About DCU Performance Sports

Sports Scholarships are intended for persons of outstanding sporting ability.  We accept applications in our priority sports of Athletics, Basketball, GAA Sports, Soccer and Rugby.  We also consider applications in other sports in which there is a respective DCU Sports Club and discipline in DCU.  For a list of DCU Sports Clubs visit www.dcuclubsandsocs.ie. The minimum application criteria from athletes in other sports is proven Junior or Senior International standard, who have demonstrated outstanding sporting ability participation at European/World Championship or Olympic level and part of a high-performance squad with their NGB.   The minimum standard of entry in each of DCU's priority sports is listed in the table below. These criteria are set to give applicants a guideline to follow when understanding the term ¡®performance sport¡¯, however the University may adapt its criteria depending on the sport in question. Please note the following:

- Meeting all the criteria does not mean an automatic offer of a CAO Points Concession and/or Sport Scholarship.



- The eligibility and selection criteria reflect the evolving nature of CAO Points Concession and Sport Scholarships, and DCU reserves the right to amend the criteria for selection according to the requirements of the programme and or sport.



- DCU reserves the right to set the definition of performance and the sport-specific eligibility criteria to reflect the performance level of athletes based at the University.

Here are the answers to the commonly asked questions about the CAO Points Concession and Sport Scholarships.

What is the difference between the CAO Points Concession and Sport Scholarships?

CAO Points Concession is an academic entry scheme for performance athletes at undergraduate level. A number of academic places offering a CAO points concession are reserved for outstanding candidates who have achieved a very high level of sporting performance and who are committed to continuing to develop their sporting and academic careers.  Successful applicants who have presented all relevant entry requirements and met the sports assessment criteria may be eligible for a points reduction of up to 25 points below the CAO points cut-off for the programme they have applied for. To be considered for this entry scheme, applicants must achieve a minimum of 300 points.

Sport Scholarships is a post-entry support programme that gives a student a number of benefits to assist them to successfully manage their sporting and academic commitments.  Sports Scholarships are intended for persons of outstanding sporting ability.

How can I apply?
Applications are by an online application form available.  Applications for programmes for the 2023 - 2024 academic year will open on the 1st of February 2023 and the closing date for receipt of applications is the 1st of May 2023 at 5.15 pm. There is one application form for CAO Points Concession and Sport Scholarships. Upon application, you will need to indicate if you wish to be considered for one or both of these programmes. Please note the CAO Points Concession and Sport Scholarships are separate programmes. If you choose to apply for both programmes your application will be assessed separately and you will be notified of the outcome in each programme separately. 

Can I apply for both the CAO Points Concession and Sport Scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for both the CAO Points Concession and Sport Scholarships and you may be successful in one, both or neither.  Please note the CAO Points Concession programme is for students applying to enter 1st year of an undergraduate programme in DCU.

What sports are considered?
We accept applications in our priority sports of Athletics, Basketball, GAA Sports, Soccer and Rugby.  We also consider applications in other sports from athletes of a Junior or Senior International standard, with participation at European/World Championship or Olympic level and part of a high-performance squad with their NGB.   We consider applications in other sports in which there is a respective DCU Sports Club and discipline in DCU.  For a list of DCU Sports Clubs visit Dublin City University Clubs & Societies. For more information see the section 'What Sports are considered'.

Can I apply in more than one sport?
You can make an application in more than one sport.  You only need to submit one application and detail the information for all your sports.  Please note Sport Scholarships are only offered in one sport and students are expected to commit to the respective DCU Sports Club in which their Sport Scholarship is offered.

Can I edit my application or submit additional information after it has been submitted.
You cannot edit or change your application nor do we accept additional information after your application has been submitted. 

I have missed the application deadline can I still apply?
The deadline for receipt of online applications for CAO Points Concession and Sport Scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year is the 1st of May 2023 at 5.15 pm.  Late applications past the deadline will not be accepted.  Sport Scholarship are offered on an annual basis so if you did miss the deadline you can apply each year that you are a student in DCU.

What should I include in the information in support of my application?
The personal statement is an opportunity or you to make your application stand out and to add any other information that you feel will support your application such as your academic aims, how a DCU Sport Scholarship would benefit you and how you will impact sport in DCU.

Who should I list as a referee?
You need to provide the contact details for two referees.  One referee should be from your National Governing Body of Sport and the second referee should be from your Coach, Manager or Teacher. For GAA applicants one referee should be from your Intercounty Manager or County Board, and the second referee should be from your Coach, Manager or Teacher.  Please note DCU may contact the referees and/or the National Governing Body of Sport, High-Performance Manager and/or Team Coach to verify an applicants sporting achievements 

When will I know the outcome of my application?
For CAO Points Concession
Applicants who have applied through the CAO and have submitted the application form by the 1st of May will initially be assessed. Those deemed eligible will progress in the assessment process. Ineligible applicants for this entry scheme will receive e-mail communication from DCU before the 1st of July 2023. Their ineligibility for this specific scheme does not prevent them from progressing with their application through CAO for assessment based only on their qualifications.  Eligible applicants are made offers through the CAO in mid-August. This academic entry scheme and any potential offer of a place at DCU through CAO does not include an offer of a Sports Scholarship.

For Sport Scholarships
Sport Scholarship applications are assessed in May and June.  Applicants that are deemed ineligible by DCU for Sport Scholarships will receive e-mail communication from DCU before the 1st of  July 2023. Applicants that are deemed eligible by DCU will receive e-mail communication from DCU before the 1st of  July 2023 and will progress in the assessment process.  

The outcome of applications for CAO Points Concession and Sport Scholarships will be communicated by e-mail using the e-mail address listed in the application form. 

The key dates for CAO Points Concession and Sport Scholarships for the academic year 2023-2024 are

 

To apply for the Performance Sport CAO Points Concession and/or the Sport Scholarship programme applicants must complete an online application form here

• Applications for programmes for the 2023-2024 academic year will open on the 1st of February 2023 and the closing date for receipt of applications is the 1st of May 2023 at 5:15 pm.  

•  Applicants that apply for the CAO Points Concession programme must also make an application for a DCU programme of study through the CAO. Applicants should apply through the CAO by the normal closing date of 1st February or before the late closing date of 1st May and complete a DCU Performance Sport online application form.

• Paper applications or late applications will not be accepted.