The National College of Art and Design, the oldest art school in Ireland, provides the most undergraduate and graduate art and design degree options in the nation. The college has many of the most significant Irish painters, designers, and art educators who have studied or taught at the institution since its founding as a drawing school in 1746 AD.

The National College of Art and Design comprises four schools: Design, Fine Art, Visual Culture, and Education. These schools provide a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and research-based study up to the PhD level. It has always been in the heart of Dublin. Still, in 1980 it moved to the famed Liberties neighbourhood. NCAD is a University College Dublin-recognized college. Around 950 full-time and another 600 part-time students are enrolled in the college, with students from more than 40 nations. The European League of Institutes of the Arts counts it among its members.

A network of 1,500 undergraduate, graduate, and part-time students studying a wide range of topics in design, education, fine art, and visual culture call the National College of Art and Design home. For over 250 years, NCAD has been the primary supplier of art and design education in Ireland and is a recognised college of University College Dublin.

Why the National College of Art and Design?

• University College Dublin (UCD), ranked in the top 1% of global universities, will award students a university degree. National College of Art and Design is an official University College Dublin college.
• The broadest selection of art and design undergraduate and graduate degrees in Ireland are offered by the National College of Art and Design, a single-discipline college.
• Students can participate in small learning groups in the studio, tutorials, and seminars at the National College of Art and Design because the university thinks the creative process should be done with others. The university also believes students learn just as much from peers as instructors.
• A dedicated faculty of accomplished and active visual artists, thinkers, and designers will instruct students.
• Every student takes part in the year-end and degree exhibits. Students are also urged to participate in various student- or staff-led activities and chances to exhibit and compete.
• The campus amenities include private studio space for all studio-based students, the National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL), the NCAD Library, the NCAD Gallery, the student concourse and Student's Union area, the Luncheonette Café, the student gallery, a garden and outdoor space for sunny days.

University Highlights 

Main Intakes

The National College of Art and Design accepts students for the winter semester in October and the summer semester in April.

Scholarships

Funding options are available to help students with their undergraduate and graduate studies at the National College of Art and Design.

• Undergraduate scholarship: One organisation named SUSI oversees the administration of all new Higher Education Student Grants (Student Universal Support Ireland). Students who want to apply for a student grant are recommended to get started as soon as possible. Applications are submitted online. Before receiving their CAO place offer and confirming their acceptance, students can begin the application process.
• Research degree scholarships and MA scholarships: National College of Art and Design awards several MA scholarships and PhD studentships to entering students every year. These awards honour talent, quality, and promise in art, design, and visual culture. All candidates, including EU and non-EU students, are eligible for the scholarships, which cover the entire cost of tuition (except MFA Fine Art;), and are given out based solely on academic achievement.
• University Scholarship programs: University scholarships aim to help adult learners reach their full potential. University's Scholarships aim to lower financial obstacles to first-time Bachelor's degree pursuit by offering multi-annual financial support.

Application Process

The National College of Art and Design accepts applications from competent candidates wherever in the globe, and each one is carefully considered.

Entry into studio programs depends on meeting minimal academic standards and submitting a portfolio. (With one exception: There is no portfolio requirement for the AD215 BA Visual Culture program.)

To apply to degree programs at NCAD, students from outside Ireland or the EU must possess a high school diploma from their native country comparable to the Irish School Leaving Certificate. Third Level courses, for example, will be considered if the students desire to apply with additional qualifications.

International candidates must submit the second-level or comparative tests' certified transcripts. The transcripts must be submitted in the original language and a verified English translation.

Also, the National College of Art and Design only accepts applicants who can demonstrate high proficiency in English because all its programs are taught in that language.

Documents required:

• Requirements of educational documents
• De­gree cer­ti­fic­ate
• Tran­script of re­cords
• Trans­la­tions of edu­ca­tional doc­u­ments
• Motivation Statement, Recommendation letter (optional/upon request).
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume.
• English Language Proficiency (TOEFL-IBT or IELTS).

• Visa (for international students).

FAQs

What is the acceptance rate of the National College of Art and Design?

The acceptance rate of the University Of The Arts Helsinki is about 44%.