Instructions for DCU Research Postgraduate Studies Application

Before making an application, you will need access to the following:

  • A computer and printer - Applicants must print their application receipt at the final stage of the online application form. This is proof of successful application.
  • Credit/Laser card- the application fee is €50. (For applicants who cannot pay by these methods, there is a facility to follow with the application fee by direct bank transfer. There is an extra charge for this facility.)
  • Email Address - Applicants must have a valid email address to use this online application facility. It is your responsibility to check your account regularly for updates.
  • PPS Number - Irish applicants will be also required to have their PPS number. (This is not mandatory for non-Irish applicants).
  • DCU Student Number - Applicants who are current/past graduates/postgraduates at DCU must also have their existing DCU student number.
  • PAC Login Account - See below unless you already have a PAC Login.
  • Certified copies of relevant supporting documentation, transcripts for listed qualifications, proof of English Comptency, etc.

Setting up your PAC Login Account (first time users only):
Applicants who are first time users need to create an account before making an application. Go to the login section located on the top of the page and click on the register link. Enter your email address, password and contact details and click submit.

To Complete a Valid Application:
  1. After you have entered your application details, you will be expected to pay a non-refundable application fee payment of €50. This payment may be made by Credit Card (MasterCard/Visa) or Debit Card (Laser). Please note non-Irish visa debit cards are not accepted. It is also possible to pay by Bank Transfer, N.B. with a note of the applicants name and PAC Application Number, though payments by these methods are subject to an additional administration charge of €5. Applicants should preferably pay online through the secure link if possible as your application will not be assessed if the fee has not been received. Please note that you must pay the PAC application fee within 10 working days of making your application OR by the Programme closing date, whichever date is earlier. Your application may NOT be assessed if you do not pay the application fee on time.
  2. You must have an active e-mail account in order to use this facility. Applicants using webmail e-mail addresses, please note if you have the high junk mail filtering option in your e-mail account, e-mails from the Postgraduate Applications Centre, Galway and Dublin City University may be flagged as Junk. You will need to either reduce the Junk mail filter or else add the Postgraduate Applications Centre, Galway (noreply@pac.ie) and Dublin City University (registry@dcu.ie) e-mail addresses as two of your safe senders.
  3. All communications regarding the status of your application will be sent to you via e-mail. It is your responsibility to ensure that you check your e-mail account regularly for such correspondence.
  4. The Postgraduate Applications Centre is not responsible for the assessment of your application. The assessment of your application takes place at Dublin City University.
  5. Please ensure you have all relevant information, titles of qualifications, payment method, access to a printer, etc when completing your application form to ensure smooth processing.
  6. When entering your academic qualification details please follow academic years rather than calendar years e.g. start qualification Sept 2008 completed May 2010 would be entered as 2009 - 2010 for academic years 2009 and 2010.
  7. In completing your application NON-EU applicants should note:-
    • Applicant may require an entry visa to study in Ireland. Please refer to Department of Foreign Affairs website for a list of visa required countries.
    • Applicants should acquaint themselves fully with Ireland’s visa regulations and guidelines.
    • The offer of a postgraduate place does not guarantee the granting of a study visa.
    • Department immigration regulations specify that a study visa will not be granted for part-time programmes.
  8. To complete your application you must submit supporting documentation evidencing your qualifications to date (e.g. Transcripts of Results, English Language Competency) and any other information indicated at the end of this application process. Copies of originals must be certified as true copies.
    Documentation should be uploaded to the PAC system.
    This information must be uploaded within 14 days of submitting your application online and by the submission date for the programme in the few cases where they apply. Course details will specify any closing dates.
  9. Supporting documentation or information that cannot be submitted at the time of application (e.g. future exam sittings, English language exams) may be submitted at a later stage by uploading it to the PAC system.
  10. If you wish to provide additional information in support of your application (e.g. publications, professional memberships) you may do so by submitting a personal statement and full CV along with your supporting documentation e.g. CV, etc, certified copies of Transcripts by uploading it to the PAC system.
  11. Javascript must be enabled to fill out the application form. Please click here to view instructions.
  12. Students experiencing technical difficulties in making an application should contact PAC.
  13. Please be aware of security when logging out and ensure you close all browser windows.
  14. It is strongly recommended that you save the application form regularly.
  15. It is strongly recommended that you create any personal statements in a text file for your own records and paste them into the application form.