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If your sights are set on studying abroad in Ireland, then you’re in the right place! The Emerald Isle offers a high standard of education, countless career opportunities, and a vibrant student experience. Still deciding which academic institution is the right fit for you? We’ve got you covered. Today, we’re taking a closer look at three universities in Ireland that you should consider. Keep reading to find out more!

Or, check out part two in our series on top universities in Ireland!

University College Dublin

Established in 1854, University College Dublin (UCD) has educated students for over 160 years. Located in the capital city of Dublin, students can enjoy all this culturally rich city has to offer. From hiking trails, beaches, and mountains to museums, theatres, and historic pubs—there’s something for everyone! Not to mention that in 2020, Condé Nast Traveller listed Dublin as one of , making it a welcoming destination for international students.

UCD enrolls over 8,500 international students from 130 countries. This makes UCD a great option if you’re looking for an institution with a large international student community. The institution has also consistently carved out a spot as one of Europe’s leading research universities, and ranks within the .Ìý

The accolades don’t end there. UCD ranks as the number two university in Ireland in the , and was Irish University of the Year in 2020. In terms of post-graduate success, you’ll be excited to learn that UCD ranked number one in Ireland for graduate employability from 2018 to 2020.

Programs

The University College Dublin offers undergraduate and graduate programs in six colleges:

• Arts and Humanities
• Business
• Engineering and Architecture
• Health and Agricultural Sciences
• Science
• Social Sciences and Law 

Looking to study business? Consider applying to the . It’s considered one of Ireland’s top business schools, and one of the few institutions worldwide with a triple accreditation from the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom.Ìý

The Business College is divided into four parts: UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business (undergraduate), UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, UCD Smurfit Executive Development, and UCD Business International Campus.Ìý

Popular programs include:

• Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) – Commerce
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Economics and Finance
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Business Administration

Want to learn more about Ireland? Here’s a look at why ApplyBoard’s Ireland launch is so exciting!

Maynooth University

Located in Kildare, only 25 kilometers outside of Dublin, Maynooth University is situated in a historic town filled with a vibrant culture. Established in 1997, Maynooth is the nation’s fastest-growing university. It’s gained world-wide recognition, ranking #1 in Ireland according to , and #8 in the Best Universities in Ireland according to .Ìý

International students have access to exceptional facilities, world-renowned lecturers, and small tutorial groups, making Maynooth a top choice among students. According to the Higher Education Authority’s Graduate Outcomes Survey in 2018, .Ìý

In a recent poll of 10,000 third-level students, Maynooth was voted . The university offers over 100 clubs and societies on campus, as well as various services which contribute to the student experience.

Programs

Maynooth offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across three faculties: 

• Arts, Celtic Studies, and Philosophy
• Social Sciences
• Science and Engineering

Maynooth University’s department has consistently ranked highly based on academic reputation, employer reputation, and citations per paper. The department includes leading researchers in Human, Physical, and Environmental Geography and Geocomputation.

If you have a love for geography, explore the following Maynooth Department of Geography programs:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Biological and Geographical Sciences
• Postgraduate Diploma – Geography
• Master of Science – Geocomputation

Take a magnified look at the higher education landscape in Ireland!

University College Cork

Founded in 1854, University College Cork (UCC) has a reputation for academic excellence, quality of research, and a bustling student life; the University attracts over . Cork is known as Ireland’s ‘Second City,’ located a few hours’ drive from Dublin. Here, international students can reap the benefits of both city and country life with access to the town, countryside, and coast. If you’re looking for a ‘college town’ vibe with a more affordable cost of living than Dublin, this could be your perfect match!

University College Cork is internationally ranked in the . ranks University College Cork third in Ireland out of 17 institutions, based on student experience, research, and spending on facilities or services. This prestigious institution ensures its international graduates are as UCC leads in graduate employability with a .Ìý

Programs

University College Cork offers 120 degree and professional programs in four colleges: 

• Arts, Celtic Studies, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Medicine and Health
• Science, Engineering, and Food Science

Calling all aspiring lawyers! The is widely considered the top and offers Ireland’s arguably most successful graduate research program in Law. ​​

Law Programs offered at UCC include:

• 6-week Pre-Sessional English + Bachelor of Law – Law (Graduate Entry)
• 16-week Pre-Sessional English + Bachelor of Civil Law (Honours) – Law and Business
• Master of Laws – Law (International Human Rights Law and Public Policy)

Need a few more reasons to study abroad in Ireland?

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Now that you know more about these Irish educational institutions, continue your research to find one that most aligns with your academic goals!

Ready to launch your study abroad journey to Ireland? We can guide you from application to arrival.