Dundalk Institute of Technology
Gateway to Ireland | Between Dublin & Belfast
Overview
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), founded in 1970, is the leading higher education institute in the North-East and cross-border region of Ireland. Located on a beautiful 90-acre green campus in Dundalk, County Louth, DkIT sits strategically between Ireland's two largest cities: Dublin (80km south) and Belfast (80km north).
DkIT has earned an international reputation for first-class teaching and learning, with strong programmes in computing, engineering, business, nursing, and creative arts. The institute was a pioneer in sustainability, hosting the first large wind turbine on a third-level campus anywhere in the world (850kW installed in 2005). DkIT consistently ranks among the top performers for research income in Ireland's technological sector, with notable research centres including NetwellCASALA (connected health) and CREDIT Technology Gateway.
With over 600 international students from 50+ countries, DkIT offers a multicultural, supportive learning environment with excellent facilities and a strong sense of community. The institute provides dedicated international student support from application through graduation, including free airport pickup, accommodation assistance, and orientation programmes.
Why Choose Dundalk Institute of Technology
Strategic Cross-Border Location
Located halfway between Dublin and Belfast, DkIT offers unique access to opportunities in two major cities and two countries. Students can easily explore both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Award-Winning Research Excellence
DkIT consistently ranks as a top performer for research income among Irish technological institutions, with strong centres in health technology (NetwellCASALA), ICT, and renewable energy research.
Beautiful 90-Acre Green Campus
Study on a spacious, modern campus with excellent facilities, including Ireland's first campus wind turbine (850kW), a symbol of DkIT's commitment to sustainability since 2005.
Strong International Community
Join 600+ international students from 50+ countries in a diverse, welcoming environment with dedicated support services including free airport pickup and accommodation assistance.
100% Engineering Placement Rate
DkIT engineering graduates achieve exceptional placement rates, reflecting strong industry connections with companies across the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor.
Affordable Living & Excellent Support
Significantly lower cost of living than Dublin, combined with a dedicated international office, accommodation assistance, and comprehensive student services from application through graduation.
Popular Courses for International Students
Undergraduate Programmes
BSc (Hons) in Computing
Software development, cybersecurity, games development, data science, AI, mobile app development
BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
100% placement rate, modern labs, CAD/CAM facilities, industry projects
BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering
Sustainable construction, BIM technology, industry placements
BBus (Hons) in Business Studies
Marketing, management, accounting, finance pathways, professional accreditations
BSc (Hons) in Nursing (General)
Clinical placements, modern simulation labs, NMBI approved
BA (Hons) in Creative Media
Film, TV, music production, industry-standard studios
BSc (Hons) in Agriculture
Animal health, food science, practical placements
BA in Hospitality Management
Tourism, hotel management, industry placements
Postgraduate Programmes
MSc in Computing
Cloud computing, AI, embedded systems, secure architecture, research-led dissertation
MSc in Computing (Medical Device Software Engineering)
Unique medtech focus, industry connections, regulatory compliance
MSc in Data Analytics
Big data, machine learning, business analytics, industry demand
Master of Business Studies (MBS)
Strategic management, entrepreneurship, leadership skills
MSc in Renewable Energy Systems
Sustainable energy, research opportunities, green campus setting
MSc in Food Science & Entrepreneurship
Food innovation, business development, industry connections
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate
- Academic: Completion of 12 years of education with good grades equivalent to Irish Leaving Certificate
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)
- TOEFL: 80 (internet-based)
- PTE Academic: 55
- Application: Direct online application to DkIT International Office
- Documents: Certified transcripts, passport copy, English test results, personal statement, two reference letters (some programmes)
Postgraduate
- Academic: Bachelor's degree with minimum Second Class Honours (2:2) or equivalent GPA
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL: 90 (internet-based)
- PTE Academic: 63
- Application: Direct via DkIT International Office online portal
- Documents: Transcripts, CV, personal statement/statement of purpose, 2 academic references, portfolio (creative programmes), relevant work experience (some programmes)
Application Deadlines
- September Intake (Main): Apply by June 30 (recommended: April for visa processing)
- January/February Intake: Apply by November 30 (select postgraduate programmes)
- Rolling Admissions: Applications accepted year-round, early application recommended
Scholarships for International Students
DkIT International Student Scholarship
Varies by country
High-achieving international students. Value is based on GDP per capita and academic achievement. Contact international@dkit.ie for country-specific details.
Free Accommodation Scholarship
Free accommodation (Year 1)
Students entering Year 1 of Engineering, Science, Nursing, and Computing programmes based on academic achievement
Government of Ireland Scholarship
€10,000 + full fees
High-achieving non-EU students through the national competitive HEA application process
DkIT Academic Excellence Award
Partial fee reduction
Students with exceptional academic records, specifically first-class honours equivalent or above in previous qualifications
Sports Scholarships
Up to €2,000
Elite athletes who will represent DkIT in GAA, soccer, rugby, athletics, and other competitive sports
Country-Sponsored Scholarships
Varies
International students sponsored by their home governments. DkIT accepts government-sponsored students from various countries.
Campus & Student Life
Campus Facilities
- 90-acre green campus with modern buildings and spacious grounds
- 850kW wind turbine, the first on a third-level campus worldwide
- Library with 50,000+ books, extensive digital resources, 400+ study spaces
- State-of-the-art engineering labs, workshops, CAD/CAM, 3D printing
- Modern computing labs with high-speed internet throughout campus
- Professional TV studio, radio facilities, and music production suites
- Nursing simulation centre with modern clinical facilities
- Sports hall, fitness gym, outdoor pitches (GAA, soccer, rugby)
- Student restaurant and cafes with affordable dining
- 400-seat theatre for performances and events
Student Life
- 50+ clubs and societies covering sports, culture, and academic interests
- ESN DkIT (International Society): events, trips, and support for international students
- Sports clubs: GAA, soccer, rugby, basketball, athletics, swimming, martial arts
- Cultural societies: music, drama, film, photography, debating
- Student Union with active representation, events, and support services
- Part-time work: 20 hours/week during term, 40 hours during holidays
- Regular social events, cultural nights, and trips to Dublin and Belfast
- Dundalk town: friendly community of 38,000 with shops, restaurants, and nightlife
- Nearby attractions: Carlingford village, Cooley Mountains, beaches within 30 minutes
Location & Contact
Address
Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 K584, Ireland
Getting There
- From Dublin Airport: 75km / 45–50 minutes. Free DkIT airport pickup arranged by International Office
- Bus: Bus Eireann direct from Dublin to Dundalk (approx. 1 hour)
- Train: Irish Rail from Connolly Station, 50 minutes direct
- From Belfast: Bus approx. 1 hour 15 minutes / Car approx. 1 hour via A1/M1
Contact Information
- Phone: +353 42 937 0200
- International Direct: +353 42 937 0238
- Email: international@dkit.ie
- Website: www.dkit.ie
- International Office: www.dkit.ie/international
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (GMT/IST)
Ready to Study at Dundalk Institute of Technology?
Join 600+ international students from 50+ countries on a beautiful 90-acre campus between Dublin and Belfast. Our team will guide you through every step, from application to free airport pickup on arrival.
