National College of Art and Design: Acceptance Rate, Courses, Fees, Rankings, Scholarship & More
Table of Contents
The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin is one of Ireland’s most prestigious institutions for creative education. With a legacy dating back to 1746, NCAD has established itself as a global leader in art, design, and visual culture. The college attracts students from around the world, offering diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Ranked among the top 51-100 institutions globally for Art & Design in the QS World University Rankings 2025, NCAD is known for its high academic standards, competitive acceptance rate of approximately 49%, and strong graduate employability of 90%. This guide explores key aspects of NCAD, including courses, fees, rankings, scholarships, and accommodation options.
Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1746 |
| QS World University Ranking (2025) | Ranked among the top 51-100 art and design institutions globally |
| Campus Locations | Dublin, Ireland |
| Placement Rate | Approximately 90% |
| Popular Courses for International Students | MFA in Fine Art · MA Product Design · MA in Communication Design · BA in Graphic Design · BA in Fine Art |
| English Language Exam Required | IELTS, TOEFL, DET |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 49% |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Tuition fees for undergraduate courses B.A.: 12–15 lakh INR for the first year B.E./B.Tech. 15 lakh INR for the first year Tuition fees for postgraduate courses MS: 15 lakh INR for the first year MA: 12–13 lakh INR for the first year Interaction Design: 14.71 lakh INR for the year |
| Website | www.ncad.ie |
National College of Art and Design: Courses, Eligibility, and Fees
When choosing a university, understanding the courses, tuition fees, and eligibility criteria is crucial for international students. The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. With a reputation for excellence in art, design, and visual culture, NCAD attracts students from across the globe. According to recent statistics, over 90% of NCAD graduates secure employment or pursue further education within six months of graduation. Below is a detailed breakdown of the National College of Art and Design courses, tuition fees, eligibility criteria, and language requirements for 2025:
| Course | 1st Year Tuition Fees (INR) | 1st Year Tuition Fees (AUD) | Duration | Eligibility Criteria | English Language Requirement |
| MS | ₹15,00,000 | AUD 27,500 | 12-15 months | – Bachelor’s degree in relevant field with minimum 60% or equivalent CGPA. – Portfolio submission may be required. | IELTS: 6.5+ (no band below 6.0) TOEFL: 90+ (writing 21, other sections 19+) PTE: 63+ |
| MA | ₹12,00,000 – ₹13,00,000 | AUD 22,000 – 23,800 | 1-2 years | – Bachelor’s degree in relevant field with minimum 55% or equivalent CGPA. – Portfolio submission required for design-based programs. | IELTS: 6.5+ (no band below 6.0) TOEFL: 90+ (writing 21, other sections 19+) PTE: 63+ |
| B.E. / B.Tech | ₹15,00,000 | AUD 27,500 | 3-4 years | – High school qualification equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. – Minimum 65% in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics). | IELTS: 6.5+ (no band below 6.0) TOEFL: 90+ (writing 21, other sections 19+) PTE: 63+ |
| B.A. | ₹12,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 | AUD 22,000 – 27,500 | 3-4 years | – High school qualification equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. – Minimum 60% overall in 12th grade. – Strong portfolio for design-based programs. | IELTS: 6.5+ (no band below 6.0) TOEFL: 90+ (writing 21, other sections 19+) PTE: 63+ Duolingo: 120+ |
| B.J.M.C. | ₹15,00,000 | AUD 27,500 | 3-4 years | – High school qualification equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. – Minimum 60% overall in 12th grade. – Strong communication skills required. | IELTS: 6.5+ (no band below 6.0) TOEFL: 90+ (writing 21, other sections 19+) PTE: 63+ |
National College of Art and Design Rankings
The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin, Ireland, stands as one of the most prestigious institutions for creative education. Recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to nurturing artistic talent, NCAD has consistently ranked among the Top 100 Art & Design colleges worldwide. Below are the key details of National College of Art and Design (NCAD) rankings 2025:
- In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, NCAD secured a position in the Top 51-100 for Art & Design, reinforcing its standing as a global leader in creative education.
- The college has also climbed to 60th place in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, marking a steady rise in its academic reputation.
- In Europe, NCAD ranks 37th among the best institutions for Art & Design.
- It holds an Academic Reputation Score of 86, reflecting the excellence of its faculty, teaching methodologies, and research contributions.
National College of Art and Design Acceptance Rate
The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin, Ireland, is one of the country’s leading institutions for art and design education. NCAD has an estimated acceptance rate of 49%. In addition to this, some programs have non-competitive admission processes, where selection is primarily based on portfolio submissions and academic qualifications rather than direct competition with other applicants. The university has the highest first-year intake among all art and design institutions in Ireland. Below are the key details of National College of Art and Design:
| Admission Criteria | Details |
| Estimated Acceptance Rate | 49% (subject to variation as NCAD does not always publish official acceptance rates) |
| Application Deadline for First-Year Undergraduate Programs (2025) | February 1, 2025 |
| Portfolio Submission Deadline | February 7, 2025 |
| Postgraduate Program Applications | Open for September 2025 intake |
| International Student Eligibility | – Must have a high school qualification equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate – Other qualifications may also be considered on a case-by-case basis |
| Required Documents for International Applicants | – Certified transcripts of second-level (high school) or equivalent examinations |
National College of Art and Design Scholarships
The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin, Ireland, offers various scholarships, bursaries, and funding options for undergraduate and postgraduate students. These financial support programs aim to make art and design education more accessible and affordable, helping students pursue their creative ambitions without financial constraints.
