The National University of Ireland is moving its exemptions system to a digital platform. Students who need an Irish and/or Third Language exemption for their CAO application to an NUI institution can apply using a streamlined online form.

While NUI will still be here to talk you through the process at (01) 439 24 24 or at exemptions@nui.ie, this new system will make it a lot easier for students to provide all the information and documents that will help them secure their exemption in time for CAO Offers Day.

NUI processes over 3,000 applications annually, with approximately 3,700 applications processed in 2022-23.

There is a requirement to present Irish to enrol in an NUI institution, and for many courses there is also a requirement to present a Third Language. However, there are some situations in which a student can avail of an NUI exemption:

• Applicant is born outside Ireland: can avail of an Irish exemption.
• Applicant was educated outside Ireland up until the age of 12, or for three or more continuous years in primary and post-primary combined: can avail of an Irish exemption.
• Applicant has a specific learning difficulty or other diagnosed medical condition which affects their language learning: can avail of an Irish and/or Third Language exemption.

The full matriculation guidelines are available on www.nui.ie, as is the application portal.

In keeping with NUI’s 2023-27 Strategic Plan, “Deep Roots, New Horizons”, in particular its focus on Education & Research and Sustainability, this new system will streamline the application process and make it more accessible for all.

Those who have applied using the old form will be contacted to ensure they apply using the new system. Applicants are advised to keep an eye on their phone or email to ensure they are kept up to date on the status of their exemption. They are also asked to note that if NUI has not been provided with their CAO number, the exemption cannot be activated for CAO offers.

University College Cork (UCC)

University College Dublin (UCD)

(National College of Art and Design, NCAD)

Maynooth University (MU)

National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)

(Shannon College of Hotel Management

Burren College of Art

St Angela’s College, Sligo)

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

Please note the above only applies to NUI colleges, you need to apply to all other colleges directly for exemptions.

Can we also remind you or your 6th yr student  to:

INFORM THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT IF YOUR 6TH YR STUDENT IS APPLYING FOR DARE  -REMEMBER -  Students must open their CAO account and tick a box on the CAO form to indicate they are applying for DARE  BEFORE FEB 1ST. 

Assist your 6th year student with opening their CAO account on www.cao.ie. Please see 6th yr information TEAM  and www.cao.ie for video guides - all 6th yrs have been given an information session on opening the CAO and a yellow information sheet which you can refer to during the process. List courses in order of preference.

Continue to attend Open Days with Maynooth this weekend and TUDublin next weekend.

A lot of valuable and important guidance information is posted on the 6th yr Information Team - parents/guardians are advised to keep up to date with this information also.

We are here to help and guide students.

Thank you, Guidance Team.