AIRR-NA Member Institution
University College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Institution at a Glance
- Year founded
- 1854
- Institution type
- Public International University
- Campus setting
- Suburban
- Population category
- Very large (30,000+ students)
- Degree levels
- Postgraduate, Undergraduate
- Undergraduate length
- 3-year, 4-year
- Undergraduate students
- 18,368
- Postgraduate students
- 12,250
- International students
- 12,000
About the Institution
UCD is ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide and has been the #1 university in Ireland for graduate employability for 4 years in a row. UCD is a public university with Irish roots and global reach, with over 35% of our students coming from 163 countries around the world. A world class institution with degree programs in any area, a thriving campus, and the top ranking in Ireland for graduate employability, UCD is an excellent choice for students to explore international education.
Most courses are direct entry, with options for 3 year degree programs, and no general education requirements. Students can also enter undergraduate professional programs in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Physiotherapy, and Law.
Our most popular program for US students is Liberal Arts & Sciences, which is most similar to a US undecided course - students have the flexibility they'd expect in the US system, but can progress into almost any degree program at UCD!
North American Representatives
Jim Pierson
Senior Regional Manager, North America
Based in: Chicago, IL
Academics and Programs
Undergraduate study
UCD offers both 3 and 4 year undergraduate courses, varying by subject area. There are no general education requirements at UCD so students enter directly into their course and only take classes in their major of interest. UCD also offers a flexible entry pathway, Liberal Arts & Sciences, which allows students to study multiple subjects before selecting their major.
Popular Undergraduate Courses
English Literature
Politics & International Relations
Business and International Business
Biology
Computer Science
Postgraduate study
Most postgraduate courses are one year in length, with studies taking place over 12 months across fall, spring, and summer trimesters. Some courses, like our professional engineering programmes, are two years in length. Most courses involve either a practical experience or thesis requirement over the summer trimester.
Popular Postgraduate Courses
Master of Library and Information Science
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Environmental Science
MFA Creative Writing
Master of Politics and International Relations
Areas represented: Agriculture, Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Arts, Business & Management Studies, Computer Science, Creative Arts, Data Science, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Performing Arts, Psychology & Clinical Sciences, Social Sciences, Technology, Veterinary Science
Admissions and Applications
Application type
Common App, Direct
Entry requirements
Admissions are based on academic achievement and the course a student applies to - minimum requirements for undergraduate courses is a cumulative, unweighted US GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 or receipt of a Canadian secondary school diploma. We also accept international curricula such as IB, French Baccalauréat, Cambridge A Level, and more.
Entry requirements are transparent and published as indicative guidance available at: http://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/undergraduate/entryrequirements/
Applications, dates and deadlines
Application Open Date - October 1st
Priority Deadline - Undergraduate Courses - December 1st
Priority Deadline - Postgraduate Courses - February 1st
Standard Decision Deadline - Undergraduate Courses - May 1st
Standard Decision Deadline - Postgraduate Courses - June 1st
Final Application Deadline - July 1st
Some courses may have different deadlines or application review timelines. Please contact the North America Global Centre if you have questions about a particular course.
Decisions are rolling with typical turnaround time of 6 weeks
How to apply
Undergraduate Applicants
Common Application
Direct Application at www.ucd.ie/apply
Postgraduate Applicants
Direct Application at www.ucd.ie/apply
Standardized testing
UCD is test flexible - many courses are accessible without any standardized exams but some will require either ACT, SAT, or AP exams. See our Testing Policy FAQ.
Costs, Scholarships, and Funding
Tuition and fees
Typical costs start at €22,000 / $24,000 USD (Arts) or €29,000 / $34,000 USD (STEM)
Estimated cost of living
Average yearly cost is approximately €18,000 / $20,000 USD
Scholarships and funding
UCD offers multiple merit based scholarships, some of which are applied on application and some which require an additional application.
International Student Scholarship - automatic award based on academic achievement, awards range from 10-40% of tuition
Global Excellence Scholarship - awards up to 100% of tuition, with a separate application due February 1st for undergraduate applicants and March 31st for postgraduate applicants
Student Life and Support
Student life and location
UCD is located in South Dublin on a gorgeous parkland campus, one of the largest urban campuses in Europe! It has a huge range of facilities including restaurants, cafés, a bookshop, a bike shop, a barber shop, a bar, a grocery store, a large student centre and outstanding sports facilities. All of this within easy public transport access to Dublin city centre.
With over 32,000 students and 140 clubs and societies there's something for everyone. UCD Sport provides opportunities for anyone from elite athletes to beginners to get involved with Irish sports like hurling, international sports like soccer, or North American sports like lacrosse and American football! UCD Societies provide social and cultural opportunities to connect with other students through service, learning, or fun.
Housing and support
UCD offers on campus accommodation in the first year for all undergraduate North American students. Our single room, apartment style accommodation offers great living options right on our campus.
Student supports are abundant at UCD, with health and mental health centres, writing and maths supports, student advisors, peer mentors, and our Global office to support our many international students.
Careers and Outcomes
North American students don't need a visa to study in Ireland and can work 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours per week during summer and winter break. After graduation, international students with a bachelor's degree can work full time for up to one year without additional visa requirements. Master's degree graduates can work for up to two additional years!
Whether you have a clear vision of what you want to do upon graduation or are just beginning to consider your career options, the UCD Careers Network can help you to meet alumni and develop mentorship opportunities, develop the skills and tools to find your next step, and connect you with future employers, both Irish and international.
Information for Counselors
The UCD North America Global Centre has staff members in 6 states across the US. Our team is happy to connect with counselors in the US and Canada that are interested in learning more about the incredible experience of studying in Ireland. If you have students and family members that need advice, if you need international representation at a panel or fair, or if you want to learn more yourself, reach out to your closest regional rep!
We take part in the Education in Ireland counselor tours that happens every year at the end of February - check out our Counselor Information Page for more information.