DCU Access Programme

We believe that talented youth should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential in life, no matter who they are or where they come from. This is why we operate the largest access programme of any university in Ireland with over 1,000 Access students enrolled at DCU in 2022/23.

Our Access Programme encourages young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to consider third level education as a viable option and provides the necessary personal, financial and academic supports to help them complete their course of study.

The generosity of our supporters is critical in enabling DCU’s Access programme to transform the lives of our students, and in turn our whole society, by creating equality of access to third level education in Ireland.

Meet our Access students

Caitlin’s Story

Caitlin used to pass DCU on the bus and dream of going inside. Here, she...
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Dr David Dowling – A Leader in Vaccine Development

DCU Access graduate Dr David Dowling is now a leading vaccinologist with Boston Children’s Hospital...
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Joanna’s Story

Joanna Ozougwu is a third-year DCU student in Mechatronic Engineering, whose success in university encouraged...
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The Sky is the Limit – Aaron’s Story

Growing up in foster care, Aaron dreamed of becoming a pilot. In this video, he...
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Turning Our Lives Around – Amy’s Story

DCU’s Excellence and Opportunity Fund creates an open door for bright minds to excel at DCU. In this...
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Michael Alake

Michael’s Story

Michael Alake is a first year Engineering student in DCU. In this piece, he describes...
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Empower DCU students today to fulfil their potential and shape the world of tomorrow.

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DCU Access Programme

We believe that talented youth should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential in life, no matter who they are...