UCD Dublin Rankings, Fees, Courses & Reviews for Indian

For Indian students planning to study in Dublin, University College Dublin (UCD) stands out as a top choice for quality education and global exposure. As Ireland’s most globally connected university, UCD attracts students from around the world through its strong focus on research, innovation, and real-world impact. The campus culture is spirited and inclusive, making it easier for international students to feel at home while experiencing Europe’s academic excellence. 

Admission to UCD is competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate of around 42%, reflecting its high academic standards. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across disciplines. It’s one of the most preferred universities for Indian students. With a student population of over 39,500, nearly one in four learners comes from outside Ireland, representing more than 153 countries, creating a truly multicultural learning environment. 

UCD’s academic reputation is also globally recognised. It is placed among the top 1% of universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026, highlighting its commitment to teaching excellence and research-led learning. Adding to its prestige, the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School holds triple-crown accreditation from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA, an honour achieved by only a small number of business schools worldwide. 

Highlights of University College Dublin (UCD) 2026 

University College Dublin (UCD) remains a top choice for students planning to study in Dublin, especially those seeking a globally recognised education with strong career outcomes. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UCD is ranked 118th globally, placing it firmly among the world’s leading institutions. 

Recognised as one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities, UCD consistently secures the #1 or #2 positions in Ireland, reflecting its academic excellence, research strength, and global reputation. It is also ranked #1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability, highlighting how well its programs prepare students for real-world careers. 

On a global level, UCD performs strongly in key impact areas: 

• Top 100 worldwide for Employment Outcomes (88th), showing excellent post-study job prospects 
• Top 50 globally for Sustainability (49th), demonstrating its commitment to innovation, climate action, and responsible education 

With 384+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs across business, engineering, science, humanities, and more, UCD offers diverse options for students with different academic goals. This wide range makes it particularly attractive to Indian students at Dublin universities seeking flexibility, quality education, and international exposure. 

University College Dublin Admission Requirements 2026 

University College Dublin (UCD) offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across popular disciplines such as Arts & Humanities, Architecture and Planning, Business and Management, Law and Criminal Justice, Health and Medicine, Engineering, and more. Admission requirements at UCD vary by level of study, course selection, and the applicant’s academic background. Tuition fees also vary by program and study level. 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements 

For Indian students applying to undergraduate courses at UCD: 

• Strong Class 12 results are required, typically 70–80% in the best five subjects (may vary by program). 
• English language proficiency is mandatory. Most students submit IELTS scores (or equivalent tests such as TOEFL or PTE). 
• Some specialised courses may have subject-specific prerequisites such as Mathematics, Science, or Portfolio submissions. 

Postgraduate Admission Requirements 

For postgraduate programs: 

• Applicants must hold a recognised undergraduate degree from an accredited university. 
• A good academic GPA is required, with higher-ranked programs often expecting stronger academic performance. 
• Specific courses may also ask for work experience, a statement of purpose, references, or interviews, depending on the discipline. 

Overall, UCD follows a holistic admissions approach, considering academic performance, language proficiency, and program suitability. This makes University College Dublin a popular choice for Indian students looking for high-quality education and strong career prospects in Ireland. 

General Admission Score Requirements 

The following table outlines the general minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements for admission. 

Cost of Studying at University College Dublin (UCD) 2026 

For Indian students planning to study in Dublin, the cost of studying at University College Dublin (UCD) in 2026 typically ranges from €16,000* to €30,000*+ per year in tuition fees (₹14.5* lakh – ₹27* lakh+), while living expenses average around €2,300*+ per month (₹2.05* lakh+). As one of the leading Dublin universities for Indian students, UCD offers globally recognised degrees, making it a popular choice for those looking to study abroad in Ireland. 

As with most colleges in Dublin for international students, the overall budget depends on your course, lifestyle, and accommodation choice. Tuition and housing account for the largest share of expenses, but scholarships and part-time work options help manage costs while pursuing higher education in Dublin for Indians. 

