Entry Requirements
Unless otherwise stated, the basic entry requirement to all full-time courses is as follows:
For Level 5 courses:
- Over 17 years of age and successful completion of upper secondary education (i.e. 5th and 6th year) or equivalent
AND - Successful completion of a Leaving Certificate (or equivalent international qualification)
OR - Successful completion of a Level 4 major award (or equivalent international qualification)
For Level 6 courses:
- The basic entry requirement to all full-time Level 6 programmes is the successful completion of a Level 5 major award (or equivalent international qualification)
Applicants who do not meet these requirements, and who are between 17 and 23 years old, will be referred to our Guidance Counsellor.
Where a course is part of a jointly managed Degree programme, any specific admissions arrangements associated with that degree, which may sit outside this policy, will be clearly indicated.
Some programmes may require specific subjects or skills. Our teachers will assess if the course is the right option for you at an interview. All reasonable efforts are made to facilitate diversity and to support learners with additional needs.
See the section Open Learning and Students with Additional Needs for more information.
Mature Students
Mature applicants (over 23 years old) are welcome to apply for courses at Carlow Institute of Further Education and Training.
Mature applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirements, but who have acquired skills or experience, are welcome to apply. The general suitability for attendance on the course is assessed at an interview. All other requirements of this admissions policy, including the application and interview process apply to mature students.
Your Interview
Interviews take place from March to late August – see course information pages for details.
Our staff will guide you through questions to make sure that you are in a position to succeed on the course. You will be able to ask about the course and opportunities available.
It is essential to attend an interview – it is your opportunity to see if the course is the right choice for you.
After Your Interview
If the course is the right choice for you, you will be offered a place. As courses are popular, this operates on a first fully registered basis with fees paid in full. We cannot keep places for students who are not fully registered.
If you aren’t ready to undertake a course, or need more time to develop skills, you will be guided to step-up options, including:
- Preparatory Level 4 courses, including Literacy and Numeracy
- Other alternative courses, including work-based learning and apprenticeships
- Career Guidance Counsellor advice on alternative courses
It is an advisory interview to help you to understand what is involved on the course. It is aimed to make your transition to college as smooth as possible and we are here to support you.
Top Tips For The Interview
Here are some ideas to help you prepare. Remember, we want to make sure the course is right for you!
- We’ll ask about your interests and how these relate to the course
- We’ll ask about what you want to do in the future
- We’ll ask about your achievements – these could be academic, or events that you have participated in
- We’ll ask what you think your skills are
- Above all, let us find out about you
Remember that like all professional interviews, some personal preparation will really help boost your confidence!
Only the applicant attends the interview, third parties are not permitted to attend.
English Language Requirement
Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in communication through English to Literacy Grade B1 standard or higher for Level 5 courses. Some specific courses may require a higher standard – this will be stated in the course description, and at point of interview.
Applicants who are unable to demonstrate adequate proficiency will be referred to Kilkenny and Carlow Education Training and Board Literacy Services to develop these skills to support later progression to Carlow Institute.
Applications must be submitted with any advertised application fee. The application fee is non-refundable, and applications cannot be processed if this payment isn’t made.
Your Application
Applicants must have a valid email address for the application to be processed. Parents/guardians of applicants who are under 18 years of age at point of initial application will be asked to provide written permission for communication to complete the application process. A permission form will be sent by email, and the application will progress once the parent/guardian has returned the completed permission form.
Garda Vetting (Clearance)
Garda Vetting (police / criminal records clearance) is a requirement on courses where students have access to children or vulnerable adults. Students must be vetted for clearance by the Gardaí prior to attending work experience. It is your responsibility to obtain Garda Vetting Clearance / criminal records clearance.
Students who have lived outside the jurisdiction of Ireland /Northern Ireland, and for whom Garda vetting / clearance is unavailable, are required to provide verifiable evidence of criminal records clearance from the relevant police authorities.
We will provide you with information about making an application for clearance, but it is your responsibility to complete any necessary application and to obtain clearance. If you are offered a place on a course, you will be issued with information at registration.
The number of places available on each course is limited, and waiting lists will apply when courses are full.
All courses are subject to minimum enrolment, and in the event that a course is not available, applicants will be advised of alternative choices on offer. The programme content shown in the prospectus and on the website is indicative, and is subject to change according to Awarding Body requirements as well as enrolment and resources.
Offers of a place on a course are conditional, which may include grade outcomes in pending examinations, and are subject to general suitability for the course as determined at the interview.
Only registered students are entitled to attend classes and other activities at the Institute. Registration is only complete once all registration requirements have been met.
Eligibility for Further Education and Training
Legislative amendments for Refugees and International Protection Applicants, primarily as a result of Ireland’s opt-in to the EU (recast) Receptions Conditions Directive (2013/33/EU) which came into operation on June 30th 2018, have impacted policy in relation to these learner groups accessing Further Education and Training (FET).
SOLAS has compiled the “Eligibility for Further Education and Training” document, the aim of which is to provide information on eligibility for Further Education and Training (FET) for Refugees, International Protection Applicants (IPA) and other non-EU/EEA/Swiss/UK nationals living in Ireland.
