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Join Our Community
One of the major advantages of joining ATU is the sense of community, where students feel empowered, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential academically, personally, and professionally.
More than just a number, our students get to know all their lecturers and classmates on a first-name basis thanks to excellent student-to-lecturer ratios and small class sizes.
How to Apply
Application for full-time undergraduate study at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is made through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The CAO is a centralised applications system that processes full-time undergraduate programme applications for higher education institutes in the Republic of Ireland.
The CAO opens for application in early November and closes on February 1st. Applicants have the opportunity to amend their choice preference for free during the Change of Mind window which is open from early May until July 1st. To see the full list of dates visit the CAO website at www.cao.ie
Students from Ireland, the UK and the EU can use this one application system to apply to multiple universities in Ireland. Non-EU applicants should visit noneuapply.atu.ie
Applicant Type
Leaving Certificate Students
Leaving certificate students are awarded points based on their leaving certificate points. Applicants can use their Leaving Certificate results, subjects and points to reach the minimum entry requirements per programme. Full details of which can be found on each programme webpage or the admissions section of this website. Offers of places on programmes are normally issued during Round 1 offers in late August / early September.
View the Prospectus.
Mature Students
To be considered a mature student, you are required to be 23 years or more, on or before January 1st of the year of entry. The main criterion for qualification as a mature student in ATU is age. Each application is desk-assessed by our admissions team. We will take account of your previous studies, work experience and personal interests. Check out our individual programme webpages for any additional entry requirements or quotas.
View our Mature Student Guide
QQI / FET Applicants
An award from a Further Education and Training (FET) or Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) course can often be the perfect stepping-stone to securing a university place. Applicants must present a full major award at QQI Level 5 or higher for entry into Year 1. A number of places are reserved annually for QQI accredited applicants to ensure that they are fairly represented in our student numbers.
Applicants with awards at QQI Level 6 may be considered for advanced entry into Year 2.
View our Further Education and Training Student Guide.
Northern Ireland Students
With a top-class education guaranteed, a simple application process and lots of financial benefits, we can see why more and more Northern Irish students are choosing to study at ATU.
The student contribution fee in Ireland is significantly less than in Northern Ireland and the UK. Northern Irish students can apply for a fee grant through Ireland’s awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Unlike student loans, fee grants do not have to be paid back.
Our dedicated Northern Ireland Engagement Officer is on hand to support Northern Ireland applicants to ATU. Visit Contact Us for more information
View our Northern Ireland Applicant Guide.
International Students
ATU is home to students from over 100 countries worldwide, giving us diverse and vibrant campuses. We pride ourselves on being friendly and welcoming, so asking questions and meeting new people could not be easier.
Applications from citizens of the EU and UK are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Non-EU applications are made directly with our dedicated global offices. They will help with the admissions process and support you throughout your time in ATU. Please go to our international hub for more information.
Ways to Learn
Full Time On-Campus
The majority of students studying full time at ATU do so by attending at one of our 9 campus locations in person. Full time on campus study provides you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in our ATU community and make friends, while enjoying our many supports and facilities first-hand.
Full Time Online
ATU provides a Writing and Literature degree that is delivered fully online, facilitating wider access to this creative degree. All lectures are delivered live online and students are able to fully participate in group work and project work by means of innovative online supports. There is no requirement to attend campus.
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Writing and Literature (Online)
Access Programme
A one-year Access for Higher Education Programme provides an alternative route into university. On successful completion of this programme, participants are eligible to apply for undergraduate programmes across ATU (quotas apply on some programmes.)
View our Access for Higher Education page.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a blended combination of on-the-job employer-based training and off-the-job training which takes place in educational facilities. With trade, professional and industry-led apprenticeships, ATU continues to improve our facilities and resources to increase the capacity and range of apprenticeships available across our campuses.
Find out more about Apprenticeships.
Tertiary Education
A dedicated progression pathways now exist across our region to enable students to start a degree in their local Education Training Board (ETB) before completing a degree at one of the ATU campuses. For more information and to discover the degree options available, please go to
Visit our Tertiary Education page.
WAVE
ATU Project WAVE (Working towards Academic and Vocational Equity), is a two year programme that provides individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to attend university.
Find out more about ATU Project WAVE.
Postgraduate Study
At ATU, we understand that every student’s journey is unique. We provide 115+ flexible, part-time and full-time study options from a wide range of disciplines to suit your needs and aspirations. Whether you’re looking for an immersive on-campus experience, the convenience of online learning or something in between, we have the perfect masters for you.
More information on our range of Masters courses.
Online, Flexible and Professional Development
ATU offers over 400 online, flexible and part-time programmes that respond to student demand and deliver skills needed in industry. Our accredited programmes support students at all stages, regardless of location, to access and continue lifelong learning and develop new skills. From short courses to masters, study part-time in a flexible learning environment designed to suit you.
Visit the Online, Flexible and Professional Development homepage.
Fees and Grants
The cost of going to university can be very daunting for families. Fees are set by the Government and are payable by all students, however financial assistance is sometimes available. Recent supports include temporary student contribution fee reduction, the free tuition fees initiative and tax relief. Discover more information here.
The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant is the main financial support scheme for students studying in Ireland and abroad. It can help with living costs and registration fees. The grant is based on your family’s reckonable income.
There are various scholarships and bursary funding available to students, from socio-economically disadvantaged students to elite sports people. Industry sponsored bursaries can also be found to encourage applicants into programmes where there are large skills shortages in industry.
Visit ATU’s Scholarships page.