Spend the Summer at UCD
The UCD High School Summer Program dates are set for July 6-21 2023.
Click to apply to the 2023 High School Summer Program
The UCD High School Summer Program is an enrichment program designed for North American students especially interested in learning more about Irish history, culture and student life. Through taught lectures and field trips, students will become acquainted with Ireland's rich cultural heritage and the vibrant capital city of Dublin. The program will also highlight unique degree programs at UCD, and prepare students for the exciting and rewarding experience of studying in Ireland on a more long-term basis.
Key features include:
- Taught lectures and field trips to learn about and engage with Irish history and culture
- Faculty-led workshops in the UCD Colleges of Business, Science, Engineering & Architecture, Social Science & Law, Arts & Humanities and more
- Application workshop led by UCD North America admission counselors
- Opportunities to meet one-on-one with UCD degree program representatives to discuss specific courses of study
- Accommodation in UCD’s on-campus student residences
2023 High School Summer Program Brochure!
Program dates are set for July 6 - 21, 2023
Experience Ireland and UCD!
Spend the summer in Dublin with the UCD 2023 High School Summer Program
Practical information
Below is an example of the day-structure of the UCD High School Summer Programme*
Day 1:
Airport Pick-ups by UCD staff/Family Drop-offs
Welcome Lunch
Tour of UCD
Rest & Recharge
Orientation
Welcome Dinner and Night of Irish Storytelling
Personal Time
Nightly Check-In
Day 2-12:
Morning Assembly
UCD School Showcases and hands-on Academic Workshops
Dublin City Activities (Gaelic Games, Tours, Museums, etc.)
Day Excursions outside of Dublin (ex: Boyne Valley, Glendalough National Park, etc.)
Group Lunches
Group Dinners
Evening Cultural Activities and Irish History & Culture Lecture
Personal Time and Nightly Check-In
Day 14:
Students Check Out of Rooms by 11:00am
Airport Transfers
Family Pick-Ups
*Specific activities may be updated each year to best accommodate the group size, current events, etc.
Past activities have included, but are not limited to: Irish storytelling, walking tour of Dublin, traditional Irish music and dance, learning Dublin’s public transportation systems, Boyne Valley, Howth, hiking, Irish farm visit, cathedral visits, castle visits, learning traditional Irish sports, theater performances, museums and historically significant sites, etc.
To be eligible for admission to the UCD High School Summer Program, students must be resident in North America and aged 16 or 17 during the program dates. Students must also submit the following:
- Report card or transcript showing a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or above (unweighted)
- Counselor/teacher recommendation (UCD will solicit for rec after you submit your online application)
- Essay detailing interest in studying in Ireland/UCD
Applications now open! Please use the link at the top of the page to apply.
For help or more information on the UCD High School Programme, please contact kendall.hook@ucd.ie.
“The trip had an amazing impact on me. I was able to re-evaluate what I wanted to do and grow as a person because of it. I met new people and made new long-standing friendships.” -James, TX
“Not only has this experience prepared me for college in general, it painted University College Dublin in such a light that it has become a viable option in my mind as a place to continue my education. I have always loved Ireland, but never truly considered moving there. However, the feeling of home that I felt throughout my stay caused my mind to change, as I am now already starting to fill out my University College Dublin application. I also learned much more about myself than I expected to while on this trip. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I am more independent that I previously considered myself to be, and that reassured me that I will survive living on my own once college comes, because I survived this trial run. I went into this program expecting to learn, but the knowledge I gained is far more meaningful than I thought it would be.” -Molly, WA
“During my time at University College Dublin’s High School Summer Program, I learned how to depend on myself and others, find my scholastic interests, and learn more about Irish culture and history. I was able to expand my knowledge and cultivate an idea of what I want to focus on in life. With this program, I was able to make new, lifelong friendships and create an idea of a life outside of the usual.” -Madeleine, NY