Ireland flag

Dublin, Ireland

University College Dublin

#134 QS World RankingPublicEurope

QS World Ranking

#134

Acceptance Rate

50%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$20,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#18

Dublin

Application Deadline

February 1

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

35,000

students

International Students

16%

US % data not publicly reported

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

Ireland's largest university with strong industry ties to Google, Facebook, and Apple's European HQs.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject β€” source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#15Veterinary Science#51–100Agriculture & Forestry

Notes for US Students

Ireland's largest university. Dublin is booming tech hub (Google, Facebook, Apple European HQs nearby).

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to University College Dublin

Acceptance Rate

50%

Moderately selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

February 1

Instruction Language

English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$20,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply via CAO or directly for international students by February 1
  • SAT 1200+ or ACT 25+ recommended
  • IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+
  • High school transcripts required
  • HPAT required for Medicine

Class Size

Avg. Lecture150 students
Avg. Seminar20 students
Student : Faculty14:1

Academic Calendar

SystemTrimester (3/yr)
Fall TermEarly September – Mid-December
Spring TermMid-January – Late May
BreaksDec–Jan, Jun–Aug

Optional third trimester available in summer.

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$20,000 / year
Application Deadline
February 1
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
50%
QS Best Student City (Dublin)
#18 globally

Programs Offered

BusinessEngineeringSciencesArts & HumanitiesLawMedicine

Scholarships to Explore

  • βœ“UCD Global Excellence Scholarship
  • βœ“Science Merit Award

Cost of Living β€” Dublin, Ireland

High Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$1,350/mo
Groceries & dining$340/mo
Transportation$120/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$250/mo

Estimated monthly total

$2,060

vs. avg US college student

8% more expensive

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Dublin has become one of Europe's most expensive cities for housing. Start your housing search early β€” competition is fierce.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at University College Dublin as a US Student

University College Dublin is located in Dublin, Ireland and is ranked #134in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Business, Engineering, Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Law, and more. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$20,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 50%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of February 1. Scholarships available include the UCD Global Excellence Scholarship.