University College Dublin (UCD) is the most international and diverse university in Ireland. Based in the vibrant capital city of Dublin, UCD is the destination of choice for over 11,000 international students from 152 different countries.
UCD is ranked in the top 1 percent of higher education institutions worldwide. In the 2027 QS World University Rankings, UCD was named 100th in the world. It is considered one of Europe’s top research-intensive universities.
Students are attracted to the university’s programme portfolio, and the holistic experience offered. At UCD, there are countless clubs and societies to join, where everyone can explore their interests and make new friends. This, alongside the friendly campus environment, offers an unrivalled experience for those who are looking to study overseas.
UCD’s main campus is located in Belfield, Dublin, on 133 hectares of beautiful parkland estate. Its evident commitment to sustainability is another influencing factor for many students. In the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability, UCD was ranked number one in Ireland and 49th in the world for sustainability. We also ranked 77th in the world for employment outcomes.
International students at UCD enjoy the contrast of Ireland’s modern cities against the backdrop of thousands of years of its rich history and culture. Ireland is an ideal destination for both undergraduate and graduate study, with the Irish education system ranked in the global top ten.
UCD graduates are sought after in government, industry, NGOs and organisations worldwide, with 93 percent of the university’s graduates progressing to employment or postgraduate studies within six months of completing their course.
As one of the most open and globally connected countries worldwide, Ireland offers significant opportunities to access world markets. Its geographic location, in addition to its EU and Eurozone membership, means that it offers easily accessible international links to the entire world.
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The university’s graduates are always in demand, with 93 percent of UCD students entering professional employment or further study within six months of graduating.
Ireland is consistently named within the top 10 globally for the quality of its higher education system, which is tailored to the needs of the competitive economy – one of the fastest-growing in the Eurozone. A number of innovative global companies base their European headquarters in Ireland, including Google, Apple, Meta and X, and consistently employ graduates from Irish universities.
UCD has been ranked 5th in Europe in the latest ranking of universities producing the most entrepreneurs at the undergraduate level. Pitchbook, an international financial data and software company, has again named UCD as Ireland’s number one source of start-up founders who have completed their undergraduate education and gone on to raise VC-funding.
According to Pitchbook’s 2023 report, there were 189 UCD undergraduate entrepreneurs who established 174 companies, raising over USD 2.6 billion in funding, in the last decade. UCD ranked 89th on the list globally for 2023, and was the only Irish university in the Top 100.
At UCD, students can take advantage of the careers network, which provides a full range of support services to help with career planning and decision-making. Services include:
UCD boasts over 300,000 alumni working in many top organisations internationally. This network is spread out over 184 countries with many at the top of their respective fields. Among its alumni are four Irish Taoiseach (Prime Ministers), three Irish presidents, four current Irish cabinet ministers and five of Ireland’s European Commissioners.
UCD has been ranked number one in Ireland and 49th in the world for sustainability in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025, achieving the highest result in Ireland. University College Dublin has also been appointed one of Ireland’s latest Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champions for 2024-2025.
The impressive rise comes following the appointment of Professor Tasman Crowe as Vice President for Sustainability at UCD, a new top level role placing sustainability at the heart of UCD’s education, research, governance, operations, and engagement activities.
Professor Crowe, who has been in post since June 2023, said
“The ranking underlines UCD’s excellence in education, research and operations and its demonstrated commitment to good governance, equality, health, and wellbeing and to partnership for impact.”
“UCD has long been a prominent contributor to sustainability, with great strength in energy, agri-environmental systems, the circular economy, and humanitarian action, for example, and through innovative educational programmes. It also has a real appetite for the kind of interdisciplinary approaches and wider partnerships that are needed.”
€26,028 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
€17,454 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
UCD recognises student excellence and achievement by providing a large range of scholarships and awards, which celebrate the diverse talents of its students. Several of these awards are held in high esteem by employers and industry.
To award outstanding achievement and to attract students of the highest calibre from around the world, UCD offers a number of scholarships to international students. These are competitive and based on academic excellence, country of origin and subject area.
Students from all over the world are welcome to use the scholarship search tool to find and apply to the scholarships open to them. Students must have received an offer of a place to study at UCD in order to apply for a scholarship.
Some of the scholarships and awards available at UCD include:
Academic entry requirements at UCD vary between subjects and students are advised to check the specifics for their course prior to application.
Generally speaking, undergraduate students must achieve a minimum of three A-Levels at Grade C, or 24 points in the International Baccalaureate, or an equivalent qualification.
Students interested in undergraduate courses can select their country to find out further information about the qualifications accepted.
At postgraduate level, most courses require students to have achieved a bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours, or equivalent.
Applications are processed on a rolling basis and prospective students can apply to UCD through the university’s online application system from the 1st of October each year. The deadline for undergraduates is the 15th of July. There are usually no specific deadlines for graduate applications.
As programmes are taught in English, international students must prove a high level of English proficiency. The standard requirement is an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any band (or equivalent), but some programmes may require a higher score.
UCD offers a number of pathway programmes, designed for students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry.
Supported by the Dublin International Study Centre, with its world-class learning environment, students enrolled in the International Foundation Year pathway programme receive excellent support and guidance, allowing them to develop the requisite skills to confidently progress to undergraduate degree studies.
A preparatory programme for postgraduate studies is also available. The UCD pre-master’s pathway programme aims to facilitate the development of English language proficiency and academic skills enabling students to successfully adjust to the rigours of a new learning culture at postgraduate level.
The UCD Michael Smurfit School of Business remains the only Irish business school consistently featuring in global rankings over the last ten years.
The school is ranked 21st in the Financial Times 2024 ranking of leading European business schools.
Other UCD Financial Times rankings include:
UCD has the best internationally accredited curriculum in Ireland. With global centres in cities such as Beijing, Dubai, New Delhi and New York, students enjoy a global university that is a member of a number of international research and education networks including Universities 21, UNICA and the World Universities Network.
More than a third of the faculty is made up of international academics, while more than a quarter of the student community originates from outside of Ireland.
UCD offers a diverse range of modern facilities, regarded as some of the best in Ireland. Students have the opportunity to get involved in a multitude of activities, from keeping fit to joining societies.
The student centre and the UCD Sport and Fitness complex are the hub of student life on campus, with everything from a 600-seat auditorium and 3-D cinema to numerous shops and social spaces. The centre also looks after the health of students with a pharmacy and medical centre.
The sport and fitness offers everything from a climbing wall and 50-metre swimming pool to squash courts and spinning studios. There are also numerous pitches for football, rugby, hockey and a fully equipped high-performance gym.
Students benefit from a range of exceptional academic facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, a fully equipped mock courtroom, and a historic debating chamber. The new Trap Door black box theatre, part of a EUR 17.8 million investment in creative and performance spaces, further enhances the learning environment on campus.
UCD Library boasts an expansive collection of over 800,000 books, journals and archives with an extensive range of digital resources. Across its five Dublin sites, students can access over 3,000 study spaces, free WiFi, and numerous IT clusters. The newly renovated James Joyce library has about 3,000 high quality study spaces, including spaces for collaborative group work and a sensory study room.
UCD offers student residence options across 13 different sites, including three student villages. All buildings are modern and include rooms to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Rent includes bills.
Students may also rent privately in Dublin, with a number of properties being available close to campus. UCD’s dedicated Accommodation Pad is available to assist students in sourcing reputable off-campus residences.
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Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
