Erasmus guide Trinity College Dublin
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Trinity College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland.
Snapshot
Ireland's highest-ranked university (QS top 90, founded 1592), set in a historic 47-acre campus in central Dublin — exceptional in humanities, sciences, engineering, and business with 700+ Erasmus partner institutions.
Why students shortlist it
City-centre Dublin university with a compact historic campus and strong options in humanities, social sciences, law, business, engineering and health-related fields. Good fit for students who want English-language study and a central Irish campus.
Teaching languages: English (sole teaching language)
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, learning agreement, transcript, language proof if required, and proof of travel insurance or Irish private health insurance.
Nomination Process
Your home university international office submits nomination to Trinity by the published deadline. After nomination, Trinity sends direct application instructions.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students do not need a visa for Ireland. Non-EU students need an Irish student visa (Stamp 2) — apply through INIS (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service) at least 8 weeks before arrival.
Buddy System
Trinity International Student Buddy Programme pairs incoming exchange students with Trinity student volunteers before arrival.
Orientation Week
Trinity International Student Orientation runs before semester start — includes campus tours, admin setup, library registration, and social events. Attendance strongly recommended.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn semester | March 31 | April 30 |
| Spring semester | October 31 | November 30 |
Arrival Checklist
- Arrange Irish private health insurance before arrival — GradGuard or Allianz Care widely used by students.
- Register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) within 90 days if non-EU.
- Open an Irish bank account (Bank of Ireland or N26) — needed for rent and direct debits.
- Book Dublin accommodation well in advance — housing is competitive and expensive.
Academics
Course Registration
Module registration via Trinity's SITS system after admission. Some modules cap quickly — submit learning agreement early and include backup choices. Certain professional faculties restrict exchange student access.
Credit System
Ireland uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS. Trinity also uses its own credit weighting internally — conversion provided on transcripts.
Grading System
Trinity uses a percentage scale: 70%+ = First Class Honours, 60–69% = 2.1, 50–59% = 2.2, 40–49% = Pass. Grade conversion table available from Study Abroad office.
Exam Culture
Heavy reliance on end-of-semester written exams, especially in humanities and social sciences. Do not book return flights before the official exam timetable is published in October/March.
Library Access
Trinity Library — one of the largest research libraries in the British Isles, with 6.2 million items. Full access with student card including digital resources and special collections.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | €0 to Trinity (pay home institution fees only) | Exchange students pay no tuition fees to Trinity College Dublin. Erasmus+ grants apply for eligible EU students. Estimated living costs €1,500–2,200/month in… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | €3,000–8,000/year | EU students pay Irish statutory rate (~€3,000/year contribution levy) plus programme-specific fees. Medicine and law programmes considerably higher. Check Tr… |
| Full degree – non-EU | €18,000–28,000/year | Non-EU undergraduate and postgraduate fees vary significantly by programme. Medicine top-end. Trinity Global Excellence Scholarship available for internation… |
€0 to Trinity (pay home institution fees only)
Exchange students pay no tuition fees to Trinity College Dublin. Erasmus+ grants apply for eligible EU students. Estimated living costs €1,500–2,200/month in…
€3,000–8,000/year
EU students pay Irish statutory rate (~€3,000/year contribution levy) plus programme-specific fees. Medicine and law programmes considerably higher. Check Tr…
€18,000–28,000/year
Non-EU undergraduate and postgraduate fees vary significantly by programme. Medicine top-end. Trinity Global Excellence Scholarship available for internation…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — required for visa (non-EU) and strongly recommended for all students.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Trinity Health Service — GP service on campus, student counselling, and specialist referrals. Open to all registered students.
Mental Health
Trinity Student Counselling Service offers free confidential sessions. Student2Student peer support also available. High demand — book early.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Useful for emergency/medically necessary public care for EU students.
StudentCare Ireland
~€180–300/year
Popular student plan covering GP visits, physiotherapy, dental, and hospital cover.
Campus Services
Study Abroad Office
Main contact for all exchange-related matters: admission, learning agreements, transcripts, and arrival guidance.
Trinity Accommodation
Apply immediately upon receiving admission — campus rooms are limited and exchange students compete with full-degree students.
Trinity Student Union (TCD SU)
Represents student interests, runs welfare services, campus shops, and social events.
Trinity Sport
Sports centre with gym, pool, courts, and over 50 athletic clubs — open to all students.
Disability Service
Support for students with disabilities, learning difficulties, or chronic conditions. Register at start of semester for academic accommodations.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Trinity College Dublin Students' Union
- 200+ student societies
- Trinity Sport
- DU Drama
Buddy Program
Trinity International Student Buddy Programme pairs exchange students with local Trinity students before arrival.
Sports & Recreation
- Trinity Sport Centre (gym, pool, courts)
- 50+ athletic clubs from GAA to rowing
- Phoenix Park runs and cycling
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend International Student Orientation — ID card, library access, and admin all handled here.
- Register with Trinity Health Service and set up a GP on campus.
- Sort Irish phone SIM (Three or Vodafone) — cheaper than international roaming.
- Explore Dublin's cultural free spots: National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Phoenix Park — all free.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm home university has active Trinity partnership in your subject area.
Nomination deadline (Autumn)
March 31
Home coordinator submits nomination to Trinity Study Abroad Office.
Application deadline (Autumn)
April 30
Complete online application and learning agreement via Trinity portal.
International Orientation
Early September
Attend orientation week — module changes, admin, and social events all happen here.
Exam period
December / May–June
Confirm exam schedule before booking return flights — written exams can run to mid-December/June.