University College Cork

2020 marks the ten year anniversary of UCC being the first university globally to receive the pioneering Green Flag award, established by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The university continues to lead the way on sustainability and environmental issues since reaching this prestigious milestone, and is now placed first worldwide in the Times Higher Education's ranking for responsible consumption and production. Students at UCC are the inspiration and the driver behind the continued positive action across the university and are supported by the expertise and passion of dedicated staff.

Some of the achievements of the university which have established them as a world-leading in sustainable educational institution include divesting completely from fossil fuel investments, hosting Ireland's only university ''Farm to Fork'' food campaign, hosting a zero-plastic cafe on campus, and cutting their carbon footprint by over a third in recent years.

UCC has officially opened a brand-new student services and learning centre which will deliver huge benefits to 26,000 students. What was previously one of the oldest buildings to be found on the university's campus has undergone a radical transformation into the Hub, the new heart of the campus that delivers a modern, state-of-the-art facility while conserving the charm and beauty of the 170-year-old historic building.

The new Hub has study facilities, teaching and event spaces, as well as a comprehensive hub for all types of student services, including student wellbeing, careers advice, disability support, and the student experience office. In addition to this, it houses many of the university's unique clubs and societies, over a hundred in number, so new and existing students won't need to go far to find everything they need for their university life.

Studying at UCC opens up fantastic opportunities for students looking for graduate employment in Ireland or internationally. With 93 per cent of graduates finding employment after studying at the university. With a degree certificate from a university ranked in the top one per cent of research institutions globally, UCC graduate outcomes are hard to beat.

The location of the university itself is a fantastic boost to employability. As an English-speaking nation in the EU, which is ranked first across Europe for employer attitude to graduates, being an alumnus of UCC provides an excellent competitive edge.

A large number of UCC programmes contain paid work placements within the degree programme or study abroad elements, both of which are great assets in the search for post-university employment. Studying in Ireland is a great way to strengthen English proficiency and a course with international study components will allow students to gain valued multilingual skills.

The city of Cork is rich with opportunities for post-university employment and career development. Students at UCC are able to secure a post-degree working visa that will allow them to remain and work for up to 12 months following their studies. As a result, they are free to pursue exciting opportunities in the global marketplace within Cork, including multinational companies such as Apple, Pfizer, and Dell who maintain offices there.

UCC is one of the world's leading universities, ranking in the top two per cent of institutions worldwide. It maintains this global reputation through excellent taught programmes spanning dozens of subject areas, supported by a commitment to world-class research. The university is a research-focused institution that plays a pivotal role in the growth of Ireland's competitive knowledge-based economy.

Its strategy for research success is built upon supporting globally relevant research groups supported by quality infrastructure. UCC thrives due to its collaboration with hundreds of other universities worldwide, allowing it to produce the highest per academic research income across all of Ireland. The university's investment in Research and Development is over EUR 90 million a year, and continues to grow at an impressive pace. It also means that research and learning at UCC is truly international and will allow students to enjoy taking on world-ranked courses in areas that are more relevant even in a rapidly changing, increasingly connected world.

UCC does not regard teaching and research excellence as separate priorities, but rather sees the huge potential in bringing these benefits together for its students. As a result, students at UCC will have the opportunity to work with and learn from leading academic experts and professional researchers, securing a fantastic education which lays the foundation for respected degree diplomas.

In order to secure a place to study at UCC, applicants must demonstrate educational qualifications which are equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. All applications are reviewed and assessed on a case by case basis with care and attention to each applicant's merits. In order to find out the minimum grade requirements for a particular undergraduate programme, students should consult the Undergraduate Prospectus.

The delivery of degree programmes across UCC is typically in the English language and as a result, applicants should be able to demonstrate sufficient ability and competence in English writing, speaking and comprehension. Prospective students who do not speak English as a first language will need to accompany their application with appropriate evidence of their English language ability through meeting the minimum standard in a recognised English language test, or through a school leaving or matriculation examination.

International students studying at UCC are able to enjoy the certainty that they will always be supported by a variety of quality, student-focused support services during their time at the university. These services provide a range of advice, support and resources across personal, academic and international issues.

The university offers an essential all-in-one service for international students through the International Office (IO). The IO can provide advice and information around every part of the university experience, whether applications, pre-departure information, immigration advice, study programme advice, registration and orientation. Support officers at the office can also provide support around the more practical aspects of UCC life, including student welfare and accommodation.

The IO also offers a rich programme of social activities and events across the academic year, enabling international students to quickly make friends and join a vibrant community. This include welcome events and the International Cultures Festival every spring, which allows local and international students to exchange cultural experiences and make new connections.

Every year, the university offers a thousand bursaries and scholarships to both local and international students across every programme of study available. These opportunities are made possible through UCC's partnerships with donors and enable the university to provide significant assistance to students studying in Cork, in both academic and financial terms. These funding opportunities can be secured via different avenues, including through sporting achievements, academic performance or to assist students in tackling unique obstacles or finding new experiences. The university is enthusiastic about making scholarships available to students from any nation, background, culture or ability. Students attending UCC will be eligible to apply for funding from a number of areas, including:

• Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)
• Local Authority Grant (LAG)
• Student Assistance Fund (SAF)
• Scholarships for UCC students

Any international students who are looking to secure additional funding, bursaries or scholarships can browse the international scholarship list to explore the variety of opportunities that are available.