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Parents and Guardians

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Information for Parents and Guardians

Going to university is a life-changing step for your child and a big investment in their future. As a parent or guardian, you have a vital role to play in supporting and guiding them as they embark on this key stage of their life.

Read more below to learn about the UCD experience.

The UCD Experience

Established in 1854, UCD is Ireland’s largest university with a student body of more than 39,000 students, including over 11,500+ international students from 152 countries.

Students are attracted to UCD by the strength of our teaching and research, by the programme portfolio (UCD offers Ireland’s widest range of programmes that are recognised and valued by academic institutions and employers worldwide), and the holistic experience that studying here offers.

UCD students are the most engaged in Ireland, with over 100 clubs and societies through which they can engage and explore new interests and friendships. This, alongside the spacious campus, offers unparalleled experiences for students looking to study abroad.

Key Information for Parents & Guardians

UCD Global staff members
Connect with UCD Staff

Our Global Centre staff in Beijing, Delhi, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and New York are available to support and help with queries. UCD staff also regularly travel abroad to meet prospective students — check our events page for upcoming visits.

If you’d like to speak with parents of current UCD students studying abroad, fill out the enquiry form below and we will be happy to arrange it for you.
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UCD student cooking.
Resources for Parents

Help your child prepare for university life by encouraging independence — teach them to cook a few basic meals and manage their money so they can start this new chapter with confidence.

With over 9,000 international students, UCD has extensive experience supporting students as they adjust to life in Ireland and on campus.

Our parents’ brochure offers practical advice, support service details and insights into student life at UCD.
A bridge over a city river.
Visiting Dublin

Should you wish to visit your child in Dublin, the city is well-connected with many public transport links.

Belfield and the surrounding area are also home to a variety of hotels, from the luxury of a five-star suite to a boutique bed and breakfast. Over the summer months, visitors to UCD also have the option of staying at university accommodation.

Ireland's Global University

Top 1%
of Universities Worldwide
Ranked 118th
118th globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings
#1 in Ireland
for Graduate Employability
152 Countries
Students from 152 countries have studied at UCD
11,500 International Students
A global community of over 11,500 international students
Sanjib and Mita De image
UCD has been a second home for our daughter. She has always been guided and supported by UCD staff in academics, career and personal development. The staff are also very kind and compassionate for parents too.
Sanjib and Mita De , Parents of Anusha De, MSc Quantitative Economics Student at UCD
An aerial shot of UCD Belfied's Campus.

Require more information?

Contact us with your query.

Enquire

Contact UCD Global

UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office), Belfield, Dublin 4.
T: +353 1 716 8500 | Location Map(opens in a new window)