University College Dublin

University College Dublin is one of the top 8 universities in Ireland and operates across two main on-site campuses. The Belfield campus offers student-led platforms like Belfield FM and interdisciplinary research at CASL, while the Blackrock campus blends historic architecture with a business school ranked in the global top 100.

Here’s an overview of how the campus life at University College Dublin looks

• UCD Belfield Campus
  • UCD Festival: An annual free-to-all bi-campus celebration each June, featuring over 100 interactive zones including VR labs, forensic experiments, orchestra reunions, and even farm animals from Lyons Farm.
  • Michael Byrne Community Legacy: Michael Byrne, a familiar figure on campus for over 30 years, inspired the Michael Byrne Community Fund and an annual commemorative mile run, reflecting UCD’s strong student-community bond.
  • Billings Park and UCD Bowl: Home to unique sports facilities including a GAA pitch that hosted Women’s Rugby World Cup matches and a stadium that welcomed teams like the All Blacks.
  • Belfield FM: An award-winning independent student radio station active since 1990, known for high-quality student journalism and national recognition.
  • Complex and Adaptive Systems Laboratory (CASL): An interdisciplinary research centre combining computing, social modeling, and data-driven science across domains such as finance, biology, and complex systems.
• UCD Blackrock Campus
  • Restored 19th-Century Estate: The campus operates within a renovated Victorian estate set in 25 acres of green parkland, blending classical architecture with modern classrooms.
  • Business Library in a Former Church: Ireland’s largest academic business library, housing 20,000+ volumes and 5,000 theses, located inside a repurposed church building.
  • Triple Accreditation and Global Rankings: One of fewer than 1 percent of business schools globally with EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA accreditation, and consistently ranked among the top 100 in the world.
  • Small, Globally Diverse MBA Cohort: MBA classes limited to around 30 students, over 60 percent international, offering global immersion programs and case competitions.
  • Exclusive Graduate Gym Facility: A modern on-campus gym tailored for postgraduate students, with extended access hours and residence-based membership options.
  • Flexible Online and Hybrid Master’s Options: Smurfit offers accredited online MBA and Master’s programs with a blend of remote delivery and global academic recognition.

Now that you understand the campus life, explore how the university ranks both globally and by subject.

University College Dublin continues to move up in global recognition. It rose from 171 to 118 in QS rankings over just two years and maintains a strong standing in both THE and U.S. News global tables. This upward trend signals growing academic strength and research visibility.

Here’s a quick look at how University College Dublin performed across major global rankings

Ranking Body	2024	2025	2026
QS World Rankings	171	126	118
THE World Rankings	201-250	201-250	N/A
U.S. News & World Report Rankings	253	245	N/A

Now that you’ve seen the university’s global performance, check how it ranks across specific academic subjects.

Top Subject-Wise Rankings 2025/26

University College Dublin stands out for subject excellence, especially in health and agricultural disciplines. It ranks 44th in Nursing and 33rd in Veterinary Science, making it a strong option if you're planning to pursue a BSc in Nursing or related fields.

Here’s a breakdown of how different subjects at University College Dublin rank globally

Subject	Ranking Body	Rankings 2025
Veterinary Science	QS World Rankings 2025	33
Nursing	QS World Rankings 2025	44
Arts & Humanities	THE World Rankings 2025	176-200
Business & Economics	THE World Rankings 2025	176-200
Agricultural Sciences	U.S News & World Report Rankings 2025	27
Computer Science	U.S News & World Report Rankings 2025	181

Now that you know where the university leads in subject rankings, it’s time to review the admissions process for 2025.

Applying to University College Dublin involves a step-by-step process covering academic records, test scores, and visa procedures. Most courses require academic transcripts and a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3.0 GPA, while select undergraduate programs expect a GMAT score of 600.

Here’s a detailed look at what you must prepare for to meet the admission requirements at University College Dublin

Admission Requirements

To apply successfully to University College Dublin, you must meet academic, language, exam, and visa-related requirements. 

Most programs ask for proof of English proficiency like Duolingo scores of 120+ or IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0. Certain undergraduate courses may also require ACT scores between 30 and 32 for consideration.

Here’s a closer look at the key admission requirements you need to prepare for at University College Dublin

Academic Qualifications

To apply for a taught or research Master’s at University College Dublin, you need a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. For graduate entry to Medicine from the U.S., the requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an MCAT score of 503 or higher.

