Frequently Asked Questions

Accomodation

Do you have accommodation?

Accreditation

Who validates courses at American College Dublin?

Accreditition

Who validates courses at American College Dublin?

Applying to American College Dublin

How do I apply?
How do I defer my place?
I have made an application through CAO but have not listed the American College Dublin. May I still apply?
Is there an alternative entry method to the courses at ACD?
Is there an application deadline?
What if I miss the CAO application deadline?
When do courses begin in the American College Dublin?

Course Duration

What is the duration of the courses on offer at ACD?

Educational Recruitment

How can I send students to study at your college?

Entry Requirements

What are the entry requirements for applicants from other Non-EU countries?
What are the entry requirements for applicants from the USA?
What are the entry requirements for Leaving Cert students into Degree programmes?
What are the entry requirements for Leaving Cert students into Diploma programmes?
What are the entry requirements for students from other parts of the EU ?
What are the entry requirements for UK and Northern Ireland applicants?

Graduates

What kinds of jobs do graduates of American College Dublin have?
What third level institutions have graduates of American College Dublin attended for post-graduate studies?

Internships

What is the duration of the work placement?
Where are the internships available?
Who will organise the internship/work placement?

Mature Students

Do mature students have to meet the same entry requirements as applicants under the age of 23?
What is a mature student?

Medical Insurance

Do all students require medical insurance?
Will my medical insurance cover me if I leave Ireland to travel during my time as a student at ACD ?

Refunds

Will my fees be refunded if I am unable to get a student visa?

Student Visas and Working

How do I apply for a student visa ?
Is it possible for students who are non-EU nationals to work in the Republic of Ireland?
Will I require a student visa to study in the Republic of Ireland if I am a non-EU national?

Students with a disability

I am a disabled student, how do I apply?

Transfer Students

I have already completed a third level course or have completed part of a third level course. Will I be entitled to exemptions?

Tuition Fees

How do you define EU and non-EU students?
If I am an American student, can I get federal aid to study at this school?
What are the tuition fees for a citizen of the European Union?
What are the tuition fees for a non-EU citizen?

Do you have accommodation?

Yes. We offer home stay (digs) accommodation only. Home stay accommodation costs €190 per week. It includes two meals per day from Monday to Friday, three meal per day on Saturday and Sunday, laundry and all bills.

Please contact the student services office to arrange this.

If you are an international student, please talk to your admissions counsellor

If you do not wish to stay in home stay accommodation, many students rent a room in shared accommodation. We recommend students check www.daft.ie to search for suitable accommodation.

Students are advised to take care when they are considering renting a room, apartment or house. They should check out www.threshold.ie for information on their obligations as a tenant.

Who validates courses at American College Dublin?

All degree courses are validated by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC). The BA in Behavioural Science (Psychology) is also accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland. The Diploma in Hospitality Management is offered in conjunction with the Swiss-American Hospitality Institute and validated by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA). We have recently been granted candidate status for for Middle States Commission of Higher Education for institutional accreditation.

Who validates courses at American College Dublin?

All degree courses are validated by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC). The BA in Behavioural Science (Psychology) is also accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland. The Diploma in Hospitality Management is offered in conjunction with the Swiss-American Hospitality Institute and validated by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA).

How do I apply?

You must submit an application to the Central Applications Office, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway, Ireland. Application may be made online at www.cao.ie

However, if you have already completed a third level course or if you are a mature students (anyone who is 23 years of age by 1st January of the proposed year of entry) you should apply directly to the college using our application form.

If you are not an EU national or if you are an EU national who has not completed 3 of the last 5 years of your secondary education within the EU you must apply directly to the college using our application form.

All applications for our American accredited qualifications are made directly to the college using our application form.

How do I defer my place?

Deferral procedure

• Don't accept the offer in the manner shown on the offer notice, and don't make any payments
• Contact the Admissions Office in writing immediately, setting out the reason(s) for the request
• Deferral letters should arrive in the Admissions Office at least two days before the reply date shown on the offer notice. Please note that you must ensure that the top left hand corner of the envelope is marked deferral
• Part C of the offer notice must accompany the letter
• American College Dublin will contact the applicant with a decision
• If for some reason the deferral is not granted, the offer may still be accepted for the current year

I have made an application through CAO but have not listed the American College Dublin. May I still apply?

