Upcoming Events in NCAD
- Portfolio Information Evenings: Virtual
19 October 2026, 17:00 - 18:00
Applicants outside of the Leinster area or Ireland are encouraged to attend this Info Session to help get a basic understanding of where to begin in curating their portfolio(s). This is a zoom virtual event and applicants must register prior to the event to ensure the get the zoom link in time. If you're considering submitting at least one portfolio to NCAD, it is highly recommended you attend one of the Portfolio Information Evenings.
- Portfolio Information Evenings: On Campus
20 and 21 October 2026, 18:00 - 19:30
Applicants who reside in or near Dublin are encouraged to one night of these Info Sessions to help get a basic understanding of where to begin in curating their portfolio(s). There will be talks, a short tour of campus, viewing current students' sample portfolios, and time to chat with students and staff. If you're considering submitting at least one portfolio to NCAD, it is highly recommended you attend one of the Portfolio Information Evenings.
- Product Design and Interaction Design Portfolio Workshop
4 November 2026, 10:00 - 15:30
Applicants who are considering applying to Product Design and/or Interaction Design should come to this portfolio workshop. This workshop is designed to help applicants curate their optional portfolios specifically for Product Design and Interaction Design only (no other courses will be covered in this workshop). Students will have direction throughout the day from Product Design and Interaction Design staff members who are experts in their fields. Students are encouraged to attend one of the two workshops being offered in November and January if they are seriously considering an application to either programme. Students must book their place in advance.
- CAO Opens
5 November, 12:00
CAO opens for early applications.
- NCAD Open Day
25 November 2026, 9:30 - 15:00
Prospective Undergraduate Students and their families are welcome to come check out a tour of the campus, preview department offerings, view sample portfolios, hear department staff talks, and chat with current students and staff. Calm hour is from 14:00- 15:00.
- Product Design and Interaction Design Portfolio Workshop
6 January 2027, 10:00 - 15:30
Applicants who are considering applying to Product Design and/or Interaction Design should come to this portfolio workshop. This workshop is designed to help applicants curate their optional portfolios specifically for Product Design and Interaction Design only (no other courses will be covered in this workshop). Students will have direction throughout the day from Product Design and Interaction Design staff members who are experts in their fields. Students are encouraged to attend one of the two workshops being offered in November or January if they are seriously considering an application to either programme.
- CAO Application Deadline
1 February 2027, 17:00
CAO applications close for all Restricted NCAD programmes.
- NCAD Portfolio Deadline for all studio-based programmes
12th February 2027, 17:00
This deadline is for all mandatory and optional undergraduate portfolios. NCAD does not accept any late portfolio submissions. All portfolios must be submitted via the portfolio platform to be reviewed. It is highly suggested that applicants do not wait until the last day of the deadine to avoid any technical errors or issues.
- Visual Culture Taster Day
15 February 2027, 10:00 - 15:30
This taster day is for those who have applied to Visual Culture or are considering adding Visual Culture to their choices on the CAO. This day will include a sample lecture, a campus tour, refreshments, and time to chat with current students and staff. Those who have already applied will be sent an invite from the NCAD Admissions Team after the CAO deadline.
- CAO Advanced Entry Closes
31 March, 17:00
Advanced Entry applications close on the CAO. Advanced Entry is not guaranteed for each programme each application year.
- CAO Late Applications Close
1 May, 17:00
CAO Late Applications for Unrestricted NCAD programmes close. Unrestricted NCAD programmes may only be added after this date via the CAO Change of Mind form.
- CAO Change of Mind Closes
1 July, 17:00
Change of Mind closes on the CAO for all programmes.
