Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Orientation | Semester Start | Semester End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | March 15 | August 31-September 4, 2026 | ||
| Academic Year 2026-27 | March 15 | August 31-September 4, 2026 | ||
| Spring 2027 | October 15 | January 4-18, 2027 |
View the UCD academic calendar.
Do not make travel arrangements until you have been officially accepted to the program by the host university and they have shared arrival/orientation dates and accomodation move-in dates.
Students may participate in study abroad anytime after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits post completion of high school)
Note: Students may apply to a program during freshman year, but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate in the program their sophomore year.
About Program
Program Overview
- Population of Dublin: 1,273,069
- Distance to London: 288 miles
Dublin is the capital of Ireland as well as its largest city. One of the youngest cities in Europe, 50% of Dublin’s population is under the age of 25. Despite its big town cultural appeal, it’s known for a small town feel and friendly residents - some have called Ireland the friendliest country in the world. Dublin has more green space per square kilometer than any other European capital. It’s a dynamic city of old and new; cobblestoned streets bisect a state-of-the-art tram, and historic cathedrals contrast modern buildings housing tech companies and dot-coms. Dublin is a cosmopolitan city filled with top-notch restaurants, world-class art and entertainment, and storied pubs. It’s home to the famous Guinness Brewery, National Museum of Ireland, St. Stephen's Green, Kilmainham Gaol, and countless pubs filled with traditional Irish music. Dublin has an extremely rich literary history with homegrown writers and playwrights such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Bernard Shaw, Bram Stoker, and more.
University College Dublin (UCD) students benefit from an education delivered by experts at the leading edge of their fields internationally and a curriculum constantly updated by the latest research. Study abroad students can choose from the following program areas at UCD:
- Agriculture, Food & Nutrition
- Arts & Humanities
- Business
- Engineering
- Law
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Sports Science
UCD is Ireland’s largest and most global university with over 30,000 students, 25% of which are from outside of Ireland. UCD was the first university in Europe to open a Global Lounge – a hub for international students to socialize and meet students from Ireland and around the world. Located near the center of Dublin, UCD offers a mix of academic facilities, research institutes, libraries and archival collections, enterprise space, student villages, and sports and recreational facilities situated on a green and leafy campus.
Academics
University College Dublin
Students can take up to 6 modules (classes) per semester which may include between 3-4 core modules and 1-2 elective modules from other academic programmes across the University. For example, if students plan on taking 5 modules at UCD, they can take 3 core modules and 2 elective modules from other subject areas. Students may also take all of their modules within their chosen academic area. (Please note: Students selecting modules from the Pre-Physical Therapy programme (2 or more) will be charged the higher program fee due to the higher tuition rate in this subject at UCD)
Modules are generally taught in large or medium-sized lecture halls and are the foundation on which you're expected to explore further through independent reading and self study. Smaller seminars or tutorials sometimes supplement lectures and allow for discussion. Most modules have an end of semester examination, however, some modules also include mid-term assignments and/or continuous assessment. Grades can be determined heavily by final exams.
Degree programs at UCD last 3 years and modules are classified by the following levels.
- Level 1 modules ≈ UMD freshman/sophomore level
- Level 2 modules ≈ UMD sophomore/junior level
- Level 3 modules ≈ UMD junior/senior level (students planning on taking courses to fulfill Lib. Ed. requirements should stay away from Level 3 modules)
- Level 4 modules are masters level courses, and students would only be permitted access if they have a very strong background in the subject area
*Access to Business modules is limited. To see a list available Business modules available to visiting students, visit the Quinn School of Business webpage.
*Only declared Psychology majors are eligible to take Psychology modules at UCD. Additionally, students may not be able to enroll in more than 3 Psychology modules in a semester.
*Study abroad students can only take one level 3 English module and one level 3 History module.
*Gender Studies modules are not available to study abroad students.
*Study abroad students are not allowed to enroll in a course where the course code ends in a letter (eg. ECON1001J)
- To view the subject areas and modules offered at UCD, visit the UCD Study Abroad page, and select the appropriate academic area. You can then browse modules to see detailed course information.
- Click on a module to see a description ( fall = semester 1 | spring = semester 2 )
- All UCD syllabi are available online on their UCD module search. Make sure to hit the "Open All" button before saving as a PDF (if submitting to be evaluated).
- Search University College Dublin courses already reviewed at UMD
- Understand how your grades abroad will convert at UMD by viewing the UCD grade conversion chart.
- To request disability accommodations, please contact International Programs and Services at [email protected] or 218-726-8764.
Cost Information
- Compare these program costs to UMD's cost of attendance for an academic year.
- View a list of all UMD Study Abroad program costs.
If you do not see a cost estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the cost has not yet been determined. Please note cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. UMD Study Abroad delays the posting of final fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic year programs.
What’s included in the program fee?
- Personalized advising
- Pre-departure orientation
- Tuition
- Entry visa guidance
- On-site staff support
- Airport reception & pick-up service (fall semester only, sign-up required)
- Foreign transcript issuance
- Grade posting at UMD
- Foreign course evaluation at UMD
- Re-entry support
These estimated costs do not include the $50 application fee.
Housing
UCD housing costs will be billed through your UMD account. *However, you will have to pay the booking/damage deposit directly to UCD at the time of applying for housing. The deposit is equivalent to a full month's rent (~ €800 - €1,200), and is refunded at the end of your stay, assuming there is no damage to your accommodation.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships
- Study Abroad Scholarships
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Financial Aid
Consult with One Stop to see how financial aid can apply to study abroad.
- Receive guidance about all things money-related
- Ask for estimates and budget samples
- Learn when and how financial aid is disbursed
- Ask about other scholarship opportunities & loan info
Plan your budget
Download this Study Abroad Budget Planning Form to estimate costs. Create duplicates to compare this program with others.
Housing
Housing Options
Students can choose to live in on-campus student residences or private off-campus residences near the city centre. The majority of study abroad students choose to live on campus to be close to class and have close access to a host of student services. UCD residences offer a range of different accommodation options from single rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms, apartments with several single rooms and a shared kitchen and shared bathrooms, ensuite apartments, and catered accommodations. Refer to the Accomodation for International Students webpage for additional information.
Once you have applied and been accepted, you will be contacted by a member of the UCD Study Abroad and exchange staff with details about the accommodation application procedures.
Travel Documents
- You are required to have a passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a passport or your passport will expire within 6 months after you will return from abroad, apply for a passport as soon as possible. It can take 2+ months to receive your passport after applying. You can apply for a new passport on-campus at the UMD Passport Acceptance Facility.
- Visa or residence permit guidance will be given by our office as applicable
- US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Ireland as students but they must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) after arrival. UCD will help you with this process after you arrive.
- Roundtrip airfare should only be purchased after you have been officially accepted by UCD.
Contact
Alum
Want to talk to someone who's completed the program? Contact the alumni below.
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - Study in Dublin, Ireland: University College Dublin;
and the - Term (e.g. Spring Semester 2026 or Academic Year 2026–2027)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- It is recommended that you complete the checklist items within a month of applying, as applicable. Pre-departure Orientation details will be sent closer to the event date (usually April for fall/summer applicants and November for spring/winter break applicants).
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