Yes. If you have made an application through CAO and did not include an ACD course as one of your choices, but would like to, you should use the change of mind form. The CAO's deadline for change of mind is 1st July. You may submit changes using the CAO application form or on line www.cao.ie We normally offer places through Available places in August

Is there an alternative entry method to the courses at ACD?

American College Dublin has Dual accreditation. Our programs have both Irish (HETAC) and American (ACICS) accreditation. If you did not make the CAO admission requirements then you can apply for admission to the degrees accredited by ACICS. Students should obtain a minimum of 5 passes at ordinary level including Mathematics and one Language.

Is there an application deadline?

Yes.

CAO - All applications for September being made through CAO must reach CAO by 1st February. You may apply using the application form or on line www.cao.ie

Direct - Applications from transfer and mature students are accepted up to registration using the college's application form. We recommend that Non-EU nationals living outside of the Republic of Ireland and who require a student visa should submit their application by July for the September intake, before the end of November for the January intake and before the end of March for the May intake. Non-EU students should note that if they are required to attend English for Academic purposes they may need to apply for a visa much earlier.

Anyone applying for January should apply directly to the college using the college's application form.

Anyone who qualifies to make a direct application and does not require a student visa may make an application up until registration for both the September, January and May intakes.

What if I miss the CAO application deadline?

The date for late applications is 1st May. Again you may apply using the CAO application form or on line www.cao.ie.

American College Dublin also advertises vacant places in late August. Please look out for advertisements in local Irish newspapers or contact the college directly.

When do courses begin in the American College Dublin?

Our Degree courses in Psychology and start twice a year, in January and September.

Our International Business programmes and our Diploma in Hospitality Management have three intakes per year in January, May and September.

Our next intake begins on the 21st of January 2010.

What is the duration of the courses on offer at ACD?

• BA (Hons) in Behavioural Science & Psychology - HETAC (4 years)
• BA in Behavioural Science & Psychology - ACICS (4 years)
• BA (Hons) in International Business & HETAC (3 years)
• Certificate in International Business & ACICS (1 year)
• Diploma in International Business & ACICS (2 years)
• BA in International Business & ACICS (4 years)
• Diploma in Hospitality Management AH&LA (2 years)
• BSc in Hospitality Management - AH&LA and ACICS (4 years)

Students should be aware that if they begin a course in September, they will complete their course in May of the next year. If they begin a course in January, they will complete their first year in December of the same year. If they begin a course in May, they will complete their course in the December of the same year.

How can I send students to study at your college?

If you are interested in becoming an agent for American College Dublin, please e-mail agents@amcd.ie

Educational agents are vetted before they can begin to send students to American College Dublin and references will be required.

What are the entry requirements for applicants from other Non-EU countries?

Entry requirements vary from on country to the next. Please contact the admissions office for further details.

What are the entry requirements for applicants from the USA?

You must have a High School diploma and an SAT score of 1000 or an ACT score of 21. If your SAT or ACT scores are lower you may qualify for entry to the Diploma in Hospitality management.

We welcome mature applicants from the United states. If you are classified as mature you do not need to submit your high school diploma or SAT/ACT score. We will base your admission on an interview and a review of your life and work experience.

Students from the United States may avail of Federal Aid to help them fund their studies at American College Dublin. Please contact the Admissions Office for further details.

We welcome applications from veterans of the United States Army. Students may avail for Veteran Affair funding for some courses. Please contact the Admissions Office for further information.

What are the entry requirements for Leaving Cert students into Degree programmes?

2 C3's in higher level papers and 4 passes at either higher or ordinary level, including Mathematics and English or another European language.

What are the entry requirements for Leaving Cert students into Diploma programmes?

5 Passes at higher level or ordinary level, including Mathematics and English or another European language.

What are the entry requirements for students from other parts of the EU ?

Every student who has taken examinations in an EU member state is expected to have completed Mathematics and English in their final year. The only exception to this is students who have completed the A-Levels. These students must have taken Mathematics and English for their O-Levels.

