NICE Programme 2026 Applications Now Open

Are you looking to challenge yourself in the new year and tick off some of your personal learning goals off your list?

Are you interested in developing your intercultural competence by working with students from across Europe and beyond? Would you like to learn how to work in intercultural and interdisciplinary teams and enhance your collaboration, communication and leadership skills? How about learning more about social entrepreneurship and the current global challenges in the areas of health, climate and inclusion in need of innovative solutions?

If you have answered yes to any or all of the questions above, then look no further because the applications for the NICE Programme are now open!

What is NICE?

NICE is a 12-week virtual exchange programme aimed at students interested in learning about global challenges in the areas of:

1. Health and Well-being
2. Climate change and Environment
3. Diversity and inclusion

During the programme, students design creative solutions for identified challenges, working in teams of students from five other universities: (opens in a new window)University of Amsterdam, (opens in a new window)University of Edinburgh, (opens in a new window)University of Padova, University of Johannesburg, and (opens in a new window)Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. By participating in the programme’s activities, students also develop skills they will benefit from personally and professionally and become better prepared to live and work in an increasingly global and digital world.

NICE also offers an opportunity for students to participate in an in-person Summer School, which will take place at the University College Dublin (Belfield campus) from 28 June until 3 July 2026. The Summer School is not compulsory, and students do not have to attend it to complete the NICE Programme. 

The programme aims to provide an international experience to all students, in particular those who, for a wide range of reasons, are not in a position to take part in an in-person exchange.

Is NICE for me?

NICE is open to all UCD students, regardless of level (undergraduate, master's, or PhD), year of study, or programme. This includes students currently on an exchange period abroad, as well as students currently attending UCD as exchange students. Students must ensure that participation in the NICE Programme will not interfere with the academic commitments of their main programme of study at UCD. 

Places on the NICE Programme are limited to 30 UCD students, while spaces at the Summer School are limited to 10 UCD students who will have completed the programme. Places for both will be allocated on a competitive basis.

When and where does NICE take place?

Taking place online, the only thing you need to participate in the programme is access to a computer and a stable internet connection. The programme consists of the onboarding period taking place from 3 to 22 March 2025, and the 12-week virtual exchange programme taking place from 23 March until 14 June 2026.

What will I do?

The three main elements of the programme are online modules, team projects, and live sessions. You will take self-directed modules consisting of videos, case studies and fun, interactive exercises. For your team project, you will meet with your team members via video chat to discuss progress and to work on developing a solution for your global challenge, supported by a peer mentor. And, finally, you will attend four life sessions: kick-off, teambuilding, feedback, and final event. You should be able to commit approximately three hours per week to the NICE Programme.  

Teamwork is central to the programme. Your team will be self-managed, meaning that you and your team members will have to discuss and agree on how you plan to work together. You will also have to resolve any potential challenges and conflicts. While you will be supported in this by your peer mentor, you will have to collectively show initiative. While this process may seem challenging, it is also rewarding and learning, development and growth are guaranteed. You will challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and question what you think you know about yourself and others, put your skills to the test, and discover what truly motivates you, what your boundaries are, what roles you gravitate towards in a team, where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and much more!

How can I apply?

You can apply by submitting your application by Sunday, 25 January 2026 at 23:59 IST.

👉 (opens in a new window)Apply here! 👈

Interested students are encouraged to attend an online info session on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, at 14:00 IST. (opens in a new window)Register for the info session here.

If you are unable to attend the information session or would like to discuss any questions or concerns before applying, (opens in a new window)you can book a 1:1 meeting here.

For further information, please consult the (opens in a new window)NICE website as well as the UCD Global website. 

In case of any questions, please contact (opens in a new window)nice@ucd.ie. 

We look forward to receiving your applications - good luck!