Carlow College

Dublin, Ireland

Carlow College, St. Patrick’s is a publicly funded, liberal arts and humanities-focused higher education institution with a unique and historic mission. Founded in 1782, it is Ireland's oldest Catholic university college and the second-oldest third-level institution in the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Carlow College is distinguished by its intimate, student-centered learning environment with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, its historic status as Ireland's second-oldest third-level institution founded in 1782, and its dedicated focus on the liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences, fostering deep critical thinking and community engagement.
Student life is vibrant and community-focused, centered around an active Students' Union that organizes social events, clubs, and societies. The small campus size in the heart of Carlow town creates a close-knit atmosphere where students are known by name, with easy access to local amenities, cultural activities, and supportive staff.
For Leaving Certificate applicants, typical requirements are a minimum of 2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades, including English. For international students, equivalent qualifications are accepted along with an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. Mature student applications (over 23) are assessed based on relevant experience and interview.
There is no application fee for undergraduate courses. The primary deadline is February 1st for the CAO application. However, late applications may be accepted via the CAO Available Places facility, and mature student applications have a separate, earlier deadline, typically in early spring.
The campus features secure access to buildings after hours, well-lit pathways, and a proactive community approach to safety. All students are provided with a 24/7 emergency contact number, and the College's policies on dignity, respect, and conduct are actively promoted to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
Students have immediate access to support through the College's dedicated Student Services team and a 24/7 emergency phone line. Confidential counselling services, the Students' Union, and trained staff are all available to provide help, whether for personal welfare, reporting an incident, or accessing external professional services.
The most popular programmes include the BA (Hons) in Psychology, the BA (Hons) in Arts (Humanities), and the BA (Hons) in Social, Political & Community Studies. At postgraduate level, the MA in Irish Cultural Heritage and the MSc in Psychology (Conversion) are particularly sought after.
Yes, the liberal arts ethos encourages interdisciplinary learning. While core requirements exist for each degree, students often have elective options and opportunities to engage with subjects outside their primary discipline, especially within the College's focused suite of arts, humanities, and social science programmes.
Carlow College offers merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international undergraduate and postgraduate students, which can cover a portion of tuition fees. All eligible students are automatically considered upon application, and specific details are provided by the Admissions Office.
The primary support is the Student Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance to eligible EU students experiencing temporary or ongoing financial hardship. The College's student support team also offers guidance on state grants, SUSI eligibility, budgeting, and part-time work opportunities.
Carlow College does not own on-campus residence halls. Instead, it operates a dedicated Accommodation Office that provides students with vetted, exclusive options in purpose-built student apartments within walking distance and a list of approved local host family (digs) and rental properties.
No, Carlow is considered one of the more affordable student towns in Ireland. The cost of living for accommodation, food, and social activities is generally lower than in major cities like Dublin or Cork, which helps students manage their budgets effectively.
Ireland's Third Level Graduate Scheme allows non-EU graduates to remain in Ireland for up to 24 months after graduation to seek employment. Graduates from Carlow College are well-placed for roles in sectors like education, cultural heritage, psychology, community development, and business services.
Yes, the Careers and Employability Service provides specific guidance for international students on the graduate visa scheme, CV preparation for the Irish market, interview skills, and networking opportunities with employers who are familiar with the visa sponsorship process.

University Of Carlow College Application Statistics

850
75
750
100
4
15
15:1
€ 8000
2.5
24
60 %
6.5

University Of Carlow College Application Statistics

850
75
750
100
4
15
15:1
€ 8000
2.5
24
60 %
6.5

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