• European Baccalaureate: Student must achieve a minimum percentage of 60%
• International Baccalaueate: Student must achieve a minimum score of 24
• Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate: Student must have an appropriate GCE – six subjects, of which two are at advanced level
• Austria: Student must achieve a minimum of genügend in the Reifeprüfung/Matura
• Belgium: Students must achieve a minimum of 5 average in one of the following qualifications: Getuigschrift van Hoger Secundaire Onderwijs or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs or Certificat d’Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur or Brevet van de Aanvullende Secundaire Beroepsschool
• Cyprus: Students must achieve a minimum of 12 in the Apolytirion of Lykeion
• Czech Republic: Students must achieve a minimum of dostatečný in the Maturitni Zkousška/Maturita
• Denmark: Students must achieve a minimum average of 06 in one of the following qualifications Bevis for Studentereksamen, Bevis for Højere Forberedelseseksamen, Bevis for Højere Handelseksamen or Bevis for Højere Teknisk Eksamen
• Estonia: Students must achieve a minimum score of 3 in the Lôputunnistus Keskerihariduse Omandamise Kohta
• Finland: Students must achieve a minimum score of lubenter approbatur in their Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen
• France: Students must achieve a minimum score of 12 in one of the following qualifications: Bacculauréat d l’Enseignement du Second Degré, Diplôme de Bachelier de L’Enseignment du Second Degré, Baccalauréat Technologique, Baccalauréat avec Option Internationale or the Baccalauréat, Baccalauréat General.
• Germany: Students must achieve a minimum score of befriedigend in one of the following qualifications: Abitur, Ζeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife, Ζeugnis der Reife or Reifezeugnis
• Greece: Students must have achieved a minimum score of 17 in their Apolytirion of Lykeio and have achieved a minimum score of 80 in the General university entrance examination
• Hungary: Students must achieve a minimum score of Kozepes in the Erettsegi/Matura
• Italy: Students must achieve a minimum score of 60 in the Diploma Esame di Stata
• Latvia: Students must achieve a minimum score of 7 in the First Level (Higher) Vocational Diploma
• Lithuania: Students must achieve a minimum score of 6 in the Secondary School Diploma or Maturity Certificate
• Luxemburg: Students must achieve a minimum score of C in the Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires
• Malta: Students must achieve a minimum score of C in the Advanced Matriculation
• Netherlands: Students must achieve a minimum score of voldoende in the Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk
• Poland: Students must achieve a minimum score of dostateczny in the Matura/Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci
• Portugal: Students must achieve a minimum score of 13 in the Certificado de fim de Estudos Secundários
• Romania: Students must achieve a minimum score of 6 in the Diploma de Baccalaureat
• Slovakia: Students must achieve a minimum score of dobr´ y in the Maturitná skúska/Maturita
• Slovenia: Students must achieve a minimum score of 3/5 or 6/10 in the Matura
• Spain: Students must achieve a minimum score of Bien/aprobado in one of the following qualifications: Curso de Orientación Universitaria (COU), Titulo de Bachillerato, Selectividad
• Sweden: Students must achieve a score of G in the Avgangsbetyg
• United Kingdom: Students must have completed their O-Levels or GCSEs and have achieved 2 A-Levels at grade C or higher

What are the entry requirements for UK and Northern Ireland applicants?

Degree Courses: 2 'A' levels (minimum grade C) and 4 'GCSEs', including Mathematics and English or another European language.

Diploma Courses: 5 'GCSEs' including Mathematics and English or another European language.

What kinds of jobs do graduates of American College Dublin have?

Our graduates work in various organisations both within the public and private sector. Please refer to the Alumni page.

What third level institutions have graduates of American College Dublin attended for post-graduate studies?

Our graduates have enrolled in a number of institutions for post-graduate courses. Please refer to the Alumni page for further details.

What is the duration of the work placement?

• Hospitality Internship I: 1 semester
• Hospitality Internship II: 1 semester
• Business Internships: 8 weeks
• Psychology Internships: 10 weeks

Where are the internships available?

We have placements available in a number of companies and organisations. Please refer to the listing under internships

Who will organise the internship/work placement?

We have a internship coordinator in the college who works with each individual student, ensuring that they are placed in an organisation that both meets their needs and will assist them in reaching their career goals after graduation.

Please note, that while every effort is made by the college to arrange internships/work placements, it is not always possible due to economic circumstances outside of the control of the college.[P/]

Do mature students have to meet the same entry requirements as applicants under the age of 23?

