UCD is ranked 118th in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is the largest english speaking university in the EU.
Welcome from the President
Making the right decision about your postgraduate study is an important decision and I hope that, as you learn more about UCD, you will see how you can build your future at this great university.
UCD is a comprehensive research-intensive university that seeks to make a real positive difference through our research and education. We break boundaries in education and research, supporting your own ambition to succeed and develop over the course of your educational journey. We pride ourselves on providing a holistic educational experience that embraces diversity, fosters research skills and cultivates critical thinking.
Our educational environment is designed to stimulate you with modern, flexible teaching and learning practices, utilising the most up-to-date technology. Our world- leading lecturers share their research and scholarship so that you are engaging with the most up-to-date thinking and knowledge. Recognising the pace of change and the level of challenge facing the world in which we live, we update our curriculum content and structure regularly so that you will graduate with the skills you need to make a significant and lasting contribution.
We are one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities and Ireland’s leader in graduate studies with almost 12,000 graduate students, and you will take with you an outstanding qualification when you graduate from UCD. We prioritise your career development and work hard to ensure that you have every opportunity to thrive in your chosen career. Our student population of over 39,500 includes 11,500 international students from 152 countries and ensures that you will be part of a diverse and cosmopolitan campus.
We pride ourselves on being a university for all, ensuring that everyone feels welcome, belongs and is valued, where endless possibilities await. We recognise and value the breadth of talent, experience and the contribution that you will bring, and strive to create an inclusive educational experience for everyone, allowing you to fulfil your own potential.
Your time at university is not just about lectures and study – there is much more to life on our vibrant campus. We have excellent sports facilities and continue to develop those facilities, giving you opportunities to thrive outside your chosen field of study. Our range of societies ensures that, whatever your passion is outside academia, you will find like-minded friends to spend time with. Life on our 24-hour campus is vibrant – you can spend time with your peers, learning and picking up those life skills gained through experience and interaction.
I invite you to explore the vibrant community and boundless opportunities here at UCD.
Professor Orla Feely
UCD President
UCD graduate students benefit from an education delivered by experts at the leading edge of their field internationally and a curriculum constantly updated by the latest research.
UCD is Ireland’s leader in graduate education with 19% of Ireland’s Taught Master’s students – 64% higher than the next-placed institution (source: HEA Enrolment Trends 2023/24).
UCD is ranked in the top 100 worldwide at 88th globally for employability outcomes for graduating students. QS measures employment outcomes as a reflection on the ability of institutions to ensure a high level of employability for their graduates, while also nurturing future leaders who go on to make an impact in their respective fields.
UCD is ranked number one in Ireland and 49th in the world for sustainability according to the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026. This measure evaluates the social and environmental impact of universities as centres of education and research.
UCD is number one in Ireland for Innovation, Tech Transfer and Commercialisation: Over €1 billion in Equity Funding raised by UCD Spin-out and Spin-ins at NovaUCD.
UCD is the most connected and networked university with government, industry and society in Ireland. UCD is an active member of many international education networks such as Una Europa, Universitas 21 (U21) and UNICA. UCD is number one in Ireland for the highest volume of research publications per year.
As the number one university of destination for international students coming to Ireland, international students make up 32% of the student body. International academics make up 36% of UCD’s faculty and over 50% of UCD research-funded staff is international. The UCD alumni network is also an active, influential and truly international body with 300,000 alumni living in 184 countries across the globe.
UCD has a huge range of facilities including: restaurants, cafés, a bookshop, a bike shop, a barber shop, a bar, a grocery store, a large student centre and outstanding sports facilities.
UCD is Ireland’s leader in graduate education with 19% of Ireland’s Taught Master’s students – 64% higher than the next-placed institution (source: HEA Enrolment Trends 2023/24).
UCD is number one in Ireland for Innovation, Tech Transfer and Commercialisation: Over €1 billion in Equity Funding raised by UCD Spin-out and Spin-ins at NovaUCD.
UCD is ranked in the top 100 worldwide at 88th globally for employability outcomes for graduating students. QS measures employment outcomes as a reflection on the ability of institutions to ensure a high level of employability for their graduates, while also nurturing future leaders who go on to make an impact in their respective fields.
UCD is ranked number one in Ireland and 49th in the world for sustainability according to the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026. This measure evaluates the social and environmental impact of universities as centres of education and research.
UCD is the most connected and networked university with government, industry and society in Ireland. UCD is an active member of many international education networks such as Una Europa, Universitas 21 (U21) and UNICA. UCD is number one in Ireland for the highest volume of research publications per year.
As the number one university of destination for international students coming to Ireland, international students make up 32% of the student body. International academics make up 36% of UCD’s faculty and over 50% of UCD research-funded staff is international. The UCD alumni network is also an active, influential and truly international body with 300,000 alumni living in 184 countries across the globe.
UCD is ranked in the top 100 worldwide at 88th globally for employability outcomes for graduating students. QS measures employment outcomes as a reflection on the ability of institutions to ensure a high level of employability for their graduates, while also nurturing future leaders who go on to make an impact in their respective fields.
UCD has a huge range of facilities including: restaurants, cafés, a bookshop, a bike shop, a bar, a grocery shop, a large student centre and outstanding sports facilities.
UCD is Ireland’s leader in graduate education with 19% of Ireland’s Taught Master’s students – 64% higher than the next-placed institution (source: HEA Enrolment Trends 2023/24).
UCD Graduate Admissions
University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.(If you are an international student please visit UCD Global) T: +353 1 716 7777