University College Dublin is one of the leading universities in Ireland, ranked #2 as Best Universities in Ireland by US News 2023. UCD's main campus is located in Belfield, Dublin, and covers an area of 133 hectares. UCD Campus is home to more than 34,000 students from over 140 countries, making it one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan universities in Europe.
University College Dublin is a highly competitive university with an acceptance rate of only 20%.To secure admission at University College Dublin in undergraduate programs, Indian students must have a standard XII score of 85% or higher, while postgraduate applicants must hold an upper second class honours degree (60-69%) in a relevant field.
University College Dublin’s alumni network is of 288,000 graduates across 169 countries who hold prestigious positions in top companies like Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, EY, KPMG, Deloitte, Google, etc. UCD is ranked #1 in Ireland and #78 worldwide by QS for its graduate employability. The top notch companies recruit UCD graduates with a starting salary of EUR 30,000 to EUR 40,000 annually.
University College Dublin Highlights
Likes
- Range of Scholarships - Indian students can apply for 8 scholarships in total. The V.V. Giri Global Excellence Scholarship grants up to 100% of the tuition fees on the basis of merit. There are also other program based scholarships for Indian students to apply for.
- Low-cost accommodation - UCD offers on-campus housing and catered meals in an affordable price for its students. Off-campus housings are costlier with charges up to 1 lakh per month, because students have to bear the extra expense of food and other facilities.
- Wide range of Programs - University College Dublin offers 400+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs to international students. The top study areas include English Language & Literature and Archeology.
Dislikes
- Extreme Weather conditions - Dublin usually remains cold. In the winter season, the temperature goes down to -3.5°C at night. For Indian students, winter can be quite tough.
- Expensive off-campus housing - Living in Dublin can be costly, if someone wants to live outside the campus for more independent living or wants to live with family.
University College Dublin Ranking
University College Dublin ranked #181 in QS World University Rankings, 2023. UCD also ranked #201-250 in THE World University Rankings, 2022. Some other global rankings of University College Dublin are as follows -
| Ranking Agency | Ranking 2023 |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #181 |
| Best Global Universities US News | #236 |
| World University Rankings THE | #201–250 |
| Best Global Universities in Europe, US News | #96 |
University College Dublin Ranking Comparison
As per, QS World University Rankings, Library & Information Management ranked #24 and Veterinary Sciences ranked #33 is the top study area of UWA. University College Dublin is often compared with Trinity College Dublin and National University of Ireland Galway. A subject-wise comparison of these colleges is charted below -
| Subject | University College Dublin | Trinity College Dublin | National University of Ireland Galway |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language & Literature | #41 | #25 | #101-150 |
| Archeology | #49 | - | #151-200 |
| Nursing | #51-100 | #42 | #101-150 |
| Engineering & Technology | #206 | #165 | #295 |
| Law & Legal Studies | #78 | #78 | #101-150 |
| Bussiness & Management Studies | #136 | #151-200 | #301-350 |
University College Dublin Top Programs
University College Dublin offers more than 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs in 13 study areas. Top study areas of University College Dublin include- Education, Law, Business & Economics, and Engineering & Technology
Also Check: UCD Programs!
University College Dublin Campus
University College Dublin has a beautiful campus, full of facilities for the students’ wellfare. The university is build with a lake at its center. Students like to hangout beside the lakes gardens. Some of the students’ favourite places on the campus are:
- Global Lounge - UCD has a global lounge. This is mainly used for hosting virtual events on international level.
- Sports Complex - The sports complex of University College Dublin has many fitness equipments along with an olympic sized pool for swimming trainings. There is also a hockey filed in the complex.
- Student Centre - The student centre has everything that a student may need. It has a barbar shop, a pharmacy shop, medical services and many cafes to eat in. This place also has a 3D cinema to enjoy movies. Students love to spend time here with their friends.
- James Joyce Library - The James Joyce Library has more than 1 million printed books and 0.5 million e-books available to the students. If any of the students need a quite place to study, the library provides many undisturbed reading rooms to them.
