University College Dublin Logo University College Dublin

Address: Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 716 7777
Email: international@ucd.ie
Website: www.ucd.ie


University College Dublin (UCD) requires international applicants whose first language is not English to meet specific English language proficiency standards. Below are the main accepted tests and minimum scores:

  1. IELTS (Academic): Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no section score below 6.0.

  2. TOEFL iBT: Minimum overall score of 90, with at least 20 in reading and listening, 21 in writing, and 19 in speaking.

  3. PTE Academic: Minimum score of 63, with no section score below 59.

  4. Cambridge Exams:

    • Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): Minimum score of 176, with no section below 169.
    • Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE): Minimum score of 180, with no section below 169.

  5. Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 110.

  6. Trinity ISE: Integrated Skills in English (ISE) III with at least a pass in all components.

University College Dublin (UCD) offers a broad array of specialized programs across various disciplines. Here are some areas of particular strength and popularity:

  1. Business and Economics: UCD’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is highly ranked and offers MBA, finance, management, and marketing programs. The school is known for its research, global corporate connections, and focus on international business.

  2. Computer Science and IT: The School of Computer Science offers programs in artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity. UCD’s focus on innovation and research in computing positions it among the top schools in Europe for IT studies.

  3. Engineering: UCD has a strong engineering faculty with programs in civil, electrical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering. It is recognized for practical, research-oriented approaches and has partnerships with industry leaders.

  4. Law: UCD’s School of Law offers programs in corporate, international, and European law. Known for fostering a deep understanding of legal principles, UCD is considered one of the best law schools in Ireland.

  5. Veterinary Medicine: UCD is the only Irish university with a Veterinary School, and its programs are highly regarded in Europe. The curriculum emphasizes clinical experience and research in animal health.

  6. Health Sciences: UCD’s School of Medicine offers strong programs in medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and public health. It has extensive research programs in areas such as oncology, genetics, and cardiovascular health.

  7. Humanities and Social Sciences: UCD is known for its work in English literature, history, philosophy, and psychology, with strong academic programs and a rich cultural heritage.

  8. Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: UCD offers unique programs in agriculture, food science, and environmental studies. The university’s research centers and collaborations with industry leaders make it a top choice for agricultural and environmental education in Ireland.

University College Dublin (UCD) hosts several distinguished professors recognized for their contributions across various fields. Here are some of the top faculty members:

  1. Professor Patrick Gibbons (Business and Strategy) – Professor Gibbons specializes in business strategy and international business. He is the Jefferson Smurfit Professor of Strategic Management and has a strong influence in Ireland’s business landscape. His research often focuses on competitive strategy and global business practices.

  2. Professor Patricia Maguire (Biochemistry and Immunology) – Professor Maguire’s research in biochemistry and immunology is groundbreaking, particularly her work on blood-based biomarkers for cancer and infectious diseases. Her research contributes significantly to advances in healthcare diagnostics and personalized medicine.

  3. Professor John Crown (Oncology) – An internationally recognized oncologist, Professor Crown is known for his work on cancer research and treatments. He also actively advocates for healthcare reform and has contributed substantially to cancer care in Ireland.

  4. Professor Niamh Brennan (Corporate Governance) – Professor Brennan is a leading expert in corporate governance, forensic accounting, and financial reporting. As the founder of UCD’s Centre for Corporate Governance, she has influenced both academia and corporate policy-making.

  5. Professor Orla Feely (Engineering) – Currently Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Impact at UCD, Professor Feely is known for her work in electrical engineering, particularly in signal processing and nonlinear systems. She has been recognized by numerous engineering societies and holds significant influence in Irish and European research policy.

  6. Professor Ian Robertson (Psychology and Neuroscience) – A renowned neuropsychologist, Professor Robertson is known for his work on brain function, particularly in areas related to cognitive neuroscience and human behavior. His research extends to applied psychology and mental health.

  7. Professor Mark Ferguson (Regenerative Medicine) – Professor Ferguson, also a government science adviser, is highly respected for his work in tissue repair and regenerative medicine. His research is influential in advancing wound healing and cell regeneration.

  8. Professor Maeve Conrick (Linguistics and Translation Studies) – An expert in French linguistics and translation studies, Professor Conrick has been influential in promoting multilingualism and intercultural communication, with an impact on European language policies.

While University College Dublin (UCD) itself does not have a Nobel laureate among its faculty, several of its alumni and affiliated scholars have gained international recognition, including Nobel laureates:

  1. Seamus Heaney (Literature, 1995): Although Heaney is more closely associated with Queen's University Belfast, he studied at UCD and went on to become one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets. Heaney was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his profound and influential body of work that captures the Irish experience with both universality and intimacy.

  2. John Hume (Peace, 1998): An alumnus of UCD, John Hume was a leader in the Northern Ireland peace process and shared the Nobel Peace Prize with David Trimble. Hume's contributions to achieving peace in Northern Ireland made him a pivotal figure in Irish history.

  3. Professor William C. Campbell (Physiology or Medicine, 2015): Campbell, an Irish biologist and graduate of Trinity College Dublin, later studied and collaborated on research connected to UCD. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries related to parasite infections and the development of the drug ivermectin.

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.

University College Dublin (UCD) is famous for several reasons, making it one of Ireland's top institutions and a leading global university:

  1. Reputation and Ranking: UCD is one of Ireland's largest and most prestigious universities, consistently ranked among the top universities globally and known for high standards in teaching, research, and student experience.

  2. Research Excellence: UCD is recognized as a research-intensive university, especially in fields like medicine, computer science, agriculture, and engineering. The university is a leader in innovative research with a focus on real-world applications and has extensive collaborations with industry, government, and international institutions.

  3. Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School: UCD’s business school is ranked among the best in Europe, particularly its MBA program, which attracts students worldwide. The school’s partnerships with top firms and business networks make it a renowned center for business education.

  4. Veterinary Medicine: UCD hosts Ireland’s only Veterinary School, which is internationally accredited and highly regarded in veterinary science. This makes UCD a popular destination for veterinary studies within and beyond Europe.

  5. Diverse Student Body and Global Reach: With students from over 130 countries, UCD has a highly international student population. The university has strong international connections, exchange programs, and alumni networks worldwide, reinforcing its global reputation.

  6. Historic and Scenic Campus: UCD’s main campus in Belfield, Dublin, combines modern research facilities with natural green spaces and is one of the largest urban campuses in Europe. Its location in Dublin, a cultural and economic hub, adds to its appeal.

  7. Notable Alumni: UCD’s alumni include Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney, Irish leaders like former President Douglas Hyde, and influential figures in various fields, such as Maeve Binchy and James Joyce. This legacy has contributed to UCD’s cultural and intellectual influence.