DkIT CAO Information Morning

Event:            CAO and DkIT Course Information Morning
Date:              Saturday, 17th January 2026
Time:             10:00am – 1:00pm
(entry times every 30 minutes from 10:00am to 12:30pm)
Venue:           DkIT Campus – Muirhevnamor Building

What to Expect

This event is focused specifically on the CAO application process and DkIT course choices. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn more about the courses available at DkIT
• Speak with staff about applications and admissions requirements
• Discover the academic and student supports available
• Receive information on DkIT Sports Scholarships and hear talks on student life at DkIT
• Gain practical guidance on how to apply through the CAO, including key dates and important considerations

Please note: There will be no campus tours during this event, as the morning is designed to focus solely on CAO-related guidance and DkIT courses information.

CAO Applications – Important Dates for NI Students

• CAO applications are currently open for entry to Irish third level institutions for September 2026
• Applications are made online via cao.ie

Key CAO Dates:

• 20th January 2026 (5pm) – Closing date for discounted CAO applications (Cost €35)
• 1st February 2026 – Normal closing date for CAO applications

Students are strongly advised to apply by 20th January to avail of the reduced application fee.

Northern Ireland Students – Key Information

• DkIT accepts A-Levels, Applied A-Levels, BTEC / Extended Diplomas, or a Combinations of the them
• Students apply through the CAO, and is a separate application than UCAS
• DkIT is a popular choice for NI students due to:
  • Close proximity to Newry, Banbridge etc
  • Strong graduate employment outcomes
  • Smaller class sizes and excellent academic and student supports
  • A welcoming campus with an established NI student community
  • Many students can commute daily, saving on accommodation and staying close to home
  • Transport links: M1 motorway & hourly Belfast–Dundalk train make daily travel practical

Queen’s University Belfast Partnership – What This Means for Students

• Dundalk Institute of Technology has announced a proposed strategic partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, subject to the necessary regulatory and statutory approvals
• Under this proposal, DkIT will become Dundalk University, a College of Queen’s University Belfast (subject to approval)
• From September 2026, and subject to all required approvals, students enrolling at DkIT are expected to have the opportunity to graduate with a Queen’s University Belfast degree or postgraduate qualification, awarded under Queen’s academic and quality assurance frameworks
• This proposed partnership aims to enhance academic recognition, progression opportunities, and cross-border collaboration

For students, it offers the potential to combine the benefits of studying close to home with the international standing of a Queen’s University Belfast qualification

Fees & Costs – Why DkIT is Cost-Effective for NI Students

• Students attending DkIT, including Northern Ireland students, pay a Student Contribution Charge of €2,500 per year (down from €3,000 previously).
• In addition to the contribution charge, all students pay a DkIT Facilities Contribution Fee of €125 per year, which helps maintain and support student facilities, including sports, recreation, and campus services.
• Under the Free Fees Initiative, the main tuition fee is covered by the Irish Government, so the Student Contribution Charge is typically the main annual fee payable.
• SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is a grant, and some students, including NI students who meet residency and income criteria, may have their Student Contribution Charge fully covered, meaning they could effectively receive free third-level education.
• Northern Ireland students remain eligible to apply to Student Finance NI to cover the Student Contribution Charge as well as maintenance support.

Fee Comparison:

We look forward to welcoming prospective applicants and answering questions at the CAO Information Morning.

Register here