International Applications
NCAD is home to students from over 40 countries around the world. Here you will find information on the International undergraduate application process, your portfolio submission, key dates and deadlines, English language requirements, fees, and anything you need to know about applying to NCAD as an International Undergraduate student.
General information for International Undergraduate Applicants from outside the EU or EFTA
NCAD welcomes applications from qualified applicants from all over the world and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
Entry to studio programmes is based on meeting minimum academic requirements as well as the submission of a portfolio. (Exception: Applications to AD215 BA Visual Culture do not require a portfolio).
Students from outside Ireland / EU who wish to apply to degree courses at NCAD must have a High School Qualification from their home country which is the equivalent to the Irish School Leaving Certificate. If you wish to apply with other qualifications (Third Level courses, etc.) these will also be considered.
International applicants are required to submit certified transcripts of their second-level or equivalent examinations. You will need to submit a certified English translation of your transcripts as well as the original language version.
English Language Requirements
All programmes in NCAD are taught through English. International Applicants are asked to provide proof of their English Language Proficiency.
Full details of acceptable tests and the standard required can be found at the following link English Language Requirement.
Advanced Entry
An application to any year after Year 1 is called Advanced Entry. Entry to year 2 / 3 / 4 of a programme is reviewed on a case-by-case basis; there is no automatic entry based on any specific previous qualification; all applications are reviewed individually..
Students from outside Ireland / EU applying to Years 2, 3 or 4 of courses must also submit certified transcripts of their third-level college examinations, together with two letters of recommendation from their college: one from either the Director of their college or their Head of Department, and one from their course tutor.
In the case of applicants to Years 2, 3 or 4 these documents should be uploaded when completing the online application form.
Please note that places for advanced entry applications are extremely limited and we strongly recommend that you apply for Year 1 also.
Coming to study in Ireland
The Department of Justice here in Ireland have information available on their website here
International applicants will find additional useful information on the Irish Council for International Students website.
For information
Contact NCAD Admissions
Email: admissions@ncad.ie
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Portfolio Submission and Guidelines for International Undergraduate Applicants
If you are an EU/EFTA undergraduate applicant, please follow this link.
If you are a postgraduate applicant, please follow this link.
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For 2023, Portfolio submission to NCAD will be 100% digital. This means you will scan / photograph / film your work and upload it to NCAD via our Portfolio Submission Platform.
Entry to studio programmes is based on meeting minimum academic requirements as well as the submission of a portfolio. (Exception: Applications to AD215 BA Visual Culture do not require a portfolio).
International applicants may choose to respond to the Portfolio Guide or submit their own portfolio of work.
You will find lots of information and guidance on creating your entrance portfolio for NCAD here - Portfolio
When to Submit Your Portfolio
NCAD will contact you by email after you have submittted you application. This email will invite you to submit a portfolio via NCAD's Portfolio Submission Platform. You will not be invited to make a portfolio Submission unitl after you have submitted the necessary documentation.
You are strongly advised to submit your application by the prioity deadline of 1st February 2023.
Contact NCAD Admissions
Email: admissions@ncad.ie
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Application Process for International Undergraduate Applicants
If you are an EU/EFTA undergraduate applicant, please follow this link. If you are a postgraduate applicant, please follow this link.
International applications are submitted via the NCAD website. International Applicants do not apply through the CAO (Central Applications Office).
International applications plelase follow the links below.
Portfolio Submissions are made online through our Online Portfolio Submissions Platform.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Applications are now closed for 2022. Applications for September 2023 will open in November 2022.
For International (non-EU) applicants to First Year there is a rolling deadline throughout the academic year. We strongly advise that all applications are completed by the priority deadline of 1st February 2023 and that you submit your portfolio (if required) by the 10th February 2023.
Applicants should apply using our Online Application system for International Applicants, see below.
What you will need
You will need to supply a number of documents to support your application. This is a checklist of what you will need to have ready:
- Transcripts of your high school final exams, or the equivalent. We ask for two copies; one in your home language and one certified translation in English.
- 2 academic references. If you are unable to provide 2 academic references, we will consider one academic reference from your high school or equivalent. The second can be a professional or a personal reference.
- English language achievement certificate.
- Your portfolio.
All uploaded documents should be clearly labelled in the following manner: LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_DOCUMENT
Application Fee
A non-refundable fee of €55 is payable per applicant per academic year. You are only asked to pay the fee once Candidates applying to more than one programme are asked to contact admissions@staff.ncad.ie to allow for their application fee to be transferred across programmes. Once you have paid the fee once, you will not have to pay it again for any new applications in the same year.
Complete all the details for your second (or third etc) application. Once you reach the Fee Payment page, click "save+exit". Email the admissions office and we will then submit the application on your behalf. Make sure to include your application number.
Contact NCAD Admissions
Email: admissions@ncad.ie
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Application Links
The following applications are for International Undergraduate Students only.
Application links for September 2023 will open in November 2022.
If you are an EU/EFTA undergraduate applicant, please follow this link.
If you are a postgraduate applicant, please follow this link.
| Link to Prospectus Page | Course Code | Years Available | Application Link | |
| First Year Common Entry | Link here | AD101 | 1 |  |
| School of Design | ||||
| Graphic Design | Link here | AD102 | 1 | |
| Moving Image Design | Link here | AD102 | 1 | |
| Jewellery & Objects | Link here | AD103 | 1+ | |
| Textile & Surface Design | Link here | AD103 | 1 | |
| Fashion Design | Link here | AD211 | 1 | |
| Product Design | Link here | AD212 | 1 | |
| Illustration | Link here | AD217 | 1 | |
| Interaction Design | Link here | AD222 | 1 | |
| School of Fine Art The BA in Fine Art is divided into a number of Pathways which are outlined below. Please ensure that you specify which pathway you are applying for in your application. |
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Fine Art -Media |
Link here -Media |
AD204 | 1 | |
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Applied Art -Ceramics and Glass |
Link here- Ceramics and Glass |
AD105 | 1+ | |
| School of Education | ||||
| Education & Design/Fine Art^ | Link here | AD202 | 1 | |
| School of Visual Culture | ||||
| Visual Culture | Link here | AD215 | 1+ | |
^For the BA in Education you can choose:
- BA in Education & Design or
- BA in Education & Fine Art
