About the University College Dublin
University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland’s Global University. Ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide, in the overall 2026 QS World University Rankings, UCD was named 118 in the world. Located in the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital city of Dublin, UCD is situated on 133 hectares of beautiful, green parkland – one of the largest urban campuses in Europe. Established in 1854, the university has a student body of almost 38,000 students with more than 11,000 international students drawn from 152 countries. UCD is Ireland’s leader in graduate education with over 11,000 graduate students; almost a quarter of whom are graduate research students. The UCD alumni network is influential, successful, active and truly international. Many of the 300,000 UCD global alumni network, living in 184 countries, hold positions in leading organisations around the world.
Postgraduate Study
Through our six Colleges, UCD offers Ireland’s most diverse range of graduate opportunities. Programmes are led by academic experts and offer students unparalleled choice at all levels: recognised and valued by academic institutions and employers around the world. UCD offers doctoral programmes, taught and research masters, graduate diploma, certificate programmes and higher diplomas. Our taught programmes are modularised to facilitate access, continuing professional development and life-long learning.
Global Employers Seek UCD Graduates
UCD graduates are consistently employed by the world’s leading employers. The career services UCD offers our students are top class. Through the Jumpstart programme, international students begin their preparations before they arrive on campus. They have access to interview preparation, internship opportunities, and alumni connections.
Scholarships
Student excellence and achievement are recognised in UCD through a wide variety of scholarships and awards. These awards are highly regarded by employers and industry and celebrate the diverse talents of our students. We offer a number of Global Excellence Scholarships to international students – they are competitively awarded based on academic merit and offered by country and/or by discipline. Students must hold an offer before they can apply for a scholarship. Full terms and conditions apply.
Key Facts
UCD is consistently ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, UCD was again named as one of the best universities globally, and was placed 118th in the world.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland with over 11,000 international students from 152 different countries. Our network of over 300,000 successful and influential alumni can be found in 184 different countries around the world.
The UCD campus is one of the largest urban campuses in Europe and is situated just 5 kilometres from Ireland’s capital city of Dublin. Our students enjoy world-class teaching and learning facilities, modern and comfortable student accommodation, state-of-the art sports and fitness amenities, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a cinema, cafes and student centre all on our beautiful, nature-filled campus.