UCD is a partner with over 350 universities around the world allowing students to go on an exchange for one or two semesters. In the case of European universities, this exchange occurs under the Erasmus Programme, whereas agreements with international universities happen within the Exchange Programme. In all cases, tuition is paid to UCD and waived in the host university.
In the School of Civil Engineering, there are agreements with the following international universities:
- Australia – University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Western Australia.
- Canada – McGill University, Queen’s University Kingston, University of British Columbia.
- China – Chang'an University, University of Nottingham Ningbo.
- New Zealand – University of Auckland.
- Singapore – Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore.
- USA – Georgia Tech, Purdue University, University of California, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Connecticut, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Maryland, University of Miami, University of Texas Austin, University of Vermont.
In the School of Civil Engineering, there are agreements with the following European universities:
- France – INSA Lyon, ESTP Paris (École Spéciale des Travaux Publics, du Bâtiments et de l'Industrie), EIVP (École des Ingénieurs de la Ville de Paris).
- Germany – Technische Universität München.
- Switzerland – EPFL (Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne).
- UK – University of Birmingham, University of Edinburgh, University of Nottingham.
When applying for an exchange, students should consider aspects such as the location of the host University, the range of courses on offer, their GPA in UCD and programme minimum requirements, the academic calendar, potential language requirements/barriers, the cost of living/finances, the accommodation options, as well as their future plans. In terms of financial help, there are different scholarships/grants available:
Erasmus Programme: the Erasmus grant amounts to approximately €300 or €350 per calendar month depending on destination. There is also additional funding available for upper-level SUSI grantees and HEAR students.
Exchange Programme: there is a scholarship of €500 per semester for students at Universitas 21 partners in Latin America and Asia. Moreover, some partners in Asia offer scholarships which students can apply for e.g. DUO Scholarship in Korea, Japanese scholarship; and funding is available for Chang'an University.
Outgoing exchange students must meet the following requirements:
Stage 1 complete, with stage GPA 3.00 or higher.Earned 30 credits in the autumn trimester of stage 2, with GPA 3.00 or higher.No grades less than C- in any core module.
In the case that a student does not meet the requirement (i), they may be considered for the Erasmus/Exchange program if the following conditions are met:
No grade less than D- in any module (core, option or elective).No more than two grades less than C- in core modules.No more than one grade less than C- in a core module in any trimester.Stage 1 complete, with stage GPA 3.00 or higher.Earned 30 credits in the autumn trimester of stage 2, with GPA 3.50 or higher.
Finally, all qualifying students are subject to final approval by the Engineering Programme Board Student Applications Committee (EPBSAC).
The application process is carried out through SISWeb and students are encouraged to attend the Information sessions and the Study Abroad Fair. These events usually run through October and November, when the application opens. The deadline for applications is typically at the end of January and a decision should be expected by March at the latest. If the application is successful, pre-departure sessions will take place between February and April.
Links of interest:
ERASMUS & Non-EU Exchange in the College of Engineering and Architecture
UCD Global Outbound Exchange Students
Contacts of interest:
Manon Tissier - International Mobility Officer Inside of Europe (Dedicated email: outgoing.erasmus@ucd.ie)
Stephie Forde - International Mobility Officer Outside of Europe (Dedicated email: outgoing.exchanges@ucd.ie)
The Exchange Coordinator assists and advises students interested in or undertaking an exchange. They are primarily responsible for overseeing the academic progress of incoming and outgoing Exchange students, providing pastoral care as required.
Meet the Academic Exchange Coordinator: Associate Professor PJ Purcell.