NCI Blog

Applying to the Central Applications Office (CAO) can be a daunting task as students need to be prepared to navigate strict deadlines, keep track of important documentation, and carefully choose their course preferences. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about applying to the CAO below.

Discover why Dublin at Christmas is a truly magical experience for international students. The city becomes extra special with festive lights, cosy pubs, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This season is a great time to step away from your studies, explore new traditions, and create lasting memories with friends from NCI. From historic Irish customs to modern, free festivities, Dublin offers so much to enjoy. Have a read below for your essential guide to navigating the festive season in the capital!

Choosing to study abroad and pursuing a Master's degree is a major career move that requires planning and a balance between academic quality and budget. We spoke with alumnus Darshan Vetal of the MSc in Data Analytics programme about his successful move from selecting NCI to becoming a Data Engineer in Ireland. Find out how NCI's practical curriculum and career support helped Darshan land his dream job!

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, was welcomed to National College of Ireland on 20th November, to award the winning teams from Dublin Mission Control, whose projects now go forward to compete globally at this year’s NASA Space Apps Challenge, and to congratulate the Community Choice winners, voted by their peers.

At National College of Ireland, many courses are designed to inspire students throughout their studies. A blend of theoretical and practical learning will help you feel at ease and confident that your CAO choice is the right one for you. Ronan Oduntan is about to graduate. Below he shares how the BA (Honours) in Marketing Practice helped him expand his knowledge, and feel certain in his decision after being unsure about what he wanted to study.

At National College of Ireland, many courses are designed to give students practical experiences alongside classroom learning so that they feel confident stepping into working life after graduation. Conor Rooney Law is about to graduate, and below he shares how the BA (Honours) in Marketing Practice helped him to broaden his skills and prepare him for working life.

In this Part 2 blog post, Harisankar shared his journey from being an aimless student to landing his dream job as a Graduate Cloud Support Associate at Amazon Web Services (AWS). If you missed the start of his inspiring story, make sure to read Part 1: My Journey to Studying Cybersecurity at National College of Ireland. Harisankar proves that strategic planning, persistence, and engaging with the NCI Careers Service can unlock top-tier roles for international students in Ireland. Have a read below for his invaluable tips on mastering the Irish job market!

This September, a new opportunity was available to those completing Accelerated Business Degrees in Business Management or HRM Strategy and Practice to progress directly to postgraduate study by applying for a scholarship to join our MBA degree covering full tuition fees for the two-year course. This scholarship was highly competitive given the demand for places on this prestigious programme and we are delighted to announce that it has been awarded to David Comiskey, CRM Manager at CurrencyFair.

Choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. While our CAO Hub offers helpful guidance online, NCI’s CAO Open Day lets you explore your options in person - from discovering our Business, Computing, Psychology, and Education courses to experiencing the welcoming NCI community in the heart of Dublin.

NCI's award-winning Young Future Leaders Programme offers Transition Year students in Ireland, as well as international students in high school, a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, fostering both personal and professional growth. Tailored to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders, the programme is designed for students who want to experience college-level learning, develop essential skills for their future, prepare for work experience and connect with peers from around the world.