University College Dublin : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | Top Universities
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# =126QS World University Rankings

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385Undergrad. & Postgrad. Programmes

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32 % International students

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About University College Dublin

University College Dublin 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, UCD Moore Centre for 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 2023. 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. Built on past traditions, we are a university of the future, connected and connecting, engaged and engaging, committed to a sustainable future. The University's Strategy 2020-2024 Rising to the Future outlines the objectives and major strategic initiatives.

About University College Dublin

University College Dublin 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, UCD Moore Centre for 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 2023. 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. Built on past traditions, we are a university of the future, connected and connecting, engaged and engaging, committed to a sustainable future. The University's Strategy 2020-2024 Rising to the Future outlines the objectives and major strategic initiatives.

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

3+
299+
646+
1090+
24+
63+
176+
90+
6.5+

Life at UCD is not just about lectures and study; there is so much more to being a student at UCD. The Student Centre and the Sport & Fitness Complex provide the most diverse range of student facilities of any university in Ireland. The Sports Centre has a full range of sports facilities, including a 50-metre Olympic swimming pool, two state-of-the-art gym floors, squash courts, handball/racquetball alley, climbing wall, tennis courts and more. The Student Centre offers a relaxed meeting place for students with an extensive suite of well-being and social facilities, including 3D cinema, drama theatre, debating chamber, TV studio and radio pod, medical centre, restaurants and chill zones.

23,341
72%
28%
7,383
49%
51%
1,726
54%
46%

Student life

The environment of UCD provides a vibrant social life to all members of the university. This page provides a gateway to some key social and sporting information sources at UCD as well as other useful links. 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.

UCD Careers Network aims to enable and empower individuals to develop the skills, self-confidence and attitudes needed to flourish in learning and work within a global economy. As the number one university in Ireland for employability, UCD Careers Network joins the dots between your time at university and your future career. Whatever stage you’re at in your career planning, our experienced team of Career & Skills Consultants are here to help you make the most of your talents and to get ahead in life.

Cost of Living

Accomodation
$23,780
Food
$3,250
Transport
$1,560
Utilities
$4,360

Tuition fees

Overall Tuition Fees
Domestic
5,880 EUR
International
20,500 EUR

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:

Rankings & Ratings

University College Dublin is one of the top public universities in Dublin, Ireland. It is ranked #=126 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

QS World University Rankings

  • 2012
    #131
  • 2014
    #139
  • 2015
    #139
  • 2016
    #154
  • 2017
    #176
  • 2018
    #168
  • 2019
    #=193
  • 2020
    #185
  • 2021
    #177
  • 2022
    #=173
  • 2023
    #=181
  • 2024
    #=171
  • 2025
    #=126

QS World University Rankings

  • 2012
    #131
  • 2014
    #139
  • 2015
    #139
  • 2016
    #154
  • 2017
    #176
  • 2018
    #168
  • 2019
    #=193
  • 2020
    #185
  • 2021
    #177
  • 2022
    #=173
  • 2023
    #=181
  • 2024
    #=171
  • 2025
    #=126

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Frequently Asked Questions

You can use the course finder here to check the specific course entry requirements that can be found on the individual course listing pages. You will find the application form online on the course finder.  When you submit your online application, you will receive a confirmation email and a list of required documents will be emailed to you. The documentation required varies depending on the course and may include academic references, a personal statement and transcripts

Most courses open for application on 1 October and generally remain open to applications until all places are filled. 

Your application will be assessed on the basis of the information on your application form and the supporting documentation that you provide. You can check the progress of an online application by logging into your application account. You will receive an automated email alerting you of a change in the status of your application when a decision has been made. Decision Process UCD operates a rolling admissions policy for Graduate Taught Courses, with decisions being taken as soon as possible after receipt of completed applications. 

University College Dublin advanced Public Very High 14 yes 20500 7383 L 166