Here’s a detailed view of the academic qualifications required for admission

Requirement	Details
Academic qualification	Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject for taught/research Master’s (approx. 3.0/4.0 GPA) First‑class or upper‑second‑class honours primary degree required for MSc/PhD Graduate-entry Medicine (U.S.): bachelor’s + minimum 3.0 GPA and MCAT ≥ 503
GPA	Approx. 3.0/4.0 GPA for taught and research Master’s entry  Study‑abroad applicants need a cumulative GPA of ≥ 3.0  Medicine (US grad entry) requires ≥ 3.0 GPA
Academic transcripts	Certified copies of all previous academic transcripts must be submitted with the application Final official transcripts required before enrolment; sent directly from the institution

Note: The information listed above is overall. The actual requirements might be different in specific programs.

Language Requirements

You must show proof of English language proficiency to study at University College Dublin. For most programs, this means an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 90 with section minimums.

Here’s a look at the accepted English language tests and their required scores

Test	Average Scores
IELTS	Overall 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each band
TOEFL	Total score 90 with ≥ 21 in writing and ≥ 19 in each other section
PTE	Overall minimum 63 with at least 59 in each Communicative Skills item
Cambridge English Scale Exams	Overall 176+ with no less than 169 in each paper
Duolingo English Test	Overall 120 with at least 110 in each subscore

Note: The information listed above is overall. The actual requirements might be different in specific programs.

Competitive Exams

Some programs at University College Dublin require standardized test scores. For example, a GMAT score of 600 is expected for certain business courses, while undergraduate applicants typically need an SAT score between 1200 and 1400.

Here’s a breakdown of the average scores for commonly required competitive exams.

Test	Average Scores
GMAT	600
GRE	Not specified
SAT	1200–1400
ACT	30–32

Note: The information listed above is overall. The actual requirements might be different in specific programs.

Visa Requirements

To study at University College Dublin as an international student, you must apply for an Ireland student visa. This includes showing proof of at least €10,000 (INR 8.58L) in funds and valid medical insurance. Your passport must also be valid for at least 12 months from your arrival date.

Here’s a full list of visa requirements you must fulfill before entering Ireland

Requirement	Details
Visa application (for non‑EEA/UK/Swiss nationals)	Apply via Ireland’s AVATS online system up to 3 months before arrival; processing typically takes up to 8 weeks
Passport validity	Must be valid for at least 12 months beyond arrival date
Offer letter	UCD Offer Letter from SISweb required for visa application and port-of-entry presentation
Proof of funds	≥ €10,000 (INR 10.06L) for courses longer than 8 months Or ≥ €833/month (INR 84K/month) for courses up to 8 months, shown via bank statement, sponsorship, scholarship, or UCD/US financial aid.
Health insurance	Valid private medical insurance required upon entry and IRP registration
Tuition payment proof	Paid in full or with deposit (e.g., via TransferMate) for visa eligibility
Entry stamp	Initial Stamp (up to 90 days) issued at border; must register with immigration before expiry
Irish Residence Permit (IRP) registration	You must complete registration within your visa stamp time frame. The IRP (Irish Residence Permit) costs €300 (INR 30K) and must be renewed annually. Required documents include: Valid ID (e.g., passport) Certificate of attendance Proof of fee/tuition payment Proof of finances Medical insurance
Visa re-entry/multi-entry	Visa-required nationals must apply for a multi-entry/re-entry visa to travel outside Ireland or Northern Ireland during studies

Now that you know what’s needed for your visa, check the application dates and deadlines that apply for 2025.

Application Dates & Deadlines

University College Dublin accepts multiple intakes in Ireland each year, depending on your program type. The main deadline for undergraduate and graduate taught courses is 15 July 2026, while study abroad options follow different timelines for autumn and spring terms.

Here’s a detailed list of deadlines for the 2026 intake across different program categories.

Programme Type	Application Deadline (2026 Intake)
Undergraduate & Graduate Taught	15  July 2026
Graduate (Prospective Master’s/Grad Dip)	Mid‑July 2026
Study Abroad: Autumn / Full‑Year	1  May  2026
Study Abroad: Spring Trimester	25 October  2025

Now that you’ve seen when to apply, review the range of programs and courses offered by University College Dublin.

University College Dublin (UCD) offers a comprehensive range of over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. These programs are designed to provide students with a robust academic foundation and practical skills, preparing them for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Explore some of the key program areas available at UCD:

• STEM Programs: Courses in Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, and Physics with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
• Business and Economics: Degrees in Management, Finance, and Economics that integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
• Law: Comprehensive programs including LLB, LLM, and specialized legal studies.
• Arts and Humanities: Subjects such as History, English Literature, Philosophy, and Languages, fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness.
• Health Sciences: Programs in Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health with extensive clinical experience.
• Social Sciences: Courses in Psychology, Sociology, Politics, and International Relations emphasizing research and policy impact.

