If you have any Frequently Asked Questions that we haven't answered below, please contact the Administration Office at +353 1 2800385 or email: office@scd.ie.

General

Q How many International students study in Senior College Dun Laoghaire at the moment?
A Between 100-150 international students study in SCD.

Q What countries do they come from?
A The majority are from China. A small number come from
Somalia, Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, Algeria, North America, South America, India, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Germany.
 

Enrolling and Fees

Q Is SCD a Private College or an Irish Government College?
A SCD is a public College. It is fully funded by the Irish Government and is non-profit making. This is why fees are very low compared with private Colleges.

Q What fees do I have to pay?
A €40 deposit must be submitted with your application form.
There are no tuition fees for EU nationals. The tuition fee for non-EU nationals, determined by the Irish Government is currently €3,653 (this is subject to change). Students are required to purchase textbooks, pay membership registration and examination fees, a College Registration Fee and other charges. 


Q Do I need a student visa?
A Yes. It is your responsibility to get your visa.
You must meet all immigration requirements in order to live and study in Ireland. For details please contact your local Irish Embassy or Consulate.

Evidence of your acceptance on a course in the College, such as the confirmation letter of registration and the receipt for all fees paid will be required. Other evidence may also be required such as your ability to support yourself while in Ireland.

Q If I fail to get a visa, do I lose my fees?
A No. In the event of not being granted a study visa, you should provide the College with a copy of your visa refusal letter and the full non-EU tuition fee (€3,653) and all documentation will be returned by post.

Q How do I pay my fees?
A Payment must be made by a Euro bank draft.
 

English Language and Special Arrangements

Q Do I have to do an English Test?
A Yes. On arrival in September you will be required to do a short test. This is to make sure you are placed in the right course. Some courses require a high level of proficiency in English and others do not.

Q Are there special classes for International students?
A Yes. SCD wishes to do everything possible to help International students.

SCD also provides general English classes which all international students can attend free of charge.
SCD welcomes international students and does everything possible to serve their requirements.


Q Does SCD organise cultural events?
A Yes. Students from different countries celebrate different events during the year. SCD wishes to facilitate this and helps with the organisation. SCD also wishes to involve Irish students as well as students from other nationalities.

Other Services

Q Can SCD help find accommodation, a job, a doctor or other services a student might need?
A SCD does not take any responsibility for these matters.
However SCD helps by giving out whatever information it has available at the time.

* SCD has a College Guidance Service which assists with career guidance and counselling as well as referrals to other help agencies.
* SCD has a special International Student Officer to provide assistance.

 

Further Education Explained

Q Explain the difference between Further Education Colleges (like SCD) and Universities.
A In Ireland, students usually complete secondary education at the age of 18 years. They then decide on a career and seek a recognised professional qualification.
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Qualifications are offered at different levels
- Certificate Level takes 1-2 years
- Diploma Level takes 2-3 years
- Degree Level takes 3-4 years

The following educational institutions offer awards in Ireland:
- Universities
- Institutes of Technology
- Colleges of Further Education

In Universities students take courses to Degree level (3-4 years), postgraduate and Doctoral level.

In Institutes of Technology students take courses to Certificate, Diploma or Degree levels. Students may progress from one level to a higher level.

In Colleges of Further Education students enter at Certificate level on most courses. In some cases they can progress to Diploma level. Many Colleges of Further Education make progression arrangements to Degree level with other Institutions.

There are some qualifications that are only offered in Further Education Colleges. Many students with degrees come to Senior College to take additional specialist qualifications to enhance their employability.

Many students who do not have high enough entry requirements for Universities take the alternative pathway offered by Further Education Colleges.