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Access Course for Higher Education – School Leavers

Key Facts

22

years of age or under

€

Family income assessed

1

year resident in BMW region

21

weeks full or part-time

When

normally September to May

The School Leavers course is designed for students who are 22 years of age or under who have already completed a Leaving Certificate, QQI level 5 or 6 qualification or equivalent. 

  •  Students who complete the Access Course receive a Diploma in Foundation Studies from NUI Galway.
  •  They are also eligible to apply for direct entry (via the CAO) to full-time University undergraduate degree courses.
  • Read the Access Diploma Programme Guide 2022


Location:

Our programmes are offered in three locations:

  • Galway (Campus, NUI Galway)
  • Tuam
  • An Cheathrú Rua (Outreach bi-lingual programme)

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Gather information that you will require e.g. PPS number, CAO number (if applicable), names and contact details of 3 referees (two academic and one personal)‌‌

2. You will have the opportunity to forward your financial documents after completing the application form.

3.  Check your email inbox for acknowledgement of your application and follow the information given to submit your addtional documentation.

The deadline for applications is 16 September 2022 at 5pm.

Complete the online application form here.

Any queries please contact the Access Programmes Office by emailing access@nuigalway.ie

Frequently Asked Questions‌‌‌

Darren

Darren Casserly |   Bachelor of Arts (Journalism)

I am currently a 3rd year Arts with Journalism student. I would say that the access course prepares you better for college than secondary school and gives you the tools to succeed in college. I would highly recommend the course to anyone thinking of applying, and I would not be where I am today without the course.
Saoirse

Saoirse O'Connor |   Access School Leavers

"The benefits of completing the Access course for me have been invaluable. I have received an amazing foundation from which I learned important skills to start an academic career as an undergrad. I have learned how to study and write academicly, to use technology and different programmes in accessing education due to the pandemic. I also benefited from the ongoing supports of the access office which assisted me, as a student to do my best. I was able to study and learn the material provided and I was able to advance my knowledge in subjects and areas that will help me in my chosen college course in the upcoming year."
Oisín

Oisín Halligan |   Access School Leaver

“I am about to be a first year student thanks to the access course, the access course was the opportunity I thought I’d never get academically, the course gets you far more prepared than secondary school and there are so many good people involved in the course that are there to help whenever possible. I wouldn’t be where I am in life today if it wasn’t for the access course and if you are interested in it I would highly recommend it and you won’t regret it.”
Disability Support Service

Disability Support Service

Providing information and advice to students with a disability.

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Mature Students

Mature Students

Providing information and advice on applying for full-time degrees and supporting current mature and foundation students

Mature Students
Access Programmes

Access Programmes

Providing educational opportunities for under-represented socio-economic groups

Access Programmes
QQI/FETAC

QQI/FETAC

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QQI/FETAC
HEAR

HEAR

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HEAR
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Schools Programmes

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Downloads

  • " alt="Mature Students Guide 22"/>

    Mature Students Guide 22 PDF (1.31MB)

  • " alt="QQI "/>

    QQI PDF (16 MB)

  • " alt="Access Programmes"/>

    Access Programmes PDF (1.31MB)