With over 1,000 courses on the CAO, it can be a laborious task helping students decide what college and courses they want to apply for. We at DBS have put together some interesting information which will hopefully help you answer student's questions and better equip them with the knowledge they will need to make an informed decision. In the Admissions Office, we speak to people just like you and your students every single day. Your questions are important to us as they help us to better understand your concerns. We have put together some information below in repsonse to the most common questions we receive - we hope this helps!

1. How are DBS degrees recognised?

Degree awards in DBS come from Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) - formally HETAC. QQI's role in Ireland is to ensure the standard and quality of degrees that are awarded outside the University Sector - essentially they look after Quality Assurance. This means that upon graduation, your award will be recognised as a full level 6, 7 or 8 award.

2. Why are the points much lower than the other colleges?

The points system in Ireland is based on demand v supply - the points are determined by the number of applications to each course and the number of places available.  In a public college, as the government currently make a contribution towards the fees for each student enrolled, there are a limited number of places available. In DBS, because all of our students pay their own fees, there are no such limits. Similarly, as we are a private college we do not have as much demand for the places.

It is important to know that the points are not lower because the course is any easier, any less recognised or because you pay fees - it is purely based on demand and supply!

3. Do I still pay fees even though I apply through the CAO?

Yes, DBS is on the CAO because our degrees are QQI awarded but students must still pay fees. It is important to know though that fees include all registration, student contribution, tuition and examination fees, are payable in installments and qualify for tax relief. You can find fee information on the DBS website or by contacting the contacting the Admissions Office on 01-4177500 or by email admissions@dbs.ie


4. Will the fees increase inline with the increase of registration fees in the publin sector?

DBS fees are not due to increase if the registration fees increase in the public sector. As stated above, DBS fees include the registration fee. This means that  if the registration fee rises in the public sector, it will close the gap between the public and private sector college fees.

There is no doubt that as your students get closer to making their decision they will have more questions and in the Admissions Office, we are here to help. You can come along to our upcoming Open Events or you can call in to the Admissions Office which is open Monday - Friday from 8.45am and 5.15pm.