ShareUMD Exchange: University College Dublin (Ireland)
All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.
Host Institution
University College Dublin, or UCD, is Ireland's largest university and is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide with its research intensive initiatives. UCD has over 150 years of history behind its innovative mission. With 7 Colleges, 38 Schools and 22,000 students, the campus provides a lot of academic opportunities for exchange students. UCD's modernized campus is located just a short distance from the center of Dublin and hosts over 5,000 international students and about 250 exchange students every year. Students attending UCD are able to pick and choose from classes in different departments since the UCD curriculum is very flexible.
Apart from academics, there are over 100 active student societies in areas such as jazz, comedy, law, and international students. All UCD students are automatically members of UCD Students’ Union, which represents students’ views and opinions as the voice of the student population on campus. There are other excellent facilities on campus to cater to students’ academic and personal needs, such as well-resourced libraries, state-of-the art labs and computer facilities, a student health center, and counseling services.
Host City
UCD is located in Dublin on Ireland's east coast. This capital city is the largest city in Ireland and the historical and cultural center for the country. Dublin is a famous literary capital and known for producing such notable writers as Nobel laureate William Butler Yeats, Oscar Wilde, and Jonathan Swift. The endless opportunities in Dublin for shopping, sports, arts, and entertainment will keep exchange students busy during their time abroad.
University College Dublin and the University of Maryland are both members in Universitas 21 (U21). U21 is the leading global network of research-intensive universities; working together to foster global citizenship and institutional innovation through research inspired teaching and learning, student mobility, connecting our students and staff, and wider advocacy for internationalization.
Learn more about Universitas 21 and it's programs and mission on the U21 website: https://universitas21.com/
Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:
- 3.0 GPA
- Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.
Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.
- Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
- Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program.
- After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
- If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
- Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.
Academic Planning
Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:
- Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
- Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
- Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record
Coursework
Students attending UCD will be able to take classes in Agriculture, Food and Nutrition, Architecture, Planning and Urban Studies, Arts, Engineering and Technology, Law and Criminal Justice, Science, Social Science, and Sports and Performance. A full-time undergraduate student is expected to take is 30 ECTS credits per semester. At undergraduate level each module, or individual class, is worth 5 ECTS credits, so students take six modules per semester.
Restrictions: UCD School of Business is restricted.
There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD). If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
Credit
All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit on your UMD transcript. UMD uses the following conversion to assess how many credits you will get from this program:
| UCD Credit | UMD Credit |
|---|---|
| 1 UCD credit | 0.6 UMD credit |
| 5 UCD credits | 3 UMD credits |
The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on October 16, 2014.
Grading
Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.
| University College Dublin Grade | UMD Grade |
| D- or 2.0 | C - |
Take a Virtual Tour of UCD resident life.
For students who are not allocated on-campus housing or those who choose to find independent housing, UCD provides assistance through the Residences Off-Campus Office or the Student Union Accommodation Services. Please see the following link for more information: http://www.ucd.ie/international/study-at-ucd-global/coming-to-ireland/ac....
Please note that Dublin is experiencing a housing shortage, therefore off-campus housing is hard to find and can be very expensive. It is strongly advised that students apply for on-campus accommodation and only seek independent housing as a back-up.
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.
You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.
Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
- Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)
Additional Financial Resources
Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!
Student Clubs and Organizations
UCD is home to many different sports clubs and student societies. Students are encouraged to get involved and stay fit and healthy during their studies at UCD.
International Welcome/Orientation
UCD hosts an orientation to convey important information about the university and the surrounding city.
Counseling & Health Services
UCD offers a student health centre which gives students access to doctors, nurses, counsellors and psychiatrists. Counseling is free to all students who have filled out an online registration form.
Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*
*This resource guide provides general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Admission Notification | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year (Fall-Spring) | 2023 | 02/26/2023 | 03/01/2023 | ||
| Fall | 2023 | 02/26/2023 | 03/01/2023 | ||
| Spring | 2024 | 09/25/2023 | 09/29/2023 |