How to Apply to ATU Sligo
All applicants for entry to the first year of ATU Sligo’s full-time undergraduate courses are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applications open during November for courses starting in September of the following year. Detailed information on how to apply is available at www.cao.ie
ATU Sligo welcomes applications from people from every educational and personal background. We hope to make the application process as easy as possible for you.
Below, you can see what application route applies to you. If you do not find what you are looking for, email your enquiry to admissions.sligo@nullatu.ie
You are a leaving cert applicant/school leaver
Applications must be made through CAO.
You will find all the information you need ( on how to apply) at Applications Homepage Central Applications Office (cao.ie)
Importantly, note the closing dates for Application: Timetable for Applications. A full list of key CAO dates is available here.
You can find more information here on our Leaving Certificate Application FAQ Sheet.
You want to apply as a mature student
ATU Sligo welcomes applications from mature students. Up to 20% of places on courses are reserved for mature applicants.
The sole criterion for qualification as a mature applicant is age. Mature Applicants should be 23 years old on or before 1st January 2023 (i.e. born on or before 1st January 2000)for admission in Autumn 2023 and must apply by 1st February 2023.
The Leaving Certificate or Previous Academic Qualifications are not a requirement. ( although they are recognised, and, of course support an application. ) Each application is desk assessed by our Admissions Team. They will take account of your previous studies, work experience and personal interests.
Applications should be made through the CAO in the usual way. An information evening for interested applicants is held in January each year. A mature student orientation day is held just before first year classes begin, for students who have been away from education for some time.
For comprehensive information on the application process see the Mature Applicants section on the CAO Website here: Mature Applications Page Central Applications Office (cao.ie)
Additional information for Mature Students at ATU Sligo is available from our CAO Hub.
You want to apply with a QQI-FETAC Level 5 /Level 6 qualification
ATU Sligo receives a large number of applications from FETAC and QQI students.
Applications are invited for all First Year programmes.
You will find all the information you need ( on how to apply) at the FETAC Applications Page CAO
Importantly, note the closing dates for Application: Timetable for Applications
You can find more information here on our CAO Application Information sheet for FETAC Applicants.
You want to apply with a school qualification from the UK or EU/EFTA association
Applications from the UK or EU are made through CAO.
You are advised to contact ATU Sligo with details of your Qualifications, prior to applying.
( email admissions@nullitsligo.ie )
For details on the application process, and scoring, click here:
There is also helpful information for Northern Ireland students in our CAO Hub
You are a DARE or HEAR applicant
ATU Sligo is part of the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) and the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR), this is a third level admissions scheme which offers places on reduced points to applicants with disabilities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Please apply through the CAO. See our Students with Disabilities’ Brochure below or www.accesscollege.ie for further information on both these access routes.
Garda Vetting
ATU Sligo offers a number of programmes that require students to undertake placements with external agencies, which will bring them into contact with children and/or vulnerable adults and in which they will assume positions of public trust. To meet our obligations under National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016, registration on these programmes is conditional on students successfully clearing the Student Vetting process.
Students with criminal convictions
A student with a criminal conviction should note that his/her conviction could affect his/her ability to secure placement on relevant courses. A student with a criminal conviction should note that his/her conviction affects his/her ability to secure placement on this course and as a result he/she is strongly advised not to apply for this course as ATU Sligo accepts no responsibility if he/she is unable to complete his/her studies. Applicants who have a criminal conviction will be assessed in line with the ATU Sligo Policy for applicants with a Criminal Conviction.