# =100QS World University Rankings
384Undergrad & Postgrad Programmes
33 % International students
About University College Dublin
University College Dublin is one of the world’s top 100 universities, ranked 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The latest position for UCD follows a sustained upward trajectory for the University over the past number of years and reflects UCD’s success across research, education and global engagement.
“This represents important recognition of the success of our university in research, where we are one of the top 20 universities in Horizon Europe, in education, where the quality of our graduates is strongly valued by employers, and in the many ways in which we engage with the world. We are again this year ranked by QS among the top 50 universities worldwide in sustainability, which is an area of priority for the university.” Said UCD President, Professor Orla Feely, at the announcement of the 2027 ranking.
UCD is one of Europe's leading research-intensive universities; an environment where masters and PhD training, research, innovation and community engagement form a dynamic spectrum of activity. UCD is currently ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide and is Ireland's most globally engaged university, with over 38,000 students drawn from 152 countries, including over 5,000 students based at locations outside of Ireland. The University's main Dublin campus occupies an extensive parkland estate of 133 hectares. It offers world-leading facilities, including the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, UCD Sutherland School of Law, UCD Lochlan Quinn School of Business, and the UCD Student Centre.
The campus offers students access to a thriving, English-speaking European capital city, which is among the safest in the world and is renowned for its welcome as much as it is for its vibrancy. UCD is globally recognised for its excellence in teaching and learning – 4 subjects are ranked in the top 50 in the world in the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2026. A high standard of support complements this quality of teaching. As Ireland's largest university, with its great strength and diversity of disciplines, UCD embraces its role to contribute to the flourishing of Ireland, Europe and the wider world.
The UCD Strategy to 2030, Breaking Boundaries, sets out the university’s vision for the coming years.
The Story of UCD, from a nation of storytellers:
We are University College Dublin. Rooted in Ireland, reaching the world. Since our foundation in 1854, UCD has stood at the heart of Ireland’s story; shaping the nation and contributing to the global exchange of ideas.
Today, we are a vibrant community of curiosity and collaboration, where discovery, creativity and culture come together to inspire new ways of thinking and doing. As Ireland’s largest and most internationally connected university, UCD brings together over 38,000 students from 152 countries. This is a place where learning knows no borders and ambition knows no limits. Our 343,000 alumni across 184 nations lead in literature, arts, business, science and sport.
No.1 nationally and ranked among the top 20 universities in Europe for Horizon Europe funding, our impact extends far beyond our campus. We believe interdisciplinarity is not an aspiration; it is our foundation. Across 7 research institutes and a wide range of interdisciplinary centres, we drive innovation by bringing together STEM, the arts, humanities and social sciences. Through storytelling, we bridge technological developments with human experience. This pioneering work deepens understanding, informs how we see the world, and how we can transform it.
No challenge exists in isolation, and no progress happens alone. By connecting people, disciplines and nations, we continue to learn, to lead and to advance knowledge that positively serves our society and our economy.
We have influenced the course of history. And with the same courage, creativity and ambition that built modern Ireland, we continue to reach for what’s next.
About University College Dublin
University College Dublin is one of the world’s top 100 universities, ranked 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The latest position for UCD follows a sustained upward trajectory for the University over the past number of years and reflects UCD’s success across research, education and global engagement.
“This represents important recognition of the success of our university in research, where we are one of the top 20 universities in Horizon Europe, in education, where the quality of our graduates is strongly valued by employers, and in the many ways in which we engage with the world. We are again this year ranked by QS among the top 50 universities worldwide in sustainability, which is an area of priority for the university.” Said UCD President, Professor Orla Feely, at the announcement of the 2027 ranking.
UCD is one of Europe's leading research-intensive universities; an environment where masters and PhD training, research, innovation and community engagement form a dynamic spectrum of activity. UCD is currently ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide and is Ireland's most globally engaged university, with over 38,000 students drawn from 152 countries, including over 5,000 students based at locations outside of Ireland. The University's main Dublin campus occupies an extensive parkland estate of 133 hectares. It offers world-leading facilities, including the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, UCD Sutherland School of Law, UCD Lochlan Quinn School of Business, and the UCD Student Centre.