No. Mature students do not need to fulfil minimum academic requirements, but do need to provide a CV and references. Mature students will e assessed on an individual basis and will need to make an appointment to be interviewed by an admissions counsellor. Please contact the college directly for further details.

What is a mature student?

Mature students are those who have reached the age of 23 by 1st January of the proposed year of entry to American College Dublin.

Do all students require medical insurance?

No. EU students do not require medical insurance. EU students should have an European Health Insurance card from their home country before arrival in Ireland. Non EU students must obtain medical insurance. If you have your own medical insurance policy you will need to provide written proof of your policy. American College Dublin will arrange medical insurance for its students at a cost of €150 per year. Please note, the college will not automatically arrange this for non-EU students who are resident in Ireland or who have progressed beyond the initial year of entry. The student is responsible for ensuring that they are covered by some form of Medical Insurance

Will my medical insurance cover me if I leave Ireland to travel during my time as a student at ACD ?

No, medical insurance is only valid in the Republic of Ireland. If a student wishes to travel out side of the Republic of Ireland they must organise their own insurance.

Will my fees be refunded if I am unable to get a student visa?

Yes, with the exception of the € 200 non-refundable deposit.

How do I apply for a student visa ?

The vast majority of countries can now apply online for a student visa. This means that you fill out all of your information online and then send your supporting documentation to the embassy as instructed. If the country that you live in is not supported for online applications, you must apply for a student visa in your nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate. Please be aware that this may not be in the country you reside in. For further details of Irish Embassies and Consular offices worldwide please refer to the following website http://www.irlgov.ie/iveagh/embassies/dublin.asp.

The best source of information on student visas is found on www.inis.gov.ie

This is the Irish governments website for visa applicants.

The amount of time it will take for you to receive a student visa will vary. Please allow at least 8 weeks.

Is it possible for students who are non-EU nationals to work in the Republic of Ireland?

Yes. Students who are studying on a student visa may work part-time up to 20 hours a week during the semester. During holiday periods they can work for up to 40 hours a week. Students should note that while there is part-time work still available for students, it has gotten more difficult. Students should ensure that they have sufficient funds to support themselves.

Will I require a student visa to study in the Republic of Ireland if I am a non-EU national?

Passport holders of a number of countries do not require a visa to enter Ireland. Please refer to the list included under visa requirements. Nationals of all other countries will require a student visa.

Please see www.inis.gov.ie for full details on Irish visas.

I am a disabled student, how do I apply?

Applications are made through the CAO. Please indicate that you have a disability by ticking the box labelled 'Disability/specific Learning Difficulty' on the CAO form. You will receive a Supplementary Application Form so that you can provide specific information about your disability.

American College Dublin is not part of the DARE scheme. Therefore, you cannot qualify for entry on a lower points scale due to your disability.

American College Dublin requires a report by a consultant on your disability that was completed when you were in second level education if you wish to avail of any supports or exemptions.

I have already completed a third level course or have completed part of a third level course. Will I be entitled to exemptions?

Exemptions are awarded based on your former academic achievements. We request that your college transcripts and course descriptions are submitted with your application to enable us to assess possible exemptions. All exemptions will be decided in consultation with the Director of Admissions and the Registrar, subject to HETAC approval. Please contact the admissions office for further details.

How do you define EU and non-EU students?

EU students are students who hold a passport from any state that is a member of the European Union or the European Economic Area. This must be a full passport and entitle you to freely reside in any state within the EU or EEA.

Non-EU students are students from countries that are not part of the European Union or the European Economic area.

Non-EU students who are resident in Ireland and hold a stamp 4 on their Garda National Immigration Card may be entitled to EU fees. This is decided on a case by case basis.

If I am an American student, can I get federal aid to study at this school?

American College Dublin is eligible for Federal Aid. Our federal school code is G40214.

Students who wish to apply for federal aid should consult the website, www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov

The booklet'Funding Education beyond High School' may also be useful.

What are the tuition fees for a citizen of the European Union?

The tuition fees vary from €3,750 to €4,950 per annum. There is an additional HETAC fee of €20 per subject taken.

Please click here to download the fee schedule for the coming academic year.

What are the tuition fees for a non-EU citizen?

The tuition fees vary from €6,500 to €9,000 per annum. There is an additional HETAC fee of €20 per subject taken.

Please click here to download the fee schedule for the coming academic year.