Going to College

National College of Ireland operates a supplementary admissions route which facilitates access to full-time undergraduate programmes for applicants with a disability who, because of the impact of their disability, did not attain the CAO points for their course. Please read the Admissions Policy for Students with Disabilities for information on NCI’s supplementary admissions route.

Who is the Supplementary Admissions Route for?

It is for you if:

• You are a student with a disability, and
• You can’t meet the CAO points for the course of your choice due to the impact of your disability.

What Kinds of Disabilities are Considered?

Students with a wide range of disabilities are eligible, including students who:

• Have physical and mobility disabilities.
• Are blind or vision impaired.
• Are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Have significant ongoing health issues.
• Experience significant mental health difficulties.
• Have specific learning disabilities or dyslexia.
• Have disabilities such as ADD, ADHD or Aspergers’ Syndrome.

How do I Make a Supplementary Admission Application?

• Complete the CAO application form like all students. 
• You must disclose your disability or specific learning difficulty on the CAO form. 
• You will then receive a separate Supplementary Information Form (SIF) from the CAO.
• Complete the Supplementary Information Form and return it to the CAO in March 2009.

Guidelines for Completing the CAO Supplemental Information Form

Please refer to the CAO Guidelines for Completing the Supplemental Information Form. Sample forms have been provided on the CAO website to assist students in completing the Supplemental Information Form correctly.

Further information

Please read Better Options: Supplementary Admissions Route for Applicants with Disabilities for more information.