Explore: University College Dublin Campus Gallery
University College Dublin Accommodation
University College Dublin offers on-campus housing in more than 10 locations. Costs of accommodation vary depending on the housing place and facilities. Students can also avail off-campus housing options. The cost of accommodation outside of campus ranges from 0.75 lakhs up to 1.08 lakhs per month.
On-Campus Accommodation
To apply for on-campus accommodation, students must first be accepted to UCD and then complete an application through the UCD Accommodation Office. The application process typically opens in May for the upcoming academic year.
| Housing Location | Cost per month (in USD) | Cost per month (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Blackrock Halls | 754 | 64 thousand |
| Studio | 786 | 69 thousand |
| Belgrove | 815 | 71 thousand |
| Merville | 815 | 71 thousand |
| Ashfield | 1,010 | 88 thousand |
| Glenomena | 1,010 | 88 thousand |
| Proby | 1,010 | 88 thousand |
| Roebuck Hall | 1,010 | 88 thousand |
| Roebuck Castle | 1,265 | 1.11 lakhs |
| Village Halls | 1104 | 97 thousand |
| Gold | 1125 | 98 thousand |
| Platinum | 1,180 | 1.03 lakhs |
| Penthouse | 1,223 | 1.07lakhs |
Off-campus Accommodation
Off-campus housing options are also available to UCD students, and there are several websites and resources that students can use to find private accommodation near the campus. UCD's Studentpad portal allows students to search for accommodation options:
| Place | Average cost per month (in EUR) | Average cost per month (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Highlight Thomas Street | 755 | 66 thousand |
| From Here Blackhall Place | 845 | 74 thousand |
| Brickworks | 860 | 75 thousand |
| Highlight Parkgate | 1,088 | 95 thousand |
| From Here Cork Street | 1,200 | 1.05 lakhs |
University College Dublin Admission Process
University College Dublin offers a straightforward admission process for international students. Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts, English language proficiency scores, and other supporting documents, and the admissions team typically makes decisions within a few weeks.
University College Dublin UG Admission
| Category | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Common App |
| Application Fee | EUR 50 (~4,411 INR) |
| Academic Score | GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 |
| TOEFL Score | 90 |
| Admission Requirement | Academic Letter or Recommendation | Statement of Purpose |
| Standardized Testing | SAT: 1000 | ACT: 20 |
University College Dublin PG Admission
| Category | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Online |
| Application Fee | EUR 50 (~4,411 INR) |
| Academic Score | Minimum 70% |
| TOEFL Score | School of Engineering: 89 | Humanities, Social Sciences, Education: 100 |
| Admission Requirement | CV/Resume | Letters of recommendation (Academic and professional references) | Statement of Purpose |
| Standardized Testing | GRE score - 299 | GMAT score - Min 600 ; Average 646 |
University College Dublin Cost of Attendance
University College Dublin's cost of attendance for international students varies depending on the program of study. Additionally, international students must also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses.
Cost of Living in Ireland
Cost of living in Ireland for University College Dublin international students can vary depending on their lifestyle and location. On average, students should budget for accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses which may range from EUR 800 to EUR 1,500 per month.
| Expense Type | Average cost per month (in EUR) | Average cost per month (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity & Gas | 42 | 3,695 |
| Food | 265 | 23 thousand |
| Travel ( with student leap card) | 85 | 7.5 thousand |
| Books & Accessories | 65 | 5.7 thousand |
| Clothes & Medical | 42 | 3.6 thousand |
| Mobile phone bill | 25 | 2.2 thousand |
| Social & Entertainment | 120 | 1.05 thousand |
| Accommodation (UCD) | 935 | 82 thousand |
University College Dublin Scholarships
University College Dublin proffers a number of scholarships to its international students. There are 8 scholarships in total for Indian students. Interested students can apply for scholarships through both online and offline methods. The fee waivers will only be granted to those, who are paying non-EU tuition fees.
