University College Dublin

Overview

University College Dublin is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities. In the top 1% of institutions worldwide in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, UCD was ranked 173rd in the world. In previous years, UCD has been ranked number one in Ireland and in the global top 100 for graduate employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings).

UCD, Ireland’s Global University, is Ireland’s largest university. Established in 1854, the University has a student body of over 34,000 students, with over 8,000 international students drawn from 139 countries. Students are attracted to UCD by its teaching and research strength, the programme portfolio (UCD offers Ireland’s most comprehensive range of programmes recognised and valued by academic institutions and employers worldwide) and the holistic experience that is studying at UCD offers.

The University's main Dublin campus occupies an extensive parkland estate of 133 hectares. World-leading facilities include the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, UCD Sutherland School of Law, UCD Lochlan Quinn School of Business and UCD Student Centre.

Get Involved

UCD has the most diverse student facilities of any university in Ireland, with many facilities designed to encourage students to become involved in clubs and societies and stay fit and healthy. The Student Centre and the UCD Sport and Fitness Complex are the hubs of student life on campus. There are also multiple opportunities for students to get involved in exciting initiatives related to their specific disciplines.

Student Centre facilities include a state-of-the-art 3D cinema, drama theatre, debating chamber, 600-seat auditorium, meeting rooms for student clubs and societies, TV studio, radio pod, seminar room, medical centre, pharmacy, barber, newsagent, The UCD Clubhouse (bar and function room), cafés, shops, and social spaces.

Sports facilities include a 50-metre swimming pool, gym, dance and spinning studios, sauna and jacuzzi, three multi-purpose sports halls, four squash courts, handball/racquetball alley, climbing wall, changing facilities, performance and squad gyms, 17 natural grass pitches, six synthetic 5-a-side pitches, sand-based hockey pitch, synthetic rugby, GAA and soccer pitches, and the National Hockey Stadium. Student gym membership entitles current UCD students to free access to UCD Sport & Fitness Gym and the performance gym.

Services for International Students

UCD is home to more than 60 student societies catering to arts, music, sport, and religious groups, including a club for Indian students. UCD has an Applied Language Centre offering courses in several modern European and Asian languages besides courses in English as a foreign and second language.  

Other services and facilities include a vast library, I.T workshops, an international swimming pool, a rugby club (Leinster rugby), and an institute for sports and fitness. Campuses at UCD also provide multiple eating options at its many cafes and restaurants, most of which are open from Monday to Friday.

Scholarships at UCD

Student excellence and achievement are recognised at UCD through various scholarships and awards, which celebrate students' diverse talents. Many of these awards are highly regarded by employers and the industry.

To award outstanding achievement and to attract students of the highest calibre from around the world, UCD is pleased to offer several Global Excellence Scholarships to international students. These scholarships are competitively awarded based on academic merit and provided by country and discipline.

Ranking

• 171st in the QS World University Rankings 2024
• 201–250th in THE World University Rankings 2024
• 101–200th in THE Impact Rankings 2022

The Michael Smurfit School of Business is ranked 23rd in the Financial Times ranking of leading European Business Schools and has consistently ranked in the top 100 in the Financial Times MBA rankings since 2000.

• Full-Time MBA is ranked 89th in the world and 25th in Europe
• Executive MBA is ranked 68th in the world
• The Master in International Management is ranked 7th in the world and MSc in Finance is ranked 36th in the world

Accommodation

UCD offers plenty of on-campus accommodation options on the Belfield and Blackrock campuses, in addition to the off-campus catered residences in Donnybrook.

Accommodation at UCD includes all utility bills, such as water, heating, electricity and wifi, with other on-site services, including laundry facilities and outdoor bike storage. Traditional halls are available with shared kitchen and dining services and self-catered apartments for up to six students. A 24-hour support team is also available to help with questions or issues before or during your stay.

Location

University College Dublin’s main campus is spread across 130 hectares of the Parkland Estate in the heart of Dublin, the Irish capital. River Liffey surrounds the city to the east and Wicklow mountains to the south, with farmlands to the north and south of the town. UCD is well-connected by public transport and is just 20 minutes from Dublin City Airport.

Private bus service- Aircoach connects Dublin Airport to the main entrance of UCD at Stillorgan Road. Students can purchase prepaid bus tickets online or from stores. Students can also enjoy the picturesque coastal towns and county villages against the backdrop of Dublin Bay in just a 20-minute ride from the bustling Dublin city. Dublin sports many tourist attractions to welcome and entertain the students. The magnificent Christ Church Cathedral, National Ireland Museum, Dublin Writers Museum, James Joyce Centre, Dublinia and the Viking World, to name a few.

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