Trinity College Dublin

Skip to main content.

Top Level TCD Links

Site map

How do I apply to Trinity if I have a disability?

boy and girl in a lecture hall

Leaving Certificate students

You must apply to the CAO and to DARE by the 1st February.  Find out more information about applying to Trinity College, choosing a college course and the supports available to you in TCD.

Mature students

Students 23 or over must apply though the Mature Student route. Mature students are not eligible to apply for DARE as this scheme is for school leavers.  If you are called for interview for a course of your choice and have any disability-related needs please inform the Admissions Office or Mature Student Officer. Once you have accepted your place in Trinity, you should register with the Disability Service as soon as possible.

Postgraduate students

Apply for the course of your choice through the Graduate Studies Office.  Once you have accepted your place in Trinity, you should register with the Disability Service as soon as possible.

Erasmus students

Incoming Erasmus or Exchange students must apply to the International Office.  Erasmus students should apply for funded supports in their home university, and it is recommended that you contact the TCD Disability Service before you arrive, so we can advise you on the type of support available, and associated costs. You should register with the Disability Service as soon as you arrive in Dublin.  Information on how to do this is available on our registration page. You will need to bring a copy of your disability documentation from your home university.  A letter listing your exam accommodations is not sufficient.

Northern Irish (NI) Students

Students from Northern Ireland are entitled to the Disabled Student's Allowances (DSA). DSA are supplementary allowances available to students who may have extra expenses, as a direct result of their disability, arising from attending a higher education course. The allowances are meant to help disabled students benefit fully from their course; they are not means-tested.

If you require any additional funded disability supports in Trinity you need to apply for DSA through your Library Board. Further details can be found at: http://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/portal/page?_pageid=54,1268397&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

EU (non-ROI) students

Students applying from EU countries other than the Republic of Ireland, must apply to the CAO and to DARE by the 1st February.  Find out more about applying to Trinity College, choosing a college course and the supports available to you in college. EU students do not qualify for supports through the Fund for Students with Disabilities, unless they meet specific criteria. You should contact the TCD Disability Service before you arrive, so we can advise you on the type of support available, and associated costs. Students are advised to register with the Disability Service as soon as they arrive in Dublin.  Information on how to do this is available on our registration page. You will need to bring a copy of your disability documentation from your home university.  A letter listing your exam accommodations is not sufficient.

International students

If you are a student from outside the EU you must apply through the International Office.  You should contact the TCD Disability Service before you arrive, so we can advise you on the type of support available, and associated costs. You should register with the Disability Service as soon as you arrive in Dublin.  Information on how to do this is available on our registration page.   You will need to bring a copy of your disability documentation from your home university.  A letter listing your exam accommodations is not sufficient. Please note reasonable accommodations that apply in your home country may not be applicable in TCD.

One semester / one year Visiting Students

Apply to the International Office for visiting programmes.  You should register with the Disability Service as soon as you arrive in Dublin.  Information on how to do this is available on our registration page.   You will need to bring a copy of your disability documentation from your home university.  A letter listing your exam accommodations is not sufficient.

TCD language & terms

Unsure of the terms used within TCD check out our A-Z glossary of college terms.docx


Last updated 3 September 2013 by andrew.costello@tcd.ie (Email).