Quick Summary
Based in Dublin, Ireland, University College Dublin is a public research university with roots dating back to 1854. Ranked #126 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 38417 students including 34% from outside Ireland. Known for strengths in Veterinary Science, Library & Information Management, Nursing, it maintains an acceptance rate of 20-30%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
UCD is Ireland's Global University, ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide, offering a vibrant, international campus experience in the capital of Ireland.
Subject Strengths
Veterinary ScienceLibrary & Information ManagementNursingEnglish Language and LiteraturePetroleum EngineeringDevelopment StudiesLawBusiness & Management
Founded1854
TypePublic Research University
Total Students38417
Intl Students34%
Faculty Ratio22.4
CampusSuburban
Campus Size330 acres
Affiliated HospitalsSt. Vincent's University Hospital, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
AccreditationAACSB, AMBA, EQUIS (Triple Crown Business Accreditation), RIBA, Engineers Ireland, Veterinary Council of Ireland
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#126
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201-250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral, Executive Education, Continuing Education
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
UCD Conway Institute, UCD Geary Institute, UCD Earth Institute, Insight Centre for Data Analytics, NovaUCD
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS (Triple Crown Business Accreditation), RIBA, Engineers Ireland, Veterinary Council of Ireland
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate20-30%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATRequired for MBA (approx. 600+)
SAT1200+ (for US applicants)
ACT24+ (for US applicants)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Apply as early as possible as many programs operate on a rolling basis. Ensure your personal statement clearly connects your goals to UCD's research strengths.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€26,000/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€16,800/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€20,000/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$55
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€42,850/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableGlobal Excellence Scholarships, Government of Ireland Scholarships, Sports Scholarships, UCD Ad Astra Academy
Avg Scholarship$5,000
Financial AidYes (including US Federal Aid/FAFSA and various private loans)
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral, Executive Education, Continuing Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Business (Smurfit Graduate School) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Veterinary Medicine | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Architecture | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
93%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh; integral to programs in Business, Engineering, and Social Sciences with Dublin's tech and finance hubs.
Industry Connections
Strong partnerships with GoogleMetaPfizerInteland major international law firms in Dublin.
Notable Alumni
James Joyce, Peter Sutherland, Maeve Binchy, V.V. Giri, Gabriel Byrne, Richard Bruton
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
UCD Sport Centre, Olympic-sized swimming pool, fitness center, climbing wall, synthetic and grass pitches.
Student Clubs
Over 100 student societies and 55 sports clubs.
Library Resources
James Joyce Library, five site libraries including specialized collections for Law and Medicine, over 2 million items.
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Universitas 21 (U21) network, and bilateral agreements with over 400 worldwide partners.
Summer Programs
Available