Tuition Fees for Indian Students at UCD 

For students exploring Ireland study programs for Indian students, here’s a clear breakdown of tuition costs at UCD with approximate INR conversions: 

Undergraduate Programs 

• €16,000* – €25,000* per year 
• Approx. ₹14.5* lakh – ₹22.5* lakh per year 
• Varies by fields such as Arts, Science, Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences. 

Postgraduate Programs 

• €20,000* – €30,000*+ per year 
• Approx. ₹18* lakh – ₹27* lakh+ per year 
• Specialised courses like MBA, Data Science, and Healthcare-related programs may cost more. 

Living Expenses in Dublin 

When planning higher education in Dublin for Indians, living costs are an important consideration: 

• Average monthly cost: €2,300+ 
• Approx. ₹2.05 lakh+ per month 
• Covers accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal expenses 

Accommodation remains the most significant monthly expense in Dublin. 

Fees Structure for UCD 2026 

Below is the fee structure for University College Dublin for the year 2026: 

University College Dublin (UCD): Student Reviews & Real Experiences 

University College Dublin (UCD) is widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading research-driven institutions and consistently features among the top 1% of universities globally. For Indian students planning to study in Dublin, UCD stands out for its academic reputation, strong infrastructure, and strong international outlook. However, student experiences also highlight a few practical challenges. 

What Students Appreciate About UCD? 

From an academic perspective, UCD is often praised as one of the most respected universities in Dublin for Indian students. Its strength lies in research excellence, global rankings, and employability-focused education. Subjects such as Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Computer Science, and Business receive powerful feedback from students pursuing Ireland study programs for Indian students. 

The campus experience is another major highlight. UCD’s Belfield campus is known for its modern buildings, scenic lake views, forest-style walking paths, and high-quality sports facilities. Students frequently mention the large campus, free gym access, and well-maintained infrastructure as significant value-adds. With 24-hour bus connectivity, students can easily access Dublin city, making it an attractive option for international students among Dublin’s colleges. 

Challenges Shared by Some Students 

Despite its strengths, some international students, particularly from India, note that social integration can take time. While the campus is diverse, connecting with local Irish students may feel difficult initially, and a few students believe that orientation and social guidance for newcomers could be stronger. 

Another commonly mentioned concern relates to post-study employment. While UCD offers career fairs, workshops, and industry exposure, it does not provide direct placement drives. Some students feel that graduate job opportunities in Ireland are currently competitive, with EU residents often having an advantage. This makes career planning especially important for Indian students choosing to study abroad in Ireland. 

Cost, Value & Scholarships 

UCD’s tuition fees are higher than those of many other Irish universities, which can be a concern for budget-conscious students. However, many still feel the quality of education justifies the cost. Scholarships such as the Global Excellence Scholarship and institutional fee waivers help reduce the financial burden for Indian students, making UCD more accessible among top-tier study programs in Ireland. 

Overall Student Verdict 

Overall, student reviews of UCD are mainly positive. The university is respected for its academic quality, research focus, facilities, and campus life. While social integration and post-study job competition require proactive effort, students who carefully choose their courses and plan their careers early often find UCD to be a rewarding choice for studying in Dublin and building a global future. 

Is University College Dublin the Right Choice for Indian Students? 

For Indian students planning to study in Dublin, University College Dublin (UCD) remains a strong and reliable choice. Ranked among the top 1% of universities globally, UCD offers high academic standards, research-led learning, and excellent graduate employability. Its wide range of programs, global reputation, and multicultural campus make it one of the most preferred universities in Dublin for Indian students. 

Although the cost of studying and living in Dublin is relatively high, the quality of education, international exposure, and career opportunities make UCD a worthwhile investment for Indian students considering studying abroad in Ireland. Among leading colleges in Dublin for international students, UCD stands out to students seeking long-term value and global recognition in higher education for Indians. 

Study in Dublin with Shuraa Education 

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