With this diverse array of programs, UCD equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers. Next, let's review the program fees at the University College Dublin.

Program Fees at the University College Dublin

The full-time MBA at University College Dublin costs €37,910 (INR 38.15L) per year, while standard undergraduate programs such as Bachelor of Arts or BSc are priced at €26,800 (INR 26.97L) annually. Graduate law programs like the LLM are more affordable in comparison.

Here’s a breakdown of annual tuition fees for key programs at University College Dublin.

Programme	Annual Tuition Fee (Non‑EU)	Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
MBA (Full‑Time, B009)	€37,910	INR 38.15L
Executive MBA (Part‑Time, B094)	€18,940	INR 19.07L
Master of Laws	€13,730	INR 13.82L
Bachelor of Arts	€26,800	INR 26.97L
Bachelor of Science	€26,800	INR 26.97L

Note: INR Conversions are approximate and are subject to change. 

Now that you’ve reviewed tuition fees by program, assess the overall cost of studying at University College Dublin in 2025.

Understanding the cost of studying in Ireland helps you prepare a realistic budget. At University College Dublin, a Bachelor’s degree costs €26,800 (NR 26.9L) annually, while Master’s programs average €13,730 (INR 13.8L) per year. 

Here’s the annual tuition fee structure for international students:

Programme Level	Annual Tuition Fee (Non‑EU)	Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
Bachelor’s	€26,800 (Undergraduate, per year)	INR 26.9L
Master’s (Taught)	€13,730 (Graduate taught programmes, per year)	INR 13.8L
PhD	~€6,860/year	INR 6.9L

Note: INR Conversions are approximate and are subject to change. 

Now, take a closer look at your living expenses with a breakdown of the cost of living in Ireland.

Cost of Living in Ireland

Before planning your move, you need to assess the cost of living in Ireland as a student. Living in Dublin can cost €12,156 (INR 12.24L) per year for accommodation alone, with other essentials like food and transport adding up to several lakhs more.

Here’s a detailed estimate of annual living costs:

Expense Category	Annual (€)	Annual (INR)
Accommodation (incl. utilities)	€12,156	INR 12.24L
Food	€7,080	INR 7.12L
Transportation (Leap Card)	€816	INR 82.20K
Clothing & Hygiene	€1,800	INR 1.81L
Personal / Social	€960	INR 96.64K
Internet & Mobile	€384	INR 38.66K
Miscellaneous (medical, tourism)	€1,200	INR 1.21L

Once your cost plan is in place, you can explore scholarships for the University College Dublin 2025 that could ease your financial burden.

University College Dublin offers some of the most competitive study-abroad scholarships in Europe. 

These include both internal and external awards, with benefits such as full tuition coverage and €10,000 (INR 10.06L) living stipends. Scholarships are available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and even PhD-level international students.

Here’s how the internal scholarships at University College Dublin support different categories of students

Internal Scholarships

University College Dublin offers fully-funded scholarships to high-achieving international students, including awards that cover 100 percent of tuition or provide generous stipends like €10,000 (INR 10.06L) for living costs. 

These internal scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants across various disciplines.

Here’s a look at the internal scholarships you can apply for at University College Dublin

Name	Type	Details
Global Excellence Scholarship	Merit-based (50% or 100% tuition)	Eligibility: Offer holders for eligible full-time undergraduate or graduate programmes Benefits:  50% or 100% tuition waiver Open to all nationalities once an offer is received
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship	National government-funded	Eligibility: Non-EU students with an offer for a 1-year taught Master’s or first year of a PhD Benefits:  Full fee waiver €10,000 (INR 10.06L) living stipend
LPDP-UCD Scholarship Programme	Partnership (UCD + Indonesian government)	Eligibility: Indonesian nationals offered study in UCD Master’s programmes Benefits:  Full tuition coverage Valid for full duration of the Master’s programme
Brian Mullins Ambassador Award for Gaelic Games	Sports-based merit	Eligibility: Incoming full-degree students who promote Gaelic games at UCD Benefits:  Partial tuition scholarship UCD Sport support during studies

Now that you’ve explored internal scholarships, see what external funding options are available to you.

External Scholarships

University College Dublin supports access to some of the top scholarships in Ireland, many of which are fully funded. 

