Frequently Asked Questions
Who is considered a mature student?
To be eligible to apply as a mature student you must be at least 23 years of age on or before 1 January in the year of application and you must have lived in an EU/EEA Member State for three of the last five years.
If you started a degree but did not complete it, you must be 5 years out of formal education to qualify for the Free Fees Initiative again. Holders of a Level 8 degree, who may be 23 years or over, will not qualify for the Free Fees Initiative but are still eligible to apply as a mature student. Please note that the cost of fees can be prohibitive. Such students are encouraged to consider postgraduate opportunities.
What full-time undergraduate degree programmes can I apply for?
All of Trinity College’s full-time undergraduate degree programmes are open to mature students. Please note that mature applicants are not required to meet either the minimum academic (matriculation) requirements or the competitive academic entry level (Leaving Certificate points). However, for some degree programmes minimum entry requirements apply. Please see our Guidelines Booklet 2025 for more information.
When should I apply?
CAO applications open on 5 November and close on 1 February 2025. No late applications will be accepted. All full-time undergraduate degree programmes in Trinity College are open to mature student applications. You may apply for up to 10 Level 8 degree courses and 3 courses in the Level 7 category. For more information, visit the Central Applications Office website.
Do I need to submit a Statement of Interest?
Part 9 of the Mature Applicant section on the CAO application form asks you to provide a Statement of Interest. The space allocated here is approximately 500 words. This space is not sufficient to allow the academics assessing your application to make a decision on whether or not to call you for an interview. Therefore, we ask that you provide a supplemental Statement of Interest of up to 1500 words for each Trinity course that you apply for.
You may find the template HERE helpful when recording this additional supporting information.
How are applications assessed?
All applications received by the CAO by 1 February 2025, will be considered, subject to meeting any minimum entry requirements. Mature student applications and all supplemental information, such as the Statement of Interest, are reviewed by academic staff members. The approach adopted is a holistic one and all previous education and work experience, either voluntary or paid, will be considered. Recent and relevant education is always an advantage. Demonstrating motivation, aptitude and interest in the course is key to a strong application. Shortlisting of applications take place. Interviews are usually held between early April and late May each year.
As this is a highly competitive process, please ensure that you devote the time necessary to completing your application form to the highest standard possible.
Can I use the change of mind facility for Trinity College’s programmes?
The change of mind facility is not open to mature students applying through the CAO for degree programmes in Trinity College. You can, however, reorder your choices. Please consult the CAO Handbook for more information.
When will I know the outcome of my application?
A formal offer notice will be issued through the CAO in early July. This offer must be accepted in line with the CAO regulations to secure your place.
Will Garda Vetting be required?
Students on courses with clinical or other professional placements may be required to undergo Garda vetting procedures prior to commencing placements. If, as a result of the outcome of the Garda vetting procedures, a student is deemed unsuitable to attend clinical or other professional placement, he/she may be required to withdraw from his/her course. Students who have resided outside Ireland for a consecutive period of 6 months or more will be required to provide police clearance documentation from the country (including different states) or countries in which they resided. Students who accept an offer will be informed of the procedures to be followed to complete the vetting process (as part of the student orientation information).
Will I have to undertake health screening?
For some courses health screening is an admissions requirement. Offers of admission to the following courses are made subject to certain vaccination requirements and/or certain negative test results: Clinical Speech and Language Studies, Dental Science, Dental Hygiene, Dental Nursing, and Dental Technology, Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiation Therapy and Social Studies (Social Work).
Full details are available HERE
Are there any financial supports available?
Yes, there are a number of means-tested grants, scholarships and bursaries available to mature students. Please see HERE for a full list of the financial supports available to students.
Is there a Day Nursery on campus?
Yes, please contact the College Day Nursery directly for more information.