Becoming a Student
When do I qualify to become a Mature Student?
How do I apply?
When do I apply?
How can I improve my chances of getting a place in UCC?
How do I find out more about UCC and about degree programmes?
Is there any financial assistance available for Mature Students?
Tell me more about the UCC Links Programme
When do I qualify to become a Mature Student?
To be considered as a mature student, you must have reached 23 years of age on or before 1st January of the year of proposed entry. If you already have a degree or equivalent at time of application, the age qualification does not apply.
Application is made through Central Applications Office (CAO) Tower House, Eglinton St., Galway, tel. 353-91-509800. Application may be made online at www.cao.ie
The latest date for applications is February 1st of the year in which you wish to commence your studies in UCC. However it is recommended that you submit your application by mid-January.
Put time and effort into your CAO application. Your completed form is an important component of the selection process. Pay particular attention to the final page of the form where you are asked for details of your education, life experience, hobbies etc. The question on your educational goals and objectives is particularly important in the assessment of your application.
Come to the Information Evening for Mature Students where you will get information and advice on filling out your CAO application form and have the opportunity to meet staff from all faculties of the University. The session for 2006 applications is arranged for 10 November 2005 and will take place in the Devere Multifunctional Hall on the UCC campus at 7.30 p.m.
Use the UCC website - www.ucc.ie. Each Faculty and Department has its own webpage.
It seems an obvious point to stress here that you must research your options carefully when choosing a degree programme. Failure to do so can have an adverse effect on your ultimate success.
To sum up: There is copious information available on the content of courses - from relevant departments in the university, on the university website and from the Mature Student Officer.
There are various schemes designed to enable you participate in degree programme.
Fees for degree programmes in UCC consist of three elements; Tuition, Registration and Capitation. The Government Free Fees Initiative means that tuition, by far the major component of fees, is free for all fulltime, non-repeat students from Ireland and European Union countries who do not already hold a degree and who have been resident in an EU Member State for three of the last five years.
If you are eligible for and receive a Local Authority Higher Education Grant, the Registration component of the fee (750) will be covered by the grant. The Capitation Fee, which in 2004/5 was 70 must be paid by you.
Further information on Fees is available from:
Fees and Grants Office, UCC.tel: 021 490 2365
email: fees@fin.ucc.ie
For information on eligibility for Local Authority Higher Education Grants you must apply to the Local Authority in which you have been resident for at least the year prior to entering UCC. The application is made after you have accepted a place for a degree programme in the university.
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Tell me more about the UCC Links programme
University College Cork is a leader in adopting alternative entry routes to programmes of study and helping students progress in third level education. Several transfer options are available and students may be accepted into levels beyond the first year. Information on these options can be found in the
For further details contact:
Anne Wallace,Admissions Office,
West Wing, Quadrangle,
University College Cork.
Ph: +353 21 490-3671
E-mail: a.wallace@ucc.ie
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