| Scholarships | Fee waivers (in INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering & Architecture Scholarships for Non-EU Students | From 2.5 up to 8.21 lakhs | Citizenship proof |
| V.V. Giri Global Excellence Scholarship | 50 to 100% of tuition fee | Merit based Non-EU tuition fee |
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship | Full fee waiver or 8.21 lakh | 1 year taught Master’s programs Final year of Bachelor’s degree 1 year of a PhD program |
| International Student Scholarship | Parts of tuition fees | Merit based |
| Lochlann Quinn School of Business VPI Discretionary Scholarship | Part of tuition fees | Performance based |
| UCD Iseult Honohan Doctoral Scholarship | Full fees 13.96 lakhs stipend per year for 4 years | Minimum GPA of 3.6 in a Master's degree |
| UCD Past Exchange Scholarship | 3.28 lakhs | Must complete a semester or a year of exchange or study abroad program at UCD |
| Universitas 21 Alumni Scholarship | 2.46 lakhs | A degree from Delhi University |
University College Dublin Alumni
The University College Dublin Alumni Association is a global network of over 300,000 graduates. The association aims to foster connections between alumni, provide networking opportunities, and support the university in its mission to advance knowledge through teaching and research. Members of the UCD Alumni Association can participate in events, access career services, and stay informed about university news and developments.
University College Dublin Notable Alumni
| Alumni Name | Designation | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| James Joyce | Writer | Known for his influential works in modernist literature such as "Ulysses" and "Finnegans Wake" |
| Kevin O'Sullivan | CEO of ORIX Aviation | Successfully led the company's growth to become one of the world's leading aircraft leasing companies |
| Niall FitzGerald | Former CEO of Unilever | Instrumental in transforming Unilever into a more sustainable and socially responsible company |
| Peter Sutherland | Former Director-General of the World Trade Organization | Played a key role in shaping international trade policy and promoting global economic integration |
| Edmond Harty | Co-founder of Dairymaster | Pioneered innovative technology in the dairy industry and helped grow Dairymaster into a global leader in agricultural equipment |
| Dan O'Herlihy | Actor | Known for his roles in films such as "Odd Man Out," "Robinson Crusoe," and "The Last Hurrah" |
| Ryan Tubridy | Television and radio presenter | Host of the Irish television program "The Late Late Show" and the radio show "The Ryan Tubridy Show" |
| Niall Breslin | Musician and Mental Health Advocate | Known for his work as the lead singer of the band The Blizzards and for his advocacy in promoting mental health awareness and well-being |
University College Dublin Placements
University College Dublin has a strong focus on providing students with practical experience through placements. In 2022, over 7,000 students completed placements across a wide range of industries, with an average salary of EUR 20,000 and a high employment rate of 95% within six months of graduation.
Source@https://www.ucd.ie/careers
With more than 20,000 students and 900+ staff, UCD is one of the famous global research universities in Ireland. The reasons behind its success lie in the high percentage of global employability. Records show that UCD graduates have secured best positions in their respective fields with lucrative remuneration.
Looking for expert insights on University College Dublin? Checkout our video review on the college from below
FAQs
Ques. How much does it cost to study in University of Montreal?
Ans. In UCD, the undergraduate programs start from 5.42 lakhs per year and postgraduate programs start from 10.85 lakhs per year. Other than that there will be a living cost of nearly 1 lakh per month.
Ques. Can UCD be regarded as a good university?
Ans. University College Dublin is considered among the top 1% public research universities in Ireland. Also, UCD ranked #181 in QS Global University Ranking of 2023. The education quality of the university is of global level and quite famous.
Ques. What is the international student intake of University College Dublin?
Ans. Currently, UCD houses 23% international students out of total enrollments.
Ques. Is it hard to get admission in University College Dublin?
Ans. Since UCD has an acceptance rate of only 20%, the competition for admission can be tough. Indian students need to give their best in IELTS and TOEFL exams as these two are the main requirements.
