New Graduate Taught Students
Welcome to UCD
We are delighted you are commencing graduate study with us. UCD is fully committed to providing the best experience for all our students. We have outlined 5 initial steps we suggest beginning your graduate experience at UCD.
(opens in a new window)1. Registration, fees, funding and financial planning
Registration
- You will need to register online before you can begin your graduate studies. Registration allows you to obtain your Student Card (Ucard) and gain access to UCD's wide range of facilities.
- Check key dates to see when online registration opens for your programme.
- View the Registration Guides.
Fees and grants
- A breakdown of your fee obligation is available while registering in the SIS (Student Information System) through your UCD Connect account. To make the process easier, you can take advantage of our online payment facility in SISWeb during online registration.
- All students in receipt of the SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) Student Grant Scheme must pay the Student Centre Levy plus any fees not payable under the grant scheme. For further information on the student grant system, visit the (opens in a new window)HEA or (opens in a new window)SUSI websites.
View information and payment details or submit fee-related queries on the UCD Fees website.
Financial Planning
- Whether or not you are in receipt of funding, it is still important to ensure that you plan appropriately for completing a graduate programme. At the start of a programme, you may need to take into account costs such as rent deposits etc. International students should also plan for the higher cost of living in Ireland and expenses such as health insurance and interim accommodation (until more permanent accommodation is found). International students may wish to look at the guidance from UCD Global on cost of living and financial preparations.
(opens in a new window)2. Support services
University College Dublin provides a wide variety of supports for graduate students. An overview of these supports can be found on the the Services and Supports for Graduate Taught Students page. Further information on the supports available is given below:
Commuting to UCD
- The UCD Commuting Guide is a useful reference.
- The Belfield campus is located 4 km from Dublin city centre on the N11.
- UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is located 10 km south of Dublin City Centre in Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
- Our campus is easily accessible by car, DART and bus.
IT Services
Your UCD Connect account gives access to email and Google Drive storage, Google calendar, eLearning resources, software and much more.
- See the UCD IT Services website for further details.
- Helpful hints and tips are available in the Student IT Guide.
- Download the free UCD Mobile app to your phone from your app provider.
- Contact the IT Support Hub/phone: +353 (0)1 716 2700.
Student Desk
The Student Desk is here to help you. Check out the Ask Us page for current services. You will also find useful information on the FAQs page.
Students' Union
- You have a dedicated Graduate Officer, who is responsible for providing assistance with issues relating to both your education and welfare.
- For further information, contact (opens in a new window)graduate@ucdsu.ie
This is only a starting point; view the full range of Student Services.
(opens in a new window)3. Your School
- The key academic contacts will be within your Student Services; please engage with your Programme Coordinator.
- Your School may organise induction events; please check with your School Programme Coordinator or equivalent.
(opens in a new window)4. Orientation
- GradsCONNECT Welcome:for all new graduate students who are on taught programmes, such as Master’s and Higher Diploma degrees. GradsCONNECT will take place on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 from 16:00to 18:00 in O'Reilly Hall where UCD President, Professor Orla Feely will welcome you to UCD. This event is an opportunity for incoming graduate students to meet each other and liaise with representatives from a host of student support services who will be present (i.e. Registry, Library, Access services, Student Advisors, Global, Students Union, Student Centre and more), followed by refreshments in the conservatory. Register here
Brightspace resources
Graduate taught students can engage with the (opens in a new window)Introduction to UCD Brightspace module available on Brightspace. The module emphasises the importance of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, how to be an active bystander, helps you navigate UCD's digital infrastructure and promotes the principles Academic Integrity through a library led educational tool.