What is a Top-Up Year?
A Top-Up Year in Ireland is a pathway that allows students with a relevant diploma or equivalent qualification to complete a Bachelor's (Honours) Degree in approximately one year. In Ireland, this is commonly referred to as Advanced Entry or an Add-on Honours Degree.
Who Can Apply?
Students with one of the following qualifications may be eligible:
- Higher National Diploma (HND)
- Associate Degree
- Advanced Diploma
- Relevant Bachelor's Degree (for selected programmes)
- Other equivalent qualifications recognized by the institution
Applicants must also meet the English language requirements (such as IELTS or an accepted equivalent).
Duration
- Full-time: Typically, 1 year
- Some programmes may take longer depending on previous qualifications and credit transfer.
Irish Institutions Offering Advanced Entry
| Courses | Institute | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business (Hons) with International Business (Top Up) | Galway Business School | €9500 |
| BA (Hons) in Drama and Performance (Add On) | Dundalk Institute of Technology | €10950 |
| Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business with Marketing (Add on) | Atlantic Technological University | €12000 |
| Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biotechnology (Add on) | Technological University of the Shannon | €12500 |
| Bachelor of Business in International Business Management (Add on) | Technological University of the Shannon | €13500 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Process & Engineering Management (Add on) | Technological University of the Shannon | €13500 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering (Add on) | Technological University of the Shannon | €13500 |
| Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Bioscience (Add on) | Technological University of the Shannon | €13500 |
| Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Bioanalysis & Biotechnology (Add on) | Technological University of the Shannon | €13500 |
| Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Business | Independent College Dublin | €9,300 |
| Bachelor of Business (Honours) (Add-on) | CCT College Dublin | €8,600 |
Fee Comparison (€)
€8,600
CCT
College
College
€9,300
Independent
College
College
€9,500
Galway
Business
Business
€10,950
Dundalk
IT
IT
€12,000
Atlantic
TU
TU
€12,500
TU Shannon
(Biotech)
(Biotech)
€13,500
TU Shannon
(Others)
(Others)
Admission Requirements
Applicants generally need:
- A relevant diploma or equivalent qualification.
- Official academic transcripts.
- English language proficiency.
- A valid passport and other supporting documents.
- Qualifications that closely match the curriculum of the intended degree programme.
Benefits of a Top-Up Year
- Earn an internationally recognized Irish bachelor's degree.
- Complete your qualification in a shorter time.
- Improve career opportunities.
- Become eligible for postgraduate study.
- Experience studying in Ireland's internationally recognized higher education system.