National College of Art and Design for Nigerian Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Direct entry available. Portfolio submission is the central part of all NCAD applications. Ireland's national art and design school since 1746.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: €12,000–€16,000. Application deadline: Annual — check NCAD application deadlines (usually February).
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 2.5/4 (2:2 + portfolio UK equivalent). Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: €12,000–€16,000. Application deadline: Annual — check NCAD application deadlines (usually February–March). Decision time: 4–8 weeks.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3/4. Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes).
Specific Requirements
Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.
Deadline
Annual — check NCAD research office
Documents Required
Available Scholarships
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES)
by Irish Government (HEA) · Masters, Phd
Learn more →NCAD Bursaries
by National College of Art and Design · Undergraduate, Masters
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Does NCAD accept WAEC?
WAEC/NECO is accepted as a secondary school qualification for undergraduate entry at NCAD. For Masters admission, a recognised Bachelor's degree in a relevant creative discipline plus a strong portfolio is required — WAEC is not relevant at Masters level. Portfolio quality is the central consideration at NCAD.
What GPA is needed for Masters at NCAD?
NCAD requires a minimum 2:2 (GPA 2.5/4.0) for Masters entry alongside a portfolio submission. As Ireland's national art and design institution, NCAD is the most prestigious choice for Nigerian students in Fine Art, Design, and Visual Arts — the portfolio is as important as academic grades.
Are there scholarships for Nigerian students at NCAD?
Yes. As a public institution, NCAD is eligible for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES), which provides full tuition waiver plus €10,000 stipend. NCAD also offers institutional bursaries for qualifying students.
Tips for Applying to NCAD
NCAD is Ireland's national art and design school and the most prestigious option for Nigerian students with a strong creative portfolio in Fine Art, Design, or Visual Culture. Founded in 1746 and located in central Dublin, an NCAD qualification carries significant prestige in the creative industries. After completing a Masters, the 24-month Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) gives graduates two years to work in Dublin's growing creative sector, with Ireland increasingly attracting animation, film, and design companies due to favourable tax policies.
Official source: National College of Art and Design ↗Cost of Living in Dublin
NCAD is in central Dublin. Apply for student accommodation early after receiving an offer.