Welcome to the GCAS Admissions Department
If you are interested in joining the GCAS College Dublin community, then you are in the right place. Learn all about our admissions process and get started on your GCAS application today!
Contact Admissions Director: admissions@gcas.ie
A Welcome From the Director
I am delighted to collaborate with you as you go through the admission process at GCAS College. I’m here to assist you with any questions or concerns you have before or after you apply. GCAS expects high quality work on all levels. This was one of the main reasons why I became part of this dynamic and innovative global community. One of the most attractive aspects of this academic community is how “the GCAS model” is geared to attract and work with Researchers (that is how we refer to “students”) from the Global South and East (i.e., Asia, Africa, and South America). I can tell you firsthand how authentic GCAS’ mission is in wanting to work with really smart researchers irrespective of their financial resources. That’s what’s most important to GCAS — working with the brightest minds on the planet because we need diverse minds working together across borders and this in order to solve the most vexing issues in our world today. We believe our diverse and multicultural model is one of the most vital factors in addressing challenges for a healthier future, today. So I am here to help so feel free to email me or schedule an e-meeting where you can have all your questions answered. – GCAS Admissions Director, Zuzana Garajova
What GCAS Looks for in an Applicant
GCAS College has one of the best faculties in the world. We seek to recruit leaders of the next generation who are courageous enough to succeed and flourish. We especially desire applicants who want to concretely address the most vexing issues our planet faces, through bold new projects, ideas, business models and innovative research findings. Therefore, the qualities we seek in an applicant do not simply concern their academic record, but more their academic promise and who the applicant is beyond “standardized assessments.”
Albert Einstein once wrote, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” The greatest tragedy of our time is that not only do students not believe in themselves, but also teachers don’t even believe in them.
Creston Davis, Ph.D. Chancellor
We do factor the applicant’s academic record into the decision-making process; however, it’s worthy to note that the Chancellor of GCAS College Dublin, Prof. Dr. Creston Davis nearly failed High School. He graduated with a 1.8 GPA, which is a “C” grade overall, but because his grades weren’t good enough to enter College, he joined the US Army. After the Army, he went on to study at places like Oxford, Duke, and Yale, completing his Ph.D. at the University of Virginia in 2006. Dr. Davis’ story is important because although he nearly failed High School, he had academic gifts that his High School and the “standardized system” neither understood nor appreciated.
Among applicants, GCAS College Dublin also welcomes those who, like Dr. Davis, did not succeed in a standard education system, but nevertheless have promise – both academically and in terms of the will to think and succeed. This is why we do not accept the SAT or ACT examinations scores.
So, if you think you have what it takes to join GCAS College, then we encourage you to apply. Perhaps this is your moment to live into who you are and not what the standardized system tried to make you believe about yourself.
*Please be advised there are English Language Requirements that each applicant must meet or exceed in order to be offered acceptance. Please familiarize yourself with our language requirements see our Student Handbook for details.
Acceptance and Matriculation
Prerequisites for Acceptance
Our researchers come from some of the best academic institutions in the world. Just look at all the connections GCAS has – Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, London School of Economics, Swarthmore, Yale University, New York University, Case Western Reserve University, and other institutions.
However, as a research institute and college that is challenging traditional academia, we attract applicants who bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and fresh perspectives to the conversation and research. If you are passionate about learning new skills and want to help re-shape the future of learning, then we invite you to join our intellectual and activist community by applying. To help us accomplish our goal of truly accessible education, the application does not have a fee.
Our degree programs are rigorous and applicants must possess an accredited Master’s degree to be considered for admission into our Ph.D. program. On occasion, applicants with a BA and extensive experience may be considered. Applicants with a BA who the admissions committee does not believe meet the requirements for the Ph.D. will be considered for the MA program. You must possess an accredited BA degree to be considered for admission into our MA programs.
After Acceptance
After an applicant is accepted into their GCAS program, they will be notified. Once the successful applicant has been notified they will have time to accept GCAS’ offer. Once the student is accepted they will need to afford GCAS College with official transcripts from all universities and colleges they attended.
Flexible Degrees
GCAS offers a very flexible alternative to normal universities. With GCAS, you can do your entire degree online and still work with other students all over the world. Getting your degree at your own pace allows for total control and flexibility. As a result, no student visas or relocation are required to enroll and study with us; indeed GCAS does not offer student visas. You can pursue your academic goals from anywhere in the world, ensuring flexibility and convenience as you advance your education with GCAS.
Full Time & Part Time Enrollment
Students in the MA programs can be enrolled either Full Time or Part Time. The requirement for full time student status in the MA program is to be enrolled and complete 50 ECTS credit hours or more per academic year. The requirement for part time student status in our MA and PhD programs is to be enrolled and complete 25-30 ECTS credit hours per academic year.