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Foundation Course - Mature Students

Foundation Course for Higher Education

The Trinity Access Programme offers mature students a Foundation Course for Higher Education. This course prepares mature students, personally and academically, to study for a degree. The Foundation course was set up in 1997 to tackle educational disadvantage. It offers another way to third-level education for mature students whose social, economic and cultural experiences have prevented them from going to college. Foundation Course students can enter into the Trinity College Dublin undergraduate degrees.

Apply online for 2025/26

Course Application Deadline: 28 March 2025

We will hold an Information Morning about the Foundation Course for Mature Students on March 5th 2025. Check back here for updates!

Is this course for me?

Students can choose from two broad areas of study: arts and social sciences, or science. Throughout the course you have full access to all college supports and services. There are also TAP supports tailored especially for you. In addition to classes in Study Skills, Educational Guidance and Information Technology, students may choose from the following: English, History, Philosophy, Law, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Business,Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this course you must:
  • demonstrate a real desire to pursue a third-level course and the ability to do so
  • be 23 years of age or older on 1st January of the year you apply
  • be resident in Ireland
  • come from socio-economic background(s) under-represented in third-level education
  • be eligible for the Government Free Fees Scheme
  • submit evidence of your English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
Please note:
  • There are no standard educational requirements such as the Leaving Certificate or an aptitude test
  • One place is reserved each year for an applicant from the Traveller Community who meets the above criteria and who scores 30 or over at interview
  • One place is reserved each year for an applicant who is a care leaver, meets the course criteria and scores 30 or over at interview

How do I apply?

  • If you have any questions please contact us by email: foundationcourse@tcd.ie or phone: (01) 896 3472
  • Foundation Course Supports for Students

    Learning Supports

    • Books and resources
    • The laptop library
    • Excellent tutors and educational support staff
    • Writing Resource Centre
    • The Studio Computer Room
    • TAP Advisors
    • Extra tuition
    • Financial Supports

      Students on the Foundation Course are not eligible for the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant. However, the Foundation Course is free.

      Students can avail of the following financial supports throughout the year:

      • Trinity Access Student Assistance Fund
      • TAP Bursary (Students are given a small bursary to support them while participating on the course)
      • Childcare supports
      • Student scholarships
      • Eligible to apply for TAP emergency funds (assessed on a case by case basis)

      As a mature student returning to education, you may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). See more about the BTEA here