Whilst the University is closed for teaching for the moment, we are still working hard on preparations for the September 2020 intake. The Admissions team are working remotely and processing applications as normal. We will continue to update this page regularly when new information becomes available.
Maynooth University International Office
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Q.1 Are you still accepting applications for September 2020?
Yes, please submit an application as normal. We are continuing to accept and assess applications for the September 2020 intake.
Q.2 Should I still apply if I am currently not able to leave the country due to travel restrictions?
Yes, you should still submit an application and keep the International Office updated on your situation.
Q.3 What proof of English will be accepted if I can’t provide IELTS or TOEFL due to exam centre closures?
We are happy to inform you that students will be able to provide the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency. The minimum required score will be 110 (equivalent to the usual 6.5 IELTS). The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for $49 . The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with Maynooth University when students send their results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session. We can only accept results for tests that have been taken after 1st April 2020. Note that we also confirm that we can accept the online versions of IELTS and TOEFL for September 2020 intake.
Q.4 I can’t provide all of the information that you require at the moment. What can I do?
We understand that there may be delays in sending some document to us. We are aiming to be as flexible as possible throughout the admissions process. If you are having difficulty with providing the required information, please advise the admissions team at [email protected]
Q.5 Will my degree programme in Ireland begin as planned in September 2020?
- The main body of Masters programmes will start on September 28th.
- There will be a blend of online and on-campus learning. The exact details of the delivery of individual Masters programmes are being worked out and we will communicate them as soon as possible.
- We are still waiting for confirmation of the start date for undergraduate programmes – we are aiming for September 28th, but it will depend on the date of issue of Irish Leaving Certificate exams, which has not yet been confirmed by the Dept. of Education & Science.
Q.6 How much of my time will be on campus?
Because of restrictions, teaching on campus will be limited in two ways:
- Large lectures will be replaced by remote teaching, supplemented with classes on a rota basis.
- Smaller lectures will be on campus but with a reduced frequency.
The exact reduction is difficult to predict, as it will depend on the mix of large and small modules taken. Your academic department will provide further details later in the summer.
While on-campus teaching will be reduced, this does not mean that the workload is reduced. The remaining content will be taught remotely. As a consequence, you will have greater responsibility for managing your own learning and will need to ensure that you devote sufficient time to study outside of contact times.
Q.7 I am a non-EU student and have applied for a degree programme for the September 2020 intake. What is the current situation with regards to applying for my visa?
While visa offices are currently closed, the Dublin office and the seven VFS offices overseas are planning to reopen on Monday, 22nd June. The 7 overseas offices are based in
- China
- India
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Turkey
- Nigeria
- Russia
- the United Kingdom (UK)
There may still be restrictions in place in some of these countries. In such cases, there may be further delays to reopening and/or there may be a limited service available. Please check the INIS website for updates.
Updated on 08 June 2020
Q.8 What is the deadline for deposit payments? Can I extend my acceptance deposit deadline?
Yes, we will flexible with deadlines for students paying deposits and understand that some students may need extra time to make decisions. Please contact [email protected] if you need more time to make your decision and pay your deposit.
Q.9 I have already paid my deposit for a degree programme starting in September 2020, do I have an option to defer my place until September 2021? Will my place be guaranteed?
We are happy to accept requests to defer accepted conditional or full offers until 1st of July 2020. Deferrals are not automatic for all programmes and will be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact [email protected] should you wish to defer your place.
Q.10 If I cannot travel in September due to COVID-19 will I get a refund?
The Admissions team is continuing to assess new applications and we are preparing to welcome our new students in September 2020 as usual. If you think that you can no longer commence your studies in September 2020, please contact [email protected] and we can discuss your options with you.
Q.11 What ‘offer holder events’ or 'Pre-Departure Briefings' will be happening in my country in the next few months?
We are currently organising online Q&A sessions for offer holders and are in constant communication with students. We are also participating in virtual fairs and virtual agent events where you can get in touch with us. We will be posting any upcoming events on social media as well as sending out e-invitations. If you have any specific questions please contact the admissions team at [email protected] Education Ireland are also hosting virtual events and sessions. Please visit Education Ireland to find out more information on events that are happening in your country.
Q.12 Am I still eligible for the IG visa?
Yes, if you will have completed a Level 9 degree (Postgraduate degree), you will still be eligible to apply for the 1G visa after graduation. This allows you two years to secure employment in Ireland. If you have completed a Level 8 (Undergraduate degree), you will still be eligible to apply for the IG visa after graduation. This allows you one year to secure employment in Ireland.