University College Dublin (UCD) is the largest university in Ireland. It is recognized for its strong academics, innovative research, and high rates of graduate employment. Since its founding in 1854, UCD has grown into a modern, multicultural campus with students from more than 130 countries. UCD is located in Dublin, a leading European city for technology, business, finance, and innovation. The university provides excellent academic facilities, strong industry links, and solid student support, making it a popular choice for international students.
University College Rankings
UCD is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, reflecting its strong academics, research, and international reputation.
- Top 1% of universities worldwide
- QS World University Ranking 2026: 118th
- THE World University Ranking 2025: 201–250 range
- #1 in Ireland for graduate employability
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate
- High school qualification equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate
- Minimum 70%–85% depending on the programme
- Subject-specific requirements for Medicine, Engineering, Business
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- Personal statement or portfolio (if required)
Postgraduate
- Bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 or strong 2:2
- English language proficiency
- CV, academic transcripts, SOP
- Reference letters
- Work experience for MBA
PhD
- Master’s degree or research-based bachelor’s degree
- Research proposal
- Supervisor approval
- References
English Language Requirements
| IELTS | 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) |
| TOEFL iBT | 90–100 Reading: 20–24 Listening: 20–24 Speaking: 20–25 Writing: 20–24 |
| PTE | Usually 59–60 in each skill (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening) |
| Cambridge | Minimum Score Required: 176+ |
Cost of Living in Dublin
| Accommodation | €800–€1,400/month |
| Food | €250–€350/month |
| Transport | €50–€100/month |
| Overall yearly estimate | €12,000–€16,000 |
University College Dublin Tuition Fees
Undergraduate Tuition Fees (Per Year)
- Business, Economics, Social Sciences: €20,000 – €25,000
- Engineering & Technology: €24,000 – €26,000
- Computer Science & Data Science: €24,000 – €26,000
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics): €20,000 – €23,000
- Arts, Humanities & Languages: €17,000 – €20,000
- Agriculture & Food Science: €20,000 – €23,000
- Nursing & Health Sciences: €20,000 – €25,000
- Law (LLB): €19,000 – €22,000
- Medicine: €50,000+ (varies by stage and clinical placements)
Postgraduate Tuition Fees (Per Year)
- MSc Computer Science / Data Science / AI: €20,000 – €26,000
- Engineering Masters: €20,000 – €25,000
- Business Masters (Finance, Marketing, Management): €20,000 – €32,000
- UCD Smurfit MBA: €30,000 – €38,000
- MSc Biotechnology / Biomedical Science: €20,000 – €24,000
- Health Sciences / Nursing Masters: €18,000 – €23,000
- Law (LLM): €19,000 – €22,000
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Masters: €18,000 – €22,000
PhD Tuition Fees (Per Year)
- Science & Engineering PhD: €15,000 – €20,000
- Computer Science & Technology PhD: €16,000 – €20,000
- Business PhD: €15,000 – €20,000
- Arts, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences PhD: €14,000 – €18,000
- Funded PhD: Tuition waiver + monthly stipend (varies by research project & funding body)
University College Dublin Scholarships for International Students
Undergraduate Scholarships at UCD
UCD Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship
- Value: 50% or 100% tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility:
- High academic achievement in high school
- International (non-EU) fee-paying applicants
- Strong personal statement required
- High academic achievement in high school
- How to Apply: Separate online scholarship application
- Deadline: January – April (varies by region)
UCD Regional Undergraduate Scholarship
- Value: 10% – 20% tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility:
- Students from South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, China, the USA, and Latin America
- Must meet programme academic requirements
- Students from South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, China, the USA, and Latin America
- How to Apply: Automatic consideration during admission
- Deadline: Rolling
UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business Scholarship
(For Business undergraduate applicants)
- Value: Partial to full tuition
- Eligibility:
- Outstanding academic profile
- Business-related programme applicants
- An interview may be required.
- Outstanding academic profile
- How to Apply: Online application after receiving an offer
- Deadline: April – June
Postgraduate Scholarships at UCD
UCD Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship
- Value: 50% or 100% tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility:
- Strong Bachelor’s degree (preferably 2:1 or above)
- International (non-EU) fee-paying student
- High-quality personal statement
- Strong Bachelor’s degree (preferably 2:1 or above)
- How to Apply: Separate the scholarship application form.
- Deadline: January – April
UCD Regional Postgraduate Scholarship
- Value: 10% – 20% tuition reduction
- Eligibility:
- Non-EU applicants from eligible regions
- Must hold an offer for a postgraduate programme
- Non-EU applicants from eligible regions
- How to Apply: Automatic assessment
- Deadline: Rolling
UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Scholarships
(For MBA and MSc Business programmes)
- Value: €5,000 – full tuition fee
- Eligibility:
- Excellent academic record
- Leadership qualities
- For MBA: relevant work experience required
- Excellent academic record
- How to Apply: Scholarship essay + supporting documents
- Deadline: January – August (programme dependent)
UCD College Specific Master’s Scholarships
- Value: 25% – 50% tuition reduction
- Eligibility: Applicants to specific programmes in Engineering, Science, Health, Law, and Agriculture
- How to Apply: Varies by programme; some are auto-considered, some require an essay.
- Deadline: Programme-specific
PhD Scholarships & Funding at UCD
UCD PhD Studentships / Research Scholarships
- Value: Full tuition fee waiver + annual stipend (€14,000 – €22,000)
- Eligibility:
- Strong academic background
- Approved research proposal
- Supervisor agreement
- Strong academic background
- How to Apply: Apply through a research supervisor or advertised PhD openings.
- Deadline: Depends on department/project
UCD Graduate Research Scholarships
- Value: Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Eligibility:
- Research excellence
- Alignment with faculty research areas
- Research excellence
- How to Apply: Department-based application
Deadline: Set by each faculty
Why Study Abroad Updates
We are your one-stop website for everything related to studying abroad. Our website is made to give you all the information you need to have a fun and easy path toward studying abroad. We can assist you whether you’re seeking for the best places to study, the newest scholarships, or university rankings. Get in touch with us for individualized advice, or view our videos to learn more about the university of your dreams. Our Study Abroad Genie is available around the clock to help you at every stage. Take the first step toward reaching your objectives by starting your study abroad journey with us right now. Get the most recent opportunities, professional advice, book a free session and chat with us at every time in just one click.
