Erasmus guide University College Dublin
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland.
Study abroad at University College Dublin (UCD): overview
Study abroad at University College Dublin puts you in Ireland's largest university: founded in 1854, QS top 130, about 38,000 students and a 133-hectare Belfield campus in south Dublin. It is a strong fit for business, veterinary medicine, agriculture, science, engineering and social sciences; the trade-off is that the campus is suburban, so housing and commute planning shape the semester.
Enrollment
38,000
International Mix
9,500
Why students choose it
Best for students who want a large campus ecosystem, broad module choice and strong student clubs without being in Dublin's city centre every day. Choose UCD for business, agriculture, veterinary medicine, sciences, engineering or social sciences; check commute and rent carefully because Belfield-area housing is expensive and competitive.
Language of instruction: English (sole teaching language)
Exchange & application at University College Dublin (UCD)
If you want to study abroad at University College Dublin as an exchange student, you must be nominated by a partner university. UCD welcomes a large, diverse cohort of international students every year.
✅Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, learning agreement, and transcript.
📨Nomination Process
Home university submits nomination to UCD Global. UCD then contacts students directly with application instructions.
🛂Visa Support
EU students do not need a visa. Non-EU students require an Irish student visa (Stamp 2) — apply at least 8 weeks before arrival.
👥Buddy System
UCD Global Guides and UCD Student Union operate buddy programs to help incoming students settle in.
🧭Orientation Week
UCD Global Orientation Week takes place the week before classes begin, featuring campus tours, admin registration, and social events.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | May 1 | May 15 |
| 2nd semester | October 1 | October 15 |
Arrival Checklist
- Purchase private health insurance before arrival.
- Register with the Irish Immigration Service (Stamp 2) within 90 days if non-EU.
- Open a bank account if staying full-year.
- Apply for UCD campus accommodation as soon as you receive your application link.
Academics & courses at University College Dublin (UCD)
Academics are highly regarded when you study abroad at University College Dublin. UCD operates on a modular system, allowing you to choose from a wide range of subjects in business, science, and engineering.
📝Course Registration
Module registration via UCD SISWeb after admission. Pre-requisites apply for advanced science and business modules.
🎓Credit System
ECTS system. Standard full-time load is 30 ECTS per semester.
💯Grading System
UCD letter grade scale (A+ to G, pass mark is D-).
✍️Exam Culture
Continuous assessment (essays, group projects) combined with end-of-semester written exams.
📚Library Access
James Joyce Library is the main hub, with four other specialized libraries on campus.
Tuition & fees at University College Dublin (UCD)
Managing your costs is crucial when preparing to study abroad at University College Dublin. Living in Dublin requires a realistic budget, especially for rent, though exchange students pay no tuition to UCD.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | €0 (pay home institution fees only) | Exchange students pay no tuition to UCD; pay home institution fees only. Living budget in Dublin estimated at €1,500–2,200/month. |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | €3,000–9,000/year | EU students pay statutory contribution fee (~€3,000) plus programme-specific fees. |
| Full degree – non-EU | €20,000–32,000/year | International fees vary significantly by programme; business and science are top-end. |
€0 (pay home institution fees only)
Exchange students pay no tuition to UCD; pay home institution fees only. Living budget in Dublin estimated at €1,500–2,200/month.
€3,000–9,000/year
EU students pay statutory contribution fee (~€3,000) plus programme-specific fees.
€20,000–32,000/year
International fees vary significantly by programme; business and science are top-end.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at University College Dublin (UCD)
Securing housing is the biggest challenge when choosing to study abroad at University College Dublin. Apply for on-campus residences early or use UCD's private accommodation search engines.
University College Dublin (UCD) offers official housing
Modern on-campus apartments at Belfield and Blackrock. Highly competitive.
Apply for housingFull housing guide
Find housing in Dublin
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.