- NCAD is a public institution, funded by the Irish government, and offers multiple financial aid options to support students.
- The college provides merit-based and need-based scholarships, including government-funded programs for underrepresented students.
- NCAD welcomes international students, offering specific undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for students from China, developing countries, and beyond.
- For students in financial need, bursaries such as the 1916 Bursary Fund provide additional support.
The following table provides a detailed overview of undergraduate and postgraduate funding opportunities at NCAD in 2025:
Undergraduate Scholarships and Funding 2025
| Scholarship/Funding | Eligibility & Details | Financial Support | Application Deadline |
| Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) Grant | – Available to Irish and EU students – New student contribution grant for families with incomes between €62,000 – €100,000 | – €500 student contribution grant – Increase in maintenance grants – Exclusion of rental income up to €14,000 under Rent-a-Room Scheme | Apply early (before confirming CAO place) |
| 1916 Bursary Fund | – For students from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds – Co-funded by the Government of Ireland & EU | – Financial support for tuition and living expenses | Apply through official NCAD bursary portal |
| China Merit Undergraduate Scholarship | – Available to Chinese students enrolling in the BA in Interaction Design – Must meet NCAD’s academic and English language requirements | – €2,500 reduction in non-EU tuition fees | Opens in 2025 |
Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding 2025
| Scholarship/Funding | Eligibility & Details | Financial Support | Application Deadline |
| MA Scholarships | – Awarded based on academic merit – Available for select Master’s programs | – Full EU tuition fee waiver for: – MSc Medical Device Design (€8,100) – MA Design History & Material Culture (€7,600) – MA Art in the Contemporary World (€6,840) | Check NCAD website for updates |
| Partial MA Scholarships | – Based on academic performance | – 50% tuition waiver for: – MSc Medical Device Design (€4,050) – MA Circular by Design (€4,500) – MA Service Design (€4,500) – MA Art and Social Action (€4,050) | Check NCAD website |
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) | – Open to high-caliber international students pursuing a Master’s or PhD – Requires full or conditional offer from NCAD | – 60 scholarships awarded annually covering one year of full-time study | March 5, 2025 |
| Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) – Ireland Fellows Programme | – Open to students from developing countries – Focus on Irish Aid’s development objectives | – Covers tuition fees, living costs, and travel | Check ICOS website |
| Research Degree Scholarships | – For PhD and MLitt students pursuing doctoral research in NCAD’s key fields | – Covers tuition fees (living costs not included) | Five scholarships available for 2024-25 intake |
National College of Art and Design Accommodation
Finding suitable accommodation is a crucial aspect of preparing for your studies at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin. As of 2025, NCAD does not provide on-campus housing facilities. Therefore, students typically seek off-campus housing options in the surrounding areas. The demand for student accommodation in Dublin is high, and rental costs have been on the rise. According to recent data, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin city center is approximately €1,679, while in the suburbs, it’s around €1,405. Given these figures, it’s essential for students to explore various housing options and plan their budgets accordingly.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Estimated Approximate Cost (Monthly) |
| Private Student Residences | Purpose-built student accommodations offering amenities like study areas, gyms, and social spaces. These residences provide a community atmosphere and are often located within a reasonable distance from NCAD. | €600 – €1,000 |
| Shared Apartments/Houses | Renting a room in a shared apartment or house with other students or professionals. This option fosters a communal living experience and can be more affordable. | €500 – €800 |
| Homestays | Living with a host family, which can provide a supportive environment, especially for international students. Meals and utilities are often included. | €20 per night (~€600 per month) |
Conclusion
Choosing the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) means studying at a globally recognized institution that fosters creativity, innovation, and career success. With a strong emphasis on artistic excellence, research, and real-world application, NCAD equips students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in creative industries. From diverse program offerings and competitive scholarships to high graduate employability rates and student-friendly accommodation options, NCAD provides a comprehensive educational experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of NCAD?
The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) has an estimated acceptance rate of 49%. However, some programs have non-competitive admission processes, where selection is based on academic qualifications and portfolio submissions rather than direct competition with other applicants.
What are the most popular courses at NCAD for international students?
NCAD offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in art, design, and visual culture. Some of the most popular courses include:
- MFA in Fine Art
- MA in Product Design
- MA in Communication Design
- BA in Graphic Design
- BA in Fine Art
What are the tuition fees for international students at NCAD?
The annual tuition fees for international students at NCAD vary by program:
Undergraduate Courses:
- BA Programs: ₹12–15 lakh INR per year
- B.E./B.Tech: ₹15 lakh INR per year
Postgraduate Courses:
- MS: ₹15 lakh INR per year
- MA: ₹12–13 lakh INR per year
Interaction Design: ₹14.71 lakh INR per year
What is NCAD’s ranking in 2025?
NCAD is ranked among the Top 51-100 Art & Design institutions globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025. It also ranks 37th in Europe and holds an Academic Reputation Score of 86.
What is the placement rate for NCAD graduates?
NCAD has an impressive placement rate of approximately 90%, with graduates securing employment or further education within six months of graduation.
