DCU offers Ministay and PCTO programmes with en-suite residential accommodation each May and June, and at the end of August.
Our 2026 operating dates are:
- Sunday 10 May to Saturday 13 June 2026
And
- Sunday 23 August to Saturday 29 August 2026
Thus it is possible to send your group to DCU for a ministay programme within these periods.
Overview
Your students will live in single or twin-ensuite bedrooms, inside our campus, and receive full board meals from DCU Restaurant (note: special dietary requirements are catered for).
Your group leaders will stay in single, ensuite bedrooms adjacent to student bedrooms. All campus services (residence, classrooms, accommodation) are within 3 minutes’ walk of one another.
Specification:
Our group programme is customisable, but our usual provision is as follows:
- General English, Business English or ‘English for the Workplace Classes’.
- Learning Materials, Pre arrival online language assessment and end-of-course
- certificate included.
- DCU Residence accommodation for students, single or twin bedrooms, all ensuite. Leaders receive single bedrooms.
- Full board meals from DCU Restaurant (first meal is dinner on day of arrival and last meal is breakfast on day of departure – special dietary needs accommodated)
- Return airport transfer by private shuttle, managed by DCU staff.
- Social activities, led by DCU staff.
- 24-hour DCU assistance telephone number available.
- 24-hour security provided at DCU Residence.
Other Information
- Low Season pricing available for May and late August periods.
- Any day arrival and departure are possible – we are flexible.
- Duration: 5 days and 4 nights, 6 days and 5 nights, 7 days and 6 nights and above is possible.
- Group sizes: from 10 students and above. We have over 1,000 residential bedrooms so there is plenty of capacity at DCU!
- We issue certification that meets ministay and PCTO requirements. We will help the leaders with PCTO platform requirements as needed.
- Indicative programme timetable information is available later in this document.
Safety and Welfare
All programme services are delivered and managed by DCU. We operate a 24-hour assistance telephone service to assist students where they require help.
Provisions – What to Bring
Ireland uses Plug Type ‘G’ – please ensure to bring an adaptor so that you can charge your device. All linen and towels are included. Hairdryers are not provided.
For European Groups Who Send Non-EU Passport Holders in Group
If there are any Non-EU students in your group, please visit:
www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-tostudy-in-ireland/travelling-as-part-of-a-schooltour/
These students may be eligible to enter Ireland without a visa, subject to the completion of requested documentation.
Travel to Ireland and Insurance
Airline options include Ryanair and Aer Lingus. The arrangement of flights is the responsibility of agents / group organisers. We also advise that agents / organisers purchase travel insurance.
Travel to DCU Campus from Dublin Airport
We will provide a private bus, with DCU staff to transfer your group from Dublin Airport to DCU and back. Travel time is 15 minutes approximately.
To Receive a Proposal / Quotation
Please contact us via our online enquiry form, stating:
- Desired period of attendance (including dates)
- Number of students and leaders, including approximate ages of students
- Any special requirements
Make an Enquiry / Request a Proposal
For further information, or to receive a proposal, please complete an enquiry form. We will reply to your enquiry within one business day, or less.
Sample Programme Timetable
Based on 7 Days and 6 Nights duration
