Maynooth University
Where Tradition Meets Innovation | Ranked #771-780
Overview
Founded in 1997 on a historic campus dating back to 1795, Maynooth University is Ireland's fastest-growing university and one of its most vibrant academic communities. Located in the charming university town of Maynooth, Co. Kildare, just 25 kilometres west of Dublin, the university uniquely blends over two centuries of academic heritage with a modern, forward-looking approach to education and research.
Maynooth has rapidly established itself as a leader in computer science, data science, humanities, and social sciences. The university is home to world-renowned research institutes including the Hamilton Institute (mathematics and computing), ICARUS (climate and atmospheric research), and the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute. These centres attract significant national and international research funding, contributing to discoveries that shape policy and technology.
With over 14,000 students including 2,000+ international students from 90+ countries, Maynooth offers a close-knit, supportive community within a safe, walkable campus town. The university's compact size ensures students have direct access to leading academics, while its proximity to Dublin provides unmatched access to Ireland's thriving tech, finance, and cultural sectors.
Why Choose Maynooth University
Historic & Modern Campus
Set on a stunning 18th-century campus alongside cutting-edge modern facilities, Maynooth blends over 200 years of academic heritage with contemporary innovation and research excellence.
Fastest-Growing University
Ireland's fastest-growing university has rapidly climbed global rankings, attracting world-class researchers and expanding programmes in computer science, data science, and the humanities.
Affordable Excellence
Maynooth offers some of the most competitive tuition fees among Irish universities, combined with a lower cost of living compared to Dublin city, offering excellent value for international students.
Strong Research Impact
Home to leading research institutes including Hamilton Institute (maths & computing), ICARUS (climate research), and Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute, driving impactful discovery.
Close to Dublin
Just 25 minutes from Dublin by train, Maynooth offers the best of both worlds: a safe, welcoming college town with easy access to Ireland's capital and its tech, finance, and cultural hubs.
Supportive Community
With 14,000 students in a compact, walkable campus town, Maynooth provides a close-knit, supportive community where international students are welcomed and thrive.
Popular Courses for International Students
Undergraduate Programmes
BSc Computer Science
Software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, networks, data structures
BSc Business
Management, accounting, marketing, business analytics, entrepreneurship
BCL Law
Constitutional law, EU law, criminal law, commercial law, moot courts
BEd Education
Primary teaching, school placements, child development, curriculum design
BA Psychology
Cognitive psychology, neuroscience, research methods, clinical foundations
BA Media Studies
Digital media, journalism, film studies, cultural analysis, production skills
BSc Science
Chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, experimental science
BA Music
Performance, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, music technology
Postgraduate Programmes
MSc Computer Science
Software engineering, machine learning, distributed systems, cloud computing
MSc Data Science
Statistical modelling, machine learning, big data analytics, Python & R
MA Business Management
Strategic management, innovation, entrepreneurship, organisational behaviour
MSc Immunology
Immunology, cell biology, infectious disease, clinical research methods
MA Philosophy
Ethics, political philosophy, continental philosophy, logic, aesthetics
MSc GIS & Remote Sensing
Geospatial analysis, remote sensing, environmental mapping, spatial data science
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate
- Academic: Completion of 12 years of education with strong grades equivalent to Irish Leaving Certificate points
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL: 90 (internet-based)
- PTE Academic: 63
- Application: Via CAO or Maynooth International Office for non-EU applicants
- Documents: Transcripts, personal statement, passport, English test results, reference letter
Postgraduate
- Academic: Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours (2:1) or equivalent GPA
- IELTS: 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL: 90 (internet-based)
- PTE Academic: 63
- Application: Direct via Maynooth University's online application portal
- Documents: Transcripts, CV, personal statement, 2 academic references, research proposal (some programmes)
Application Deadlines
- September Intake (Main): February 1 (CAO) / June 30 (International Direct, recommended: April for visa processing)
- January Intake: Limited programmes available. Check specific course pages
- Rolling Admissions: Some postgraduate programmes accept applications year-round
Scholarships for International Students
MU International Scholarship
Up to €3,000
High-achieving non-EU students applying to full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programmes
Postgraduate Merit Award
Up to €2,000
International postgraduate students demonstrating academic excellence and research potential
Science & Engineering Bursary
€1,500
International students enrolling in STEM undergraduate programmes with strong results
Sports Scholarship
Up to €3,000
Elite athletes competing at national or international level while studying at Maynooth
Government of Ireland Scholarship
€10,000 + full fees
High-achieving non-EU students (national competition via HEA)
MU Taught Masters Scholarship
Up to €2,500
Outstanding international applicants to taught postgraduate programmes across all faculties
Campus & Student Life
Campus Facilities
- Historic South Campus with 18th-century buildings and manicured grounds
- Modern North Campus with state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities
- Maynooth University Library: 500,000+ volumes and extensive digital resources
- Eolas Building: advanced computer science and engineering labs
- Iontas Building: arts, humanities, and social sciences hub
- Sports Campus with gym, running track, playing fields, and fitness studios
- On-campus student residences (1,200+ bed spaces)
- Multiple dining options including Pugin Hall and campus cafés
- Student Health Centre and counselling services
- Arts and performance spaces for music, drama, and exhibitions
Student Life
- 100+ clubs and societies covering sports, culture, and academic interests
- Maynooth International Students Society
- Award-winning Students' Union with events and welfare support
- Sports clubs: GAA, soccer, rugby, basketball, athletics, swimming
- Cultural societies: drama, music, debating, film, gaming, photography
- Maynooth University Volunteering programme
- Part-time work: 20 hours/week during term, 40 hours during holidays
- Annual campus festivals and cultural events throughout the year
- Dublin accessible in 25 minutes by frequent direct train services
Location & Contact
Address
Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 F2H6, Ireland
Getting There
- From Dublin Airport: 45 minutes by bus/taxi via M4 motorway
- Train: Maynooth Station (5 min walk), direct services to Dublin Connolly (25 min)
- Bus: Route 66/67 from Dublin city centre to Maynooth town
- Driving: M4 motorway, 35 km west of Dublin city centre
Contact Information
- Phone: +353 1 708 6000
- Email: international@mu.ie
- Website: www.maynoothuniversity.ie
- International Office: www.maynoothuniversity.ie/international
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (GMT/IST)
Ready to Study at Maynooth University?
Join 2,000+ international students at Ireland's fastest-growing university. Our team will guide you through every step, from application to arrival in Maynooth.
