Location
Ireland
International students
11139
THE World Ranking
201
University College Dublin (UCD) is the most international and diverse university in Ireland. Based in the vibrant capital city of Dublin, UCD is the destination of choice for over 12,000 international students of 163 differing nationalities.
In the 2027 QS World University Rankings, UCD was named 100th in the world. It is considered one of Europe's top research-intensive universities.
Students enjoy the university's programme portfolio and the holistic experience offered. At UCD, there are countless clubs and societies to join, where everyone can explore their interests and make new friends. This, alongside the friendly campus environment, offers an unrivalled experience for those who are looking to study overseas.
UCD's main campus is located in Belfield, Dublin, on 133 hectares of beautiful parkland estate and woodland walks. Its evident commitment to sustainability is another influencing factor for many students. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Sustainability, UCD was ranked 47th in the world for sustainability. The university also ranked 77th in the world for employment outcomes.
International students at UCD enjoy the contrast of Ireland's modern cities against the backdrop of thousands of years of its rich history and culture. Ireland is an ideal destination for both undergraduate and graduate study, with the Irish education system ranked in the global top ten.
UCD graduates are sought after in government, industry, NGOs and organisations worldwide, with 93 per cent of the university's graduates progressing to employment or postgraduate studies within six months of completing their course.
As one of the most open and globally connected countries worldwide, Ireland offers significant opportunities to access world markets. Its geographic location, in addition to its EU and Eurozone membership, means that it offers easily accessible international links to the entire world.
In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, UCD was recognised among the leading universities globally, with 43 subjects ranked worldwide and five subjects in the global top 50.
UCD's top-50 subjects were Library & Information Management, ranked 40th; English Language & Literature, ranked 41st; Nursing, ranked 41st; Petroleum Engineering, ranked 44th; and Veterinary Science, ranked 44th.
A further thirteen were ranked between 51st and 100th globally, demonstrating the breadth of UCD's academic strengths across a range of disciplines.
The UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School has maintained a strong presence in international business school rankings, reflecting its reputation for high-quality business education.
The School was ranked 23rd in Europe in the Financial Times 2025 European Business Schools Ranking.
Other recent UCD Financial Times rankings include:
The university's graduates are always in demand, with 93 per cent of UCD students entering professional employment or further study within six months of graduating.
Ireland is consistently named within the top 10 globally for the quality of its higher education system, which is tailored to the needs of the competitive economy – one of the fastest-growing in the Eurozone. A number of innovative global companies base their European headquarters in Ireland, including Google, Apple, Meta and X, and consistently employ graduates from Irish universities.
UCD has continued to strengthen its entrepreneurship ecosystem through NovaUCD, which supports student entrepreneurs, researchers and start-ups through accelerator programmes, mentoring, incubation and access to investment.
At UCD, students can take advantage of the careers network, which provides a full range of support services to help with career planning and decision-making. Services include:
UCD has a global alumni network of over 350,000 graduates, across 184 countries.
Among UCD's distinguished alumni are five former Taoisigh (Irish Prime Ministers) and three former Presidents of Ireland. UCD has also produced seven European Commissioners since Ireland joined the European Union.
UCD alumni hold senior positions in organisations and institutions around the world, contributing to the university's strong international reputation and global community.
Academic entry requirements at UCD vary according to the programme, qualification and country of education. Prospective students are advised to check the specific requirements for their chosen programme before applying.
For undergraduate study, UCD accepts a wide range of international qualifications, including A Levels, the International Baccalaureate and equivalent national qualifications. The grades and subjects required vary by programme and country.
The majority of master's programmes require applicants to hold a recognised bachelor's degree with a minimum of upper second-class honours (2:1), or an equivalent qualification.
Application procedures and deadlines differ according to the level of study, programme and applicant category. Applications are often reviewed and processed on a rolling basis and the portal for new applications opens each year on 1st October. Before submitting an application, the college advises applicants to check the relevant UCD application page for the most up to date information.
As programmes are taught in English, international students must prove a high level of English proficiency. The standard requirement is an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any band (or equivalent), but some programmes may require a higher score.
UCD offers a number of pathway programmes, designed for students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry.
Supported by the Dublin International Study Centre, with its world-class learning environment, students enrolled in the International Foundation Year pathway programme receive excellent support and guidance, allowing them to develop the requisite skills to confidently progress to undergraduate degree studies.
A preparatory programme for postgraduate studies is also available. The UCD pre-master's pathway programme enables students to successfully adjust to the rigours of a new learning culture at postgraduate level
UCD offers a diverse range of modern facilities designed to support students' academic, social, sporting and wellbeing needs. With over 50 sports clubs and over 80 student societies, students have numerous opportunities to pursue their interests, keep active and extend their circle within UCD.
The UCD Student Centre and UCD Sport & Fitness complex are at the heart of student life on campus. The Student Centre includes a 3D cinema, drama theatre, debating chamber, 600-seat auditorium, TV and radio studios, cafes, shops, a medical centre and pharmacy.
UCD Sport & Fitness provides extensive opportunities for students to stay active, including a 50-metre Olympic-size swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym facilities, dance and spinning studios, squash courts, a climbing wall and multi-purpose sports halls. The wider campus also includes numerous indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including pitches, an athletics track and the National Hockey Stadium.
UCD Library provides students with access to an extensive collection of books, journals, archives and digital resources, and students have access to more than 3,000 study spaces, including individual and collaborative study areas, as well as free Wi-Fi, computers and IT facilities. The James Joyce Library, UCD's main library, offers a wide variety of study environments, and dedicated areas designed to support students with different study and accessibility needs.
UCD offers student accommodation across a number of residential villages on and around the Belfield campus, providing a range of room types and accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Accommodation ranges from shared apartments to en-suite rooms, with utilities usually included in the accommodation charge.
The UCD Global Lounge is a social and informal 'hangout' space that brings students from all around the world together, and organises activities, events and initiatives with an international focus.
UCD recognises student excellence and achievement by providing a large range of scholarships and awards, which celebrate the diverse talents of its students. Several of these awards are held in high esteem by employers and industry.
To award outstanding achievement and to attract students of the highest calibre from around the world, UCD offers a number of scholarships to international students. These are competitive and based on academic excellence, country of origin and subject area.
Students from all over the world are welcome to use the scholarship search tool to find and apply to the scholarships open to them. Students must have received an offer of a place to study at UCD in order to apply for a scholarship.
Some of the scholarships and awards available at UCD include:
All available scholarships may be viewed online.
International students tuition fees are structured as:
Undergraduate: EUR 28,500
Postgraduate: EUR 24,500
These costs are averages, and can vary depending on programme. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the UCD Fees website for more information.
UCD has been ranked number one in Ireland and 47th in the world for sustainability in the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Sustainability. The ranking recognises UCD's ongoing commitment to sustainability across its education, research, operations, governance and engagement, as well as its contribution to addressing global sustainability challenges.
The impressive rise comes following the appointment of Professor Tasman Crowe as Vice President for Sustainability at UCD, a new top-level role placing sustainability at the heart of UCD's education, research, governance, operations, and engagement activities.
Professor Crowe, who has been in post since June 2023, said:
"The ranking underlines UCD's excellence in education, research and operations and its demonstrated commitment to good governance, equality, health, and wellbeing and to partnership for impact."
"UCD has long been a prominent contributor to sustainability, with great strength in energy, agri-environmental systems, the circular economy, and humanitarian action, for example, and through innovative educational programmes. It also has a real appetite for the kind of interdisciplinary approaches and wider partnerships that are needed."
University College Dublin (Ucd)
University College Dublin (Ucd)
University College Dublin (Ucd)
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