🍀University College Dublin

Dublin, Ireland

QS World 2026 · #125

Ireland's largest university, with a modern campus and strong professional degree programmes.

About UCD

UCD is Ireland's largest university by enrolment and runs a modern, self-contained Belfield campus on the edge of Dublin, distinct from Trinity's historic city-centre setting. It's particularly strong in Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture and Business.

Why students choose it

  • Ireland's largest university by enrolment
  • Modern, self-contained Belfield campus
  • Strong Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture programmes

🎓 Free application support for UCD

Submit a free enquiry and Tutopiya's admissions team will guide you through your application to UCD — personal statement, interview prep and deadlines — at no cost, no obligation. Application fees are typically waived through our university partnerships.

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Typical entry grades

AAB (A Level)  ·  IB 35

Top tier · indicative for the flagship courses below — always verify per-course requirements directly with the university.

Tuition (international, per year)

€22,000–€30,000/yr

high tier for Ireland — figures are typical ranges, not this specific university's published fee.

Language of instruction

English

Campus

campus campus, Dublin

🏆 Scholarships to look into

Informational only — scholarship amounts, deadlines and even which schemes are running change often (sometimes per intake), so treat this as a starting point, not a guarantee. Always confirm current details directly with the scholarship provider or UCD's financial aid office.

Irish universities commonly offer international entrance scholarships as a fixed award (not a full-ride) for strong entry grades, alongside a small government scholarship scheme.

  • University international excellence scholarships: Offered by most Irish universities (Trinity, UCD, UCC and others) — a fixed award for strong A-Level/IB/IGCSE-pathway results, usually applied for alongside or shortly after your course application.
  • Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships: Government-funded, but a small, highly competitive number of awards each year, open to a limited set of countries.

Want help figuring out which of these you'd actually qualify for? Talk to a free Tutopiya counsellor.

Popular courses

Business (Smurfit)

⏱️ Typical duration: 3–4 years (Level 8 Honours Bachelor's)

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Typical entry: Mathematics helps but usually isn't required recommended

Medicine

⏱️ Typical duration: 5–6 years where entered straight from school (UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong); typically a 4-year postgraduate MD entered after a Bachelor's (US, Canada)

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Typical entry: Requires Chemistry + Biology

Engineering

⏱️ Typical duration: Often 4 years rather than the country's standard Bachelor's length, especially where the programme includes an integrated Master's (e.g. UK MEng) or an industry placement year

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Typical entry: Requires Mathematics + Physics

Veterinary

⏱️ Typical duration: 5–6 years where entered straight from school; typically a 4-year postgraduate DVM entered after a Bachelor's (US, Canada)

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Typical entry: Requires Chemistry + Biology · Relevant animal/veterinary work experience is weighted heavily in the application

Law

⏱️ Typical duration: 3 years for an undergraduate LLB (UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia); typically a 3-year postgraduate JD entered after a Bachelor's (US, Canada)

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Durations are typical for Ireland — always confirm the exact length (including any placement or integrated Master's year) on the course's own page before applying.

Not sure which course fits your grades and interests? Run the full shortlist builder →

How to apply

Main intake(s)
September
Typical deadline
1 February (normal deadline)
Note
A change-of-mind window to amend course choices stays open until 1 July.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)

Most universities waive this requirement if you've completed 2+ years of English-medium schooling (e.g. IGCSE / A Level / IB) — always confirm the specific university's waiver policy before booking a test.

See where UCD ranks on your personal shortlist

Enter your grades and budget in the free Ireland University Shortlist Builder to see whether UCD is a reach, target or safety for you — alongside every other Ireland university that matches.

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More Ireland universities

UCD FAQ

Quick answers about grades, tuition, deadlines and applying to UCD as an international IGCSE / A Level / IB student.

What grades do I need to get into UCD?

As a typical benchmark for international entry, UCD expects around AAB at A Level or 35 points on the IB Diploma. This is indicative for UCD's flagship courses — competitive subjects like Medicine and Law usually sit above this baseline, and the exact requirement varies by course, so always confirm the specific figure on UCD's own admissions page before applying.

How much does UCD cost for international students?

International tuition at UCD typically falls in the €22,000–€30,000/yr range (high tier for Ireland). This is a typical range for the university's tuition tier, not UCD's specific published fee for every course — confirm the exact figure for your intended programme directly with the university.

When is the application deadline for UCD?

UCD follows Ireland's typical intake calendar: September, with applications generally due 1 february (normal deadline). A change-of-mind window to amend course choices stays open until 1 July. Always verify the exact date on UCD's own admissions page, since deadlines can shift year to year.

What IELTS score do I need for UCD?

Ireland universities, including UCD, typically ask international applicants for 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0). Most universities waive this requirement if you've completed 2+ years of English-medium schooling (e.g. IGCSE / A Level / IB) — always confirm the specific university's waiver policy before booking a test.

What is UCD known for?

Ireland's largest university, with a modern campus and strong professional degree programmes. UCD is Ireland's largest university by enrolment and runs a modern, self-contained Belfield campus on the edge of Dublin, distinct from Trinity's historic city-centre setting. It's particularly strong in Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture and Business.

Can I apply to UCD with IGCSE, A Level or IB qualifications?

Yes — UCD accepts applicants from IGCSE-to-A-Level, IGCSE-to-IB-Diploma, and directly from the IB Diploma. Tutopiya's free Ireland University Shortlist Builder matches your predicted or actual grades against UCD and every other Ireland university we track, tagging each as reach, target or safety.

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