National College of Art and Design
National College of Art and Design (NCAD) is a leading institute of art and design education in Ireland, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs related to the art and design domain. The institute has its foundation dates back to the 17th century, later in 1971, the National College of arts and design was established through an act of Irish parliament and governed by a board appointed by the Ministry of Education and Science Ireland. Institute is located at Thomas Street, a historical place in Dublin City, over 1300 students including foreign students from 40 different countries pursue education at the institute.
The college comprises four schools: Design, Education, Fine arts and Visual culture. The academic system of the college is project based, with assessment of each student at the end of project and promotion through examination at the end of each year. The school of fine arts uses traditional methods of drawing and painting as an experiment to various media, the department of applied materials stress upon developing proficiency in textile, glass and ceramic.
What's in Blog
Courses Offered
** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise
Reasons to Choose National College of Art and Design
High Standards of Education – Institute is renowned for offering high standards of education in the field of arts and design, the courses are precisely curated in order to enlighten the students with qualitative programs along with elaborated project work and involves thorough research and innovative methods. All programs are designed to inculcate artistic skills as well as creative ideas.
Read MoreLess
Diligent Faculty – With relevant experience in respective fields of arts and design, the teaching staff at the college is qualified enough to teach the subjects tirelessly. Renowned artists and designers from all over the world are regularly invited for guest lectures and to give insights of the subjects to the students.
Practical Learning – Being a single disciplined institute, it strives to provide learning experience with a combination of practical studio work and theoretical knowledge. It focuses on excellence in art, design and culture with supportive staff that insists on practical training with classroom theoretical practice.
Comprehensive Programs – Institute provides a wide range of exclusive programs in the field of art and design at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the programs are comprehensive and provides insights of the subjects, moreover the institute is a recognized college of university college Dublin, so the students would get an university degree upon completion of courses.
Historical Context – College has a deep historical background, and many eminent artists, designers and art experts from around the world that have studied or have taught at the institute. The alumni of the college has many distinguished people and renowned artists, the institute is an epicenter for studies concerned with art and design.
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
Scholarships offered by National College of Art and Design
MA Scholarships and PhD studentships – Scholarships are awarded to postgraduate and PhD scholars who excel and have achievements in the field of art, design and visual culture. The scholarship is only for incoming students in the institute.
Higher Education Grant – Special financial grant under the Students Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), eligible students can apply for grants via online mode, it is highly recommended to apply for this grant as early as possible. The students are advised to check the eligibility criteria before applying for the grant.
Read MoreLess
Open Learning Scholarships – As a part of the PATH 3 open learning initiative, scholarships are entirely funded by the Higher Education Authority. The main aim of these scholarships is to make higher education affordable and accessible to under represented groups. Students with low economic background are supported through these scholarships.
EU Tuition Fee Scholarships – Based upon academic merit, one meritorious student per program is awarded with this scholarship. Programs that offers these scholarships are: MSc in Device Design (scholarship amount €8100), MA in Design History and Material Culture (scholarship amount €7600) and MA Art in Contemporary World (scholarship amount €6840).
Placements offered by National College of Art and Design
ERASMUS+ European Union funded internships program for recently passed-out graduates as well as for pursuing graduates that offer placement in prestigious designer firms and companies. The trainee interns must work at the placed company for at least two months and up to one year of undertaking study abroad and traineeship per cycle.
Studio+ – an one of its kind placement initiative, where students of fine arts and designs get the opportunity to absorb practical knowledge and experience with real time engagement with the outer world. This career service let the students to explore the opportunities beyond the walls of campus.
Read MoreLess
Diverse Career Services – Institute promptly delivers numerous career related services to the students which include career guidance, providing resources, information sessions, preparing curriculum vitae and cover letter writing, interview tips and preparation etc. college has partnership and collaboration with over 100 organizations and institutions around the world.
Student Services offered by National College of Art and Design
Medical Service – Institute provides a dedicated medical team for the well being of the students. Doctors and Nurses are available through appointment on specific days of the week. Students seeking medical check up should take an appointment with a non-refundable consultation fee of €10. Special grant students do not have to pay consultation fee.
Counseling – A team of professional counselors are available for students. Counseling sessions can be booked through appointment on weekdays, virtual counseling is also available through online mode. Counseling team thoroughly assess the mental health of the students and provides remedies to resolve.
Read MoreLess
Learning Support System – Learning support provided to all students including to those who have registered as disabled. After successful registration, students must make an appointment for different types of support like study and exam support, well-being support, assistance in technology, disability support etc.
Career Guidance – Students can make an appointment for career related queries via email, face to face or virtual guidance is available on specific days of the week. The team will guide students in CV and cover letter writing, promoting profile on LinkedIn and other websites, learning and resource sharing. All students on the campus can seek career guidance.
Student Life at National College of Art and Design
Engaging Community – Students have the opportunity to learn new skills through Peer, Tutors and Lecturers in smaller groups. The college also organizes workshops, competitions, exhibitions and other related events on regular basis to inspire students for achieving career goals.
Social Activities – College encourages students to get involved in social activities with their peers, campus is a very vibrant place with various societies to join, multiple clubs and societies are created by students for inculcating social interactions between them. Any student can join these societies according to their choice.
Read MoreLess
Further Study Support – Institute has tie-ups and partnership with over 100 different organizations and companies around the world, students who are aspiring to study abroad or seeking an international traineeship program can look up to the administration for guidance and support.
Campus Facilities – Campus is well equipped with all required facilities like well maintained library, students gallery and concourse, union area for students, cafe and gardens. College also provides accommodation to the students.
Recognition – All courses of the college are recognized with University College Dublin (UCD), students earn an internationally accepted degree from the college. University College Dublin is in the top 1% of the world universities. Students can also opt for foreign study.
Entry Requirements for National College of Art and Design
For Bachelor’s program
- Applicants must pass with acceptable percentage in high school from a recognised board in native country which is equivalent to Irish school leaving certificate
- Applicants must provide certified copies of high school certificates or equivalent examination transcripts
Read MoreLess
For Master’s program
- Applicants must submit all their previous transcripts including secondary school certificate and bachelor degree score cards.
- For English Proficiency.
- IELTS – minimum average score of 6.5 in all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band.
- TOEFL – minimum score of 90 is mandatory with at least 21 in writing and 19 in other sections.
- DUOLINGO – a score of 110 with minimum 100 in all sub scores.
- PTE – minimum 63 and at least 59 for each item in communication skills section.
- OXFORD Test of English – minimum score of 130 overall and minimum of 125 in each skill.
- The National College of Art and Design has a healthy acceptance rate.
Ranking of National College of Art and Design
- National College of Art and Design was ranked between 51-100 according to QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2024.
- It is duly accredited with Department of Education and Skills in Ireland.
What's in Blog
Gallery
Written By
Zoya Shaik
Hi there, my name is Zoya, and I’m a content writer with a passion for creating impactful narratives. In my professional experience, I have contributed to various organizations, developing articles, blogs, and social media content aimed at making a difference. Each piece I write is crafted to engage, inform, and leave a clear message through a blend of research and creativity. Looking to the future, my dream is to publish a book that weaves storytelling with purpose, making a lasting impact. For now, I continue honing my skills in brand building and content creation, fueled by a passion to connect, inspire, and make a difference
