University College Dublin (UCD)
About the university
University College Dublin (UCD) is the largest university in Ireland, founded in 1854 and among the world's top 200. UCD is strong in business, law, economics and international relations, with one of Europe's leading business schools (Smurfit) and a large international community.
A spacious Dublin campus, world-class research and industry links make UCD one of the best choices in Ireland.
Who University College Dublin (UCD) suits best:
- school graduates targeting Business who see studying abroad as a deliberate career step;
- undergraduates looking to transfer, and bachelor’s graduates applying for a master’s in their field;
- applicants choosing a university for a specific career: business, law, economics and international Relations are the strong areas of University College Dublin (UCD);
- students who value an international environment and teaching in English.
University College Dublin (UCD) in rankings
UCD - the largest university in Ireland:
- #173 in the world - QS World University Rankings
- The largest university in Ireland
- The Smurfit Business School with accreditations
Campus and infrastructure
UCD's spacious Dublin campus has libraries, research centers, sports facilities and residences.
Faculties and programs
UCD is strong in:
- Business (Smurfit)
- Law
- Economics
- International Relations
- Engineering
Not sure which field to choose?
We'll match a program to your goals and help you apply - in a free consultation.
How to apply
Admission is based on your diploma and IELTS/TOEFL. Master's admission is based on your bachelor's degree.
Admission to University College Dublin (UCD) takes six months or more; here are the key stages:
- Choose a program (9–12 months ahead). Decide on the field — business, Law, economics and international Relations — and the level: bachelor’s or master’s. Programs differ in requirements, deadlines and fees.
- Language certificate. Entirely in English.
- Application. Applications are submitted online; once reviewed, the university sends an offer — with it you can plan finances and housing.
- Student visa and relocation. After the offer, a student visa or residence permit for Ireland is arranged. We handle this stage end to end.
After 11 years of school. Yes, directly - no foundation. GPA and IELTS 6.0-6.5 decide.
Documents for admission
- Passport
- School certificate and transcript
- IELTS/TOEFL certificate
- Motivation letter
Exact requirements depend on the program - we'll help you prepare.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition applies; we calculate the final tuition, available scholarship or discount, and living budget during the free consultation.
Country benchmark for Ireland. Tuition applies for non-EU students, plus expensive housing in Dublin. Scholarships exist - we'll advise.
When planning the budget, add housing, insurance, visa fees and flights on top of tuition; we map the full route before the application.
Accommodation and student life
UCD offers residences on its spacious Dublin campus.
Upon arrival, the first tasks are registration, a bank account and a transport card — every student gets our step-by-step checklist.
Career after graduation
After graduation. Yes, graduates have employment opportunities in Ireland.
The strong fields of University College Dublin (UCD) are business, Law, economics and international Relations. As at most universities in Ireland, students have access to a career centre, job fairs and internships — use them from the first semesters: hands-on experience is decisive for the first job.
An alternative track is further study: a bachelor’s degree earned in Ireland opens master’s programs worldwide, and a master’s strengthens your position on the job market.
Student reviews
I was afraid I would not manage the paperwork in a foreign language, but StudyU took care of everything. I arrived at University College Dublin (UCD) with a ready package and no stress.
StudyU guided me from the very first message to enrolment, with no hand-offs. At University College Dublin (UCD) I feel like I am in the right place.
What I value most is the practical focus of the program and the university's ties with employers. The city of dublin is a great city for student life.
FAQ
It's the largest university in Ireland, with the strong Smurfit business school.
#173 in the world by QS.
Yes, directly - no foundation. GPA and IELTS 6.0-6.5 decide.
Country benchmark for Ireland: Tuition applies for non-EU students, plus expensive housing in Dublin. Scholarships exist - we'll advise. StudyU calculates the intake-year university fee, available discount and living budget during the free consultation.
Yes, graduates have employment opportunities in Ireland.
Want to study at University College Dublin (UCD)?
We'll help with admission: from choosing a program to submitting documents and the student visa.
Other universities - studying in Ireland: Trinity College Dublin · Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). All options are on the page studying in Ireland.
Get a free consultation
Talk to a real consultant - we'll explain admission in Ireland and match a program to you.
- Program selection and admission preparation
- Help with scholarships and university discounts
- Documents, translations and student visa
- A personal consultant from the first message to enrollment
Write to us
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