NCAD National College of Art & Design

100 Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Ireland  ·  www.ncad.ie/

Ireland Dublin 8 Public Specialist College Est. 1746
Intakes
September
App Fee
€50
Tuition
€6K–€18K
Founded
1746
Apply Now

About NCAD

The National College of Art & Design (NCAD) is Ireland's national institution for art and design education, with roots dating back to 1746 — making it one of the oldest art schools in the world. Located on Thomas Street in Dublin's vibrant Liberties quarter, NCAD sits at the heart of a thriving creative and cultural community. The college offers specialist undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across fine art, design, visual culture, art history, and art education.

NCAD graduates have gone on to become internationally recognised artists, designers, architects, educators, and creative directors. The college's studios, workshops, and digital facilities are among the best-equipped in Ireland, fostering hands-on making alongside rigorous critical thinking. NCAD maintains strong links with the Irish and international creative industries, providing students with invaluable professional networks and career pathways.

2,500+
Students
275+
Years of History
Top
Art College in Ireland
NCAD campus
100 Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
Intakes: September
Tuition: €6K–€18K
App Fee: €50

Gallery: National College of Art & Design

Research Strengths

  • Fine Art Practice
  • Design Research
  • Visual Culture & Art History
  • Art Education
  • Digital & Interactive Media

Academic Strengths

  • Fine Art (Painting, Sculpture, Print)
  • Industrial & Product Design
  • Visual Communication
  • Fashion & Textile Design
  • Art Education & Art History
2,500+
1746
2yr
Dublin 8
Ireland's Oldest Art School
Distinction
#1 Art College
National Standing

QS World University Rankings 2026

QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) is the world's leading provider of university performance analytics. Rankings are based on academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, international diversity, and research citations — trusted by students and institutions globally.

Times Higher Education (THE) 2026

THE has provided trusted performance data since 2004. It evaluates institutions on teaching quality, research output, citations, industry income, and international outlook across five key pillars. Used by students, academics, governments, and industry worldwide.

Entry Requirements

IELTS
Overall 6.0 – 6.5 (programme dependent). No band below 5.5.
TOEFL iBT
Minimum 79–90 (programme dependent)
Academic Qualification
Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent portfolio-based qualification. A strong portfolio is central to the admissions process for most programmes.
Documents Required
Academic transcripts, Passport copy, Personal Statement, Portfolio of work, Reference Letters, Updated CV, English proficiency certificate

Application Process

  1. 1
    Choose Your Programme
    Explore NCAD's range of specialist fine art, design, and education programmes.
  2. 2
    Prepare Your Portfolio
    Most NCAD programmes require a strong portfolio of creative work as the core of your application.
  3. 3
    Apply via CAO or Direct
    Undergraduates apply via CAO; postgraduate applicants apply directly through NCAD's admissions portal.
  4. 4
    Attend Interview / Portfolio Review
    Shortlisted applicants may be invited for a portfolio review or interview with faculty.
  5. 5
    Accept Offer & Arrange Visa
    Accept your offer, pay any deposit required, and apply for your Irish student visa.
NCAD International Scholarship

Merit and portfolio-based award for outstanding international postgraduate applicants in art or design disciplines.

Up to €3,000 Postgraduate
Government of Ireland Scholarship

Competitive national scholarship for high-achieving international students covering tuition and a living stipend.

Full Tuition + Stipend Competitive
Research Funding

Postgraduate research funding available through NCAD's research office for PhD candidates in art and design.

Stipend + Fees Research
Industry & Gallery Awards

Prizes and bursaries offered through NCAD's partnerships with Irish and international galleries and creative industries.

Varies Industry Partners

Your Gateway to Europe's Silicon Valley

Our Office

Office Address
Kumaripati - Mahalaximisthan Rd, Lalitpur 44700
WhatsApp/Call
+977 9851351123
Working Hours
Sun - Fri: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Institution Name National College of Art & Design (NCAD)
Location 100 Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
Type Public Specialist Higher Education Institution
Established 1746
Total Students 2,500+
Main Intakes September
Average Tuition Fee €6,000 – €18,000 per year (depending on programme)
Application Fee €50
Post-Study Work Visa 2 Years (Third Level Graduate Scheme)
Official Website www.ncad.ie/

Programmes — NCAD

Approved By & Member Of

Government of Nepal – Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
Approved By

Government of Nepal
Ministry of Education,
Science and Technology

EPCAN – Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal
Member Of

EPCAN
Educational Consultancy
Association of Nepal