The campus offers students access to a thriving, English-speaking European capital city, which is among the safest in the world and is renowned for its welcome as much as it is for its vibrancy. UCD is globally recognised for its excellence in teaching and learning – 4 subjects are ranked in the top 50 in the world in the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2026. A high standard of support complements this quality of teaching. As Ireland's largest university, with its great strength and diversity of disciplines, UCD embraces its role to contribute to the flourishing of Ireland, Europe and the wider world.
The UCD Strategy to 2030, Breaking Boundaries, sets out the university’s vision for the coming years.
The Story of UCD, from a nation of storytellers:
We are University College Dublin. Rooted in Ireland, reaching the world. Since our foundation in 1854, UCD has stood at the heart of Ireland’s story; shaping the nation and contributing to the global exchange of ideas.
Today, we are a vibrant community of curiosity and collaboration, where discovery, creativity and culture come together to inspire new ways of thinking and doing. As Ireland’s largest and most internationally connected university, UCD brings together over 38,000 students from 152 countries. This is a place where learning knows no borders and ambition knows no limits. Our 343,000 alumni across 184 nations lead in literature, arts, business, science and sport.
No.1 nationally and ranked among the top 20 universities in Europe for Horizon Europe funding, our impact extends far beyond our campus. We believe interdisciplinarity is not an aspiration; it is our foundation. Across 7 research institutes and a wide range of interdisciplinary centres, we drive innovation by bringing together STEM, the arts, humanities and social sciences. Through storytelling, we bridge technological developments with human experience. This pioneering work deepens understanding, informs how we see the world, and how we can transform it.
No challenge exists in isolation, and no progress happens alone. By connecting people, disciplines and nations, we continue to learn, to lead and to advance knowledge that positively serves our society and our economy.
We have influenced the course of history. And with the same courage, creativity and ambition that built modern Ireland, we continue to reach for what’s next.
Available programmes
University information
Graduate Taught Programmes require a recognised bachelor’s degree at second class honours, grade one (2:1), or equivalent. Applicants should check the programme-specific requirements as some degrees may require a higher standard for entry.
General
Bachelor
Master
Student life
Life at University College Dublin goes far beyond the classroom.
As a UCD student, you’re part of an inclusive and welcoming
campus community with endless opportunities to get involved, stay active and
make connections. With 40+ sports clubs and 80+
student societies, you can explore new interests, build friendships and
develop skills that complement your academics.
From modern libraries and fitness facilities to cafés and green spaces, UCD offers you everything you need to study and thrive. Whether you’re training with your sports club or performing with a society, you can make the most of your university experience at UCD.
UCD Student Advisers are available one-to-one to ensure that each student gets the support, advice and assistance they need during their time at UCD. They offer students a space to express their concerns regarding social, personal or practical issues and help students access other support services where necessary. The UCD Student Union represents students’ views and works on several university committees from all areas of university life. They can advise, support and direct students through any situation they may find themselves in.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Utilities
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
UCD Scholarships UCD offers a range of scholarships across the various schools and colleges. You will find a listing of annually awarded scholarships, prizes and awards for Under- and Post-Graduate students here.
Details of graduate business scholarships can be found on the Michael Smurfit Graduate BusinessSchool website: UCD Access & Lifelong Learning The UCD Access Centre delivers a range of initiatives to facilitate widening participation in UCD, including outreach, admissions, and student support. Each year a number of scholarships are available to students who enter UCD through the Higher Education Access Route, Disability Access Route to Education or Mature Years admissions route. Application Forms and guidelines will be available in September each year. Visit our website to find out more information about the various scholarship schemes available as well as our guides to submitting a scholarship application.
To cover both the cost of your fees and living expenses while you are studying, you will need to budget appropriately. Make sure to plan how you will cover your financial needs so that you can concentrate on your studies once you have registered. SUSI Grants State funding is available for postgraduate courses through the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) system.
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Employability
Rankings & Ratings
University College Dublin is one of the top Public universities in Dublin, Ireland. It is ranked #=100 in QS World University Rankings 2027.
QS World University Rankings
- 2015#139
- 2016#154
- 2017#176
- 2018#168
- 2019#=193
- 2020#185
- 2021#177
- 2022#=173
- 2023#=181
- 2024#=171
- 2025#=126
- 2026#118
- 2027#=100
QS World University Rankings
- 2015#139
- 2016#154
- 2017#176
- 2018#168
- 2019#=193
- 2020#185
- 2021#177
- 2022#=173
- 2023#=181
- 2024#=171
- 2025#=126
- 2026#118
- 2027#=100
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