A 4-year Bachelor’s degree with a minimum upper-second class honours (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent is required. Degrees in Engineering (Chemical, Bioprocess, Biomedical, Mechanical), Science or Technology are preferred. Applicants with extensive relevant work experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis even if their background isn’t strictly engineering or sciences. Strong academic performance (e.g. 60–70%+ in Indian grading — typically First Class) helps meet the "upper-second" equivalence. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be available for applicants with relevant formal or experiential background.