.png)
University of Limerick
Ireland's Leading University for Work Placements | Ranked #401
Overview
University of Limerick (UL) was founded in 1972 as Ireland's first new university since the foundation of the State, and has since become one of the country's most innovative and forward-thinking institutions. Located on a stunning 340-acre riverside campus along the River Shannon in Castletroy, Limerick, UL is widely recognised for its pioneering approach to co-operative education and industry engagement.
UL was the first university in Ireland to introduce co-operative education, featuring structured work placements of up to 8 months that are integrated into degree programmes. With over 1,700 employers across Ireland and internationally, this system gives UL graduates a significant advantage, with many securing full-time employment with their placement companies before graduation.
With over 17,000 students including 3,000 international students from more than 100 countries, UL offers a vibrant and supportive campus experience. The university is particularly renowned for its programmes in engineering, business, sport and exercise science, and the performing arts. Limerick itself is an affordable, friendly city with a growing cultural scene, excellent connectivity, and proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way.
Why Choose University of Limerick
Co-op Education Pioneer
UL pioneered co-operative education in Ireland, with over 1,700 employers offering paid work placements of 8 months, giving students real-world experience and a competitive edge in the job market.
340-Acre Campus
One of Ireland's most beautiful campuses, spanning 340 acres along the banks of the River Shannon with walking trails, a living bridge, and modern facilities in a parkland setting.
Sport & Exercise Excellence
Ireland's leading university for sport and exercise science, with a 50-metre swimming pool, indoor arena, and partnerships with the Sports Council and elite athletes.
Kemmy Business School
AACSB-accredited and ranked among Ireland's top business schools, Kemmy Business School offers strong industry connections, entrepreneurship programmes, and excellent graduate outcomes.
Strong Engineering
UL's Faculty of Science & Engineering is renowned for its industry-linked programmes, advanced labs, and graduate employment rates, with strong ties to the Limerick and Shannon region's tech and manufacturing sectors.
Affordable Limerick Living
Limerick offers one of the lowest costs of living among Irish cities, with affordable accommodation, a growing food and culture scene, and easy access to the Shannon region and Wild Atlantic Way.
Popular Courses for International Students
Undergraduate Programmes
BSc Computer Science
Software development, AI, cybersecurity, data science, co-op placement
BBS Business Studies
Management, marketing, finance, economics, co-op work placement
BE Engineering
Mechanical, electronic, computer, civil, aeronautical engineering, co-op
BSc Sport & Exercise Science
Biomechanics, physiology, performance analysis, coaching science
BA Law Plus
Law with business, criminology, or politics, moot courts, co-op
BSc Science
Physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, environmental science
BA Education
Primary and secondary teaching, school placements, pedagogy
BA Music & Dance
Performance, composition, Irish traditional music, world music, dance
Postgraduate Programmes
MSc Software Engineering
Software design, cloud computing, DevOps, agile development
MSc Data Analytics
Machine learning, statistical modelling, big data, Python, R
MBA (Kemmy)
Strategy, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, global business
MSc Sport Performance
Performance analysis, biomechanics, strength & conditioning, research
MSc Project Management
Planning, risk management, agile, stakeholder engagement, leadership
LLM (Master of Laws)
International law, human rights, commercial law, EU law
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 UL Direct for international applicants
- Documents: Transcripts, personal statement, passport, English test results, reference letters
Postgraduate
- Academic: Bachelor's degree with 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 UL'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 (UL Direct, recommended: April for visa processing)
- January/Spring Intake: Limited programmes; check specific course pages on ul.ie
- Rolling Admissions: Some postgraduate programmes accept applications year-round until places are filled
Scholarships for International Students
UL International Student Scholarship
Up to €3,000
High-achieving non-EU international students applying to full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programmes
UL President's Scholarship
Up to €5,000
Outstanding students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential
Sports Scholarships
Up to €5,000
Elite athletes competing at national or international level who will represent UL in varsity competitions
Government of Ireland Scholarship
€10,000 + full fees
High-achieving non-EU students selected through the national HEA competition
Kemmy Business School Scholarship
Up to €3,000
International students accepted to taught postgraduate programmes in Kemmy Business School
UL Postgraduate Research Scholarship
Full fees + stipend
Outstanding PhD and research master's candidates in funded priority research areas
Campus & Student Life
Campus Facilities
- 340-acre parkland campus along the River Shannon
- Glucksman Library: modern facility with extensive collections and study spaces
- UL Sport Arena, Ireland's finest university sports facility
- 50-metre swimming pool, one of only two in Ireland
- Engineering Research Building with advanced labs
- Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
- On-campus villages: Thomond, Plassey, Kilmurry, Dromroe
- The Stables, a student club and entertainment venue
- Multiple dining halls, cafes, and the Living Bridge over the Shannon
- UL Nexus Innovation Centre for start-ups and entrepreneurs
Student Life
- 80+ clubs and societies covering sport, culture, and academics
- UL International Society and orientation programme
- Debating Union and Model United Nations
- Sports clubs: rugby, soccer, GAA, rowing, kayaking, athletics
- Cultural societies: drama, music, film, dance, comedy, photography
- Students' Union with welfare, events, and advocacy services
- Part-time work: 20 hours/week during term, 40 hours during holidays
- UL Charity Week and annual campus festivals
- Co-op placements providing paid work experience with top employers
Location & Contact
Address
Castletroy, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
Getting There
- From Shannon Airport: 30 minutes by bus (Bus Eireann 343) or taxi (€25–€35)
- From Dublin Airport: 2.5 hours by bus (Dublin Coach/Citylink) or 2 hours by train
- Bus: Multiple Bus Eireann routes connect UL to Limerick city centre
- Train: Colbert Station in Limerick city is 15 minutes by bus from campus
Contact Information
- Phone: +353 61 202700
- Email: internationaladmissions@ul.ie
- Website: www.ul.ie
- International Office: www.ul.ie/international
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (GMT/IST)
Ready to Study at University of Limerick?
Join 3,000+ international students at Ireland's co-op education pioneer. Our team will guide you through every step, from application to arrival in Limerick.
