University College Dublin
Ireland's Global University | World Ranked #118
Overview
University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland's largest university by student enrolment and one of Europe's leading research-intensive institutions. Founded in 1854 by Cardinal John Henry Newman, UCD has grown from its original city-centre home to a sprawling 133-hectare campus at Belfield in south Dublin, making it one of the largest university campuses on the continent.
UCD is home to Ireland's top-ranked business school, the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, which holds triple accreditation and is consistently ranked among the world's top 100. The university also leads Irish research, securing over €200 million in annual funding across disciplines ranging from artificial intelligence and precision medicine to sustainability and food science.
With over 34,000 students from 139 countries, UCD offers a truly global education. The university's modular curriculum allows students to tailor their degree, combining major and minor subjects across six colleges. UCD graduates include five former Irish Taoisigh, numerous business leaders, and literary figures such as James Joyce and Flann O'Brien.
Why Choose University College Dublin
Ireland's Largest University
With over 34,000 students across six colleges, UCD is Ireland's biggest and most comprehensive university, offering unmatched breadth of programmes and research opportunities.
Smurfit Business School
UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is ranked among the world's top 100 business schools, with triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.
133-Hectare Belfield Campus
One of Europe's largest university campuses, Belfield features modern facilities, woodlands, a lake, and extensive sports grounds, all just 4km from Dublin city centre.
139 Nationalities
A truly global community with over 8,000 international students from 139 countries, supported by a dedicated Global Lounge and International Student Society.
Graduate Employability
UCD graduates are among the most sought-after in Ireland, with strong employer partnerships and a 93% employment rate within six months of graduation.
Research Excellence
UCD is Ireland's leader in research funding, securing over €200M annually across areas including AI, sustainability, food science, and precision medicine.
Popular Courses for International Students
Undergraduate Programmes
BSc Computer Science
Software engineering, AI, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing
BComm Business
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics
BE Engineering
Civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic, biomedical, chemical engineering
BSc Architecture
Design studio, urban planning, sustainable architecture, digital modelling
BAgrSc Agriculture
Animal science, crop science, agribusiness, food & nutrition
MVB Veterinary Medicine
Clinical practice, animal welfare, veterinary surgery, research placements
BA Arts
English, history, philosophy, politics, languages, sociology
BSc Science
Physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, pharmacology, neuroscience
Postgraduate Programmes
MSc Computer Science
AI, machine learning, software engineering, data analytics
MBA (Smurfit)
Strategy, leadership, global business, innovation, entrepreneurship
MSc Data Analytics
Big data, machine learning, statistics, business intelligence
MSc Finance
Financial modelling, risk management, FinTech, asset pricing
MSc Project Management
Planning, scheduling, risk, agile methodologies, stakeholder management
MSc Digital Marketing
Social media strategy, SEO, analytics, content marketing, branding
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 (Irish system) or UCD Direct for international applicants
- Documents: Transcripts, personal statement, passport, English test results, reference letters
Postgraduate
- Academic: Bachelor's degree with Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or equivalent GPA
- IELTS: 6.5 – 7.0 (depending on programme)
- TOEFL: 90 – 100 (internet-based)
- PTE Academic: 63 – 72
- Application: Direct via UCD's online application portal
- Documents: Transcripts, CV, personal statement, 2 academic references, portfolio (some programmes)
Application Deadlines
- September Intake (Main): February 1 (CAO) / June 30 (UCD Direct, recommended: April for visa processing)
- January Intake: Limited programmes; check specific course pages on ucd.ie
- Rolling Admissions: Some postgraduate programmes accept applications year-round until places are filled
Scholarships for International Students
Global Excellence Scholarship
Up to €4,000
High-achieving international students from non-EU countries applying to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes
Ad Astra Academy
Full tuition + stipend
Exceptional students demonstrating outstanding academic, leadership, or sporting achievement
Sports Scholarships
Up to €5,000
Elite athletes competing at national or international level who will represent UCD
Government of Ireland Scholarship
€10,000 + full fees
High-achieving non-EU students selected through the national HEA competition
UCD Choral Scholarships
Up to €2,000
Talented singers who will participate actively in the UCD Choral Scholars ensemble
Dean's Stage Award
€500 – €1,500
Students achieving top grades in their first-year (Stage 1) examinations across all colleges
Campus & Student Life
Campus Facilities
- 133-hectare Belfield campus, one of Europe's largest
- James Joyce Library: over 1.5 million volumes and extensive digital resources
- UCD O'Brien Centre for Science: state-of-the-art STEM facility
- UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business building
- UCD Sport & Fitness Centre with Olympic-sized pool
- Student Centre with cinema, theatre, and meeting rooms
- UCD Village and Roebuck on-campus accommodation
- Multiple restaurants, cafés, and food outlets across campus
- UCD Woodland Walk and campus lake
- UCD Innovation Academy and NovaUCD start-up hub
Student Life
- 100+ clubs and societies covering sport, culture, and academics
- UCD International Students Society and Global Lounge
- Literary & Historical Society, one of Ireland's oldest debating societies
- Sports clubs: rugby, soccer, GAA, basketball, swimming, rowing
- Cultural societies: drama, music, film, photography, dance
- Students' Union with welfare, events, and advocacy services
- Part-time work: 20 hours/week during term, 40 hours during holidays
- UCD Festival and annual cultural events throughout the year
- Career Development Centre with regular employer fairs and workshops
Location & Contact
Address
Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland
Getting There
- From Dublin Airport: 45 minutes by bus (Aircoach) or taxi (€30–€40)
- Bus: Routes 39a, 145, 155 stop at UCD Belfield campus
- Luas (Tram): Green Line, closest stop is Stillorgan or Sandyford (bus connection)
- DART (Train): Sydney Parade or Booterstown stations (15 min walk or bus)
Contact Information
- Phone: +353 1 716 7777
- Email: internationaladmissions@ucd.ie
- Website: www.ucd.ie
- International Office: www.ucd.ie/global
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (GMT/IST)
Ready to Study at University College Dublin?
Join 8,000+ international students at Ireland's largest university. Our team will guide you through every step, from application to arrival at Belfield campus.