These include awards like the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, which covers tuition, living, and travel expenses, and the Government of Ireland scheme that offers both a tuition waiver and a €10,000 (INR 10.06L) stipend.

Here’s a list of major external scholarships available for study at University College Dublin

Name	Type	Details
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship	National (Irish Higher Education Authority)	Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students with an offer for a 1-year taught Master’s or first-year PhD Benefits:  Full tuition waiver €10,000 (INR 10.06L) living stipend
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship	EU-funded transnational programme	Eligibility: Students applying to Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (two+ institutions including UCD) Benefits:  Full participation costs Monthly subsistence allowance Travel and insurance support
George J. Mitchell Scholarship	US–Ireland Alliance (for American citizens)	Eligibility: US citizens pursuing postgraduate study in Ireland (incl. UCD) Benefits:  Full tuition Free housing Airfare Living stipend

Now that you've seen the top scholarship options, explore the placements and career outcomes at University College Dublin.

UCD combines personalised career guidance with structured internship support to ensure strong outcomes across disciplines. Through its MyCareer platform and Careers Network, you can book consultations, explore job listings, and access tailored training tools at any time.

With more than 250 global and Irish employers recruiting directly from UCD, the university holds a strong employer reputation and facilitates placement success across sectors.

Now, let’s walk through what makes the placement support system at UCD effective.

• UCD Careers Network and MyCareer platform: The Careers Network offers 24/7 access to job listings, CV and cover letter review tools, career development courses, and AI-powered application support through the MyCareer platform.
• Employer engagement and recruitment events: More than 250 top global and Irish employers actively recruit from UCD through on-campus events and the Careers Network.
• High graduate employment rate: Over 90% of UCD graduates are employed, enrolled in further studies, or engaged in training within nine months of graduation.
• QS Employability Rankings: UCD is ranked number one in Ireland and number 88 globally for employment outcomes in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, reflecting employer reputation, graduate employment rate, and alumni success indicators.
• Graduate outcomes in business and economics: Graduates from the Quinn School of Business report a 99% positive outcome rate, with 83% in employment and 16% pursuing postgraduate or professional qualifications.
• Average postgraduate earnings: Recent data shows that UCD Master’s and PhD graduates earn an average annual salary between €67,600 (INR 68L) and €69,800 (INR 70L) shortly after finishing their studies.

Now that you understand the placement services of University College Dublin, let’s explore the top recruiters that hire graduates from the institution. 

Top Recruiters at The University College Dublin

University College Dublin has a strong network of industry connections, facilitating excellent employment opportunities and international internships for its graduates. The university's emphasis on practical experience and global exposure enhances its graduates' employability.

Top recruiters at UCD include:

• Google: A leading global technology company known for its innovation and dynamic work environment.
• Microsoft: A multinational technology corporation offering a wide range of career opportunities in software development and IT services.
• Pfizer: A global biopharmaceutical company providing roles in research, development, and manufacturing.
• KPMG: A professional services firm offering careers in audit, tax, and advisory services.
• Deloitte: A multinational professional services network providing opportunities in consulting, audit, and risk advisory.
• Accenture: A global consulting firm offering roles in strategy, consulting, digital, and technology services.
• IBM: A multinational technology company providing opportunities in cloud computing, AI, and enterprise solutions.
• EY (Ernst & Young): A professional services firm offering careers in assurance, consulting, and tax services.
• Amazon: An e-commerce and cloud computing company providing roles in operations, logistics, and technology.
• Facebook (Meta): A social media and technology company offering opportunities in software engineering and data analysis.

Next, let's explore the student life at University College Dublin.

Student life at the University College Dublin is similar to student life in the UK, active, diverse, and filled with opportunities to lead, perform, compete, and connect. With 100+ societies, 60 sports clubs, and a good international student community, you’ll find both academic enrichment and personal development outside the classroom.

