentication | University College Cork (ucc.ie)

Step 3

Once MFA is setup on your UCC student account, you must now reset your password.  Go to Microsoft Online Password Reset              

Step 4

Please ensure that you login to your umail account with your newly reset password. Your umail address is provided at the top of this email. You can access the link here http://umail.ucc.ie/

Please contact the Student IT Helpdesk at www.ucc.ie/en/sit/support/  or phone 021-490 2120 option 2. You can also email sit@ucc.ie

Self Service Password Reset

Rest your password

• Begin the password reset process. 

Learn More

• Learn about Self Service Password Reset. 

IT Student Checklist

Applicants need to be aware of the IT student checklist below before applying:

• You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system with all software updates.
• Some of UCC’s services (e.g. the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment) link to an external site and also have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that you may wish to use as part of your studies.  However, we recommend using your desktop web browser for submission of assessments.
• You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. In general, we recommend the Chrome Web browser (Important Note: Internet Explorer will not work with Canvas).
• We recommend a reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more.
• You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office or equivalent) and a PDF reader. You should always use the latest version of this software.  All UCC students will have access to Office 365 which includes software such as Word/Excel/Powerpoint etc. once registered.