Non-Standard Applications
WIT applies the term "non-standard" to those applications that have features that would not be assessed properly by the computerised allocation of places. The term does not make any statement about the quality of such applications.
A non-standard application is one that does not meet the definition of a standard application.
Persons wishing to make a non-standard application must indicate the nature of their case on their application to CAO. Because of this requirement, WIT will not consider non-standard applications made to CAO after 1st February. At its own absolute discretion, the Institue may decide to treat a late non-standard application as having arrived on time.
Although the Institute will try to assess all non-standard applications on the basis of the information provided, it reserves the right to call such applicants to the Institute to assess their cases.
Mature Students
An applicant of mature years is one who has reached the age of 23 by or on the first of January in the calender year s/he seeks admission. The Institute will consider sympathetically applications from persons of mature years for places on any of its courses for school leavers. Applications made on the grounds of mature years are considered to be non-standard.
Mature applicants need not have the normal minimum entry requirements, but the Institute will admit only those who have a reasonable prospect of completing their chosen courses of study. Evidence of some formal attempt at preparation for third-level may help an applicant.
Applicants with Disabilities
In accordance with the definition prepared by the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD), the Institute defines a student with a disability or learning difficulty as follows:
"A student is diasbled if she or he requires a facility which is not part of the mainstream provision of the college concerned, to enable participation in the college to the full extent of her or his capabilities and without which she or he could be educationally disadvantaged in comparison with peers".
The Institute welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities should apply normally through the CAO by 1st February. The Disability Liaison Coordinator for Waterford Institute of Technology is Patt Rohan, tel. 051 302871 or email prohan@wit.ie.