Here’s how student life unfolds across different areas at University College Dublin

• Clubs, Societies & Media
  • 80 to 100+ active societies host over 3,000 events every year covering debating, cultural, academic, and entertainment interests
  • Notable societies include: Literary & Historical Society with over 5,000 members, one of Europe's largest. Law Society with around 4,100 members, offering moots, guest speakers, and career events
  • Media outlets run by students include: University Observer and College Tribune, both award-winning newspapers. Belfield FM, an independent and nationally recognized student radio station.
• Sports & Fitness
  • 60+ sports clubs managed by the Athletic Union Council since 1909
  • 28 sports scholarships awarded each year to top athletes
  • UCD excels in rugby, soccer, Gaelic games, hurling, rowing, and basketball
  • UCD Boat Club, established in 1917, has earned multiple national titles and Olympic-level recognition
  • Sports facilities include an Olympic-size pool, climbing wall, indoor rifle range, and more than 20 playing pitches
• Student Leadership & Recognition
  • UCD Students’ Union is the largest in Ireland, active since 1975
  • The President’s Awards for Excellence honour student leaders across clubs, societies, and welfare initiatives
• Culture, Arts & Inclusion
  • UCD Global provides dedicated support for international students across academic, social, and cultural needs
  • Societies span a wide range of interests such as religion, politics, arts, volunteering, and performance
  • UCD promotes a strong performance arts culture with ensembles like the University Symphony Orchestra and several drama groups

Now that you understand student life on campus, see which notable graduates have walked the halls of University College Dublin.

With a network of over 300,000 alumni worldwide, University College Dublin has shaped leaders across literature, politics, sport, and global business. 

Its legacy includes award-winning writers, heads of state, and internationally respected public figures, showing how UCD promotes long-term leadership across generations.

Here’s a list of notable alumni who reflect the university’s commitment to leadership and excellence

Name	Field	Contribution
James Joyce	Literature	Author of Ulysses, reshaped modernist literature and remains a global literary icon studied across disciplines.
Maeve Binchy	Literature	Bestselling novelist and columnist, known for warm storytelling that captured Irish life and relationships.
Brian O’Driscoll	Sports	One of the greatest rugby union players globally, captained Ireland and British & Irish Lions.
Leo Varadkar	Politics	Former Taoiseach of Ireland, key figure in EU–UK Brexit talks and public health reforms.
Peter Sutherland	Business/Politics	Founding Director-General of WTO, former EU Commissioner and Chairman of BP and Goldman Sachs International.
Katie Ascough	Student Leadership	Elected UCDSU President, gained national attention for impeachment related to pro-life views and student politics.
Marian Keyes	Literature	Bestselling fiction author known for combining humor with deeper themes around women, addiction, and mental health.
Eavan Boland	Poetry	One of Ireland’s leading poets, explored themes of gender, identity, and Irish history in acclaimed works.
Desmond Tutu (Honorary)	Human Rights	Anti-apartheid leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, awarded honorary degree for global justice contributions.
Pat Kenny	Media	Veteran broadcaster and journalist, hosted The Late Late Show and Today with Pat Kenny on Irish national radio.

Now that you’ve seen UCD’s global alumni impact, compare how it stands next to University College Cork and the National University of Ireland.

University College Dublin ranks highest among the three, standing at 118 in the QS World Rankings and offering over 400 courses across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. With programs like BA in Law, MSc in Finance, and strong international scholarships, UCD provides broader academic and financial support.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of UCD, UCC, and NUI to help you decide.

Parameters	University College Dublin (UCD)	University College Cork (UCC)	National University of Ireland
QS World University Rankings 2026	118	264	284
Tuition Fees	UG: €18,000 to €24,000 per year (INR 18.12L to 24.16L) PG: €17,000 to €25,000 per year (INR 17.11L to 25.17L)	UG: €12,000 to €18,000 per year (INR 12.08L to 18.12L) PG: €15,000 to €22,000 per year (INR 15.10L to 22.15L)	UG: €15,000 to €19,500 per year (INR 15.10L to 19.63L) PG: €14,500 to €22,000 per year (INR 14.47L to 22.15L)
Total Number of Courses	400+	250+	130+
Popular Courses	UG: BA in Law, BSc in Computer Science, BA in History PG: MSc in Marketing, MSc in Finance, LLM	UG: BA in Psychology, BSc in Biochemistry, BEng in Mechanical Engineering PG: MSc in Environmental Science, MSc in Engineering	UG: BA in English, BSc in Psychology, BA in Geography PG: MSc in Data Science, MA in Journalism, MA in International Relations
Average Salary after Graduation	N/A	€30,000 (INR 28.5L)	N/A
PSW	Available up to 12 months for bachelors and 24 months for masters	Available up to 12 months for bachelors and 24 months for masters	Available up to 12 months for bachelors and 24 months for masters
Scholarships	UCD International Scholarships UCD Global Excellence Scholarship	UCC International Scholarships UCC Global Excellence Scholarships	Global Achievement Scholarship Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarships

If you're aiming for global recognition and more academic options, University College Dublin offers the strongest profile. It balances course variety, rankings, and scholarships better than its peers.