We invite you to study in Ireland with API at University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland's largest university! Choose from a broad range of courses offered in the fields of American Studies, Arts and Celtic Studies, Business, Engineering, Human Sciences, Law, Life Sciences, and Mathematical & Physical Sciences. With top accreditations (including AACSB and ABET) and a diverse international population, UCD is the ideal setting for an enriching study abroad experience in Ireland's capital city!
Enroll in classes alongside students from across the world, earn valuable academic credit, experience the warm hospitality of the Irish people, and explore this charming European capital!
Official transcript, most recent grade report, or high school diploma
Copy of passport/birth certificate
Entry Requirements: Valid passport with supporting documentation
Dates & Fees
Session
Program Dates
Program Cost
Application Deadline
Extended Application Deadline
Payment Deadline
Fall
Sep 2, 2023 - Dec 22, 2023
$25,500
Apr 15, 2023
No Extension
May 15, 2023
Academic Year
Sep 2, 2023 - May 19, 2024
$49,900
Apr 15, 2023
No Extension
May 15, 2023
Spring
Jan, 2024 - May, 2024
$25,500
Oct 25, 2023
No Extension
Nov 25, 2023
The prices indicated per session are the standard price. If students wish to take any science classes, they will incur an additional fee of $1,150 per semester.
Please contact the API office if you have any questions about the course fee structure at UCD.
Excursions
API students participate in excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Dublin programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns.
Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains
Wicklow has been named “The Garden of Ireland” and with it’s beautiful fauna & flora, and it’s breath-taking scenery, you will see why. Our journey will bring us through locations where famous movies such as Braveheart and PS I Love You were filmed. This trip includes stops at waterfalls, the famous Lough Tay, or “Guinness Lake”, the P.S I love you bridge, a hike in the world famous heritage site of Glendalough (Glen of two lakes) where we will see the dramatic and the breathtaking ancient glacial valleys of the Wicklow Mountains and a visit to the Monastic ruins there which hold great importance to Irish History.
Cork
Taking a trip South to Ireland’s second largest city Cork, the weekend will be packed full with bucket list items to see and do. Visit the most famous castle in all of Ireland - Blarney Castle, Lay back and kiss the magical Blarney Stone and receive the gift of eloquent speech for 7 years. Visit the picturesque towns of Kinsale and Cobh. Enjoy Cork city and see the highlights including the English Markets which welcomed Queen Elizabeth II of England on her recent state visit to Ireland. Also experience the Rock of Cashel - a magnificent ruin overlooking the plains of Co. Tipperary.
Causey Farm
Causey farm is an action packed, hands-on excursion on a busy working farm. Come and gather the sheep, feed the pigs and cut the turf… They will teach you how to Irish dance and have a session on the bodhráns. Everyone can make their own soda bread or cut a few sods of turf for the fire. Bog jumping is a Causey favorite, everyone just loves the feel of the bog between the toes and creates some of the best memories ever.
Howth Hikes
Howth is a fishing village just north of Dublin, known for its stunning scenic hikes and views of Lambay Island and the Baily Lighthouse. Howth is also renowned for its seafood and has some of the most famous fish & chip shops in Ireland.
During this excursion, students can hike on Howth Hill to a famous lighthouse, visit the weekend market to browse through an array of Irish crafts and sample the wide selection of organic foods on offer. When done with all of that, students can stroll through Howth Harbor, and hopefully get a glance of the cheeky seals that pop up every now and then!
The Wild Atlantic Way
Join this overnight trip out West to see the world famous Cliffs of Moher. Formed 300 million years ago and towering to a height of over 200 meters, their scale and rugged beauty can truly be seen from the water. Experience traditional Irish culture as we spend the night on the Aran Islands. The next day we head to Galway City, a look into Ireland’s more traditional Gaelic culture, in the setting of a friendly, bohemian city, with a small town feel. Situated alongside a popular seaside destination, you can visit beautiful beaches and walk the long winding promenade. Galway is not called the ‘Capital of Culture’ for nothing.
Ring of Kerry
Two night trip to the stunning kingdom of Kerry. Stay in Killarney, a town famously known for its beautiful national park right on your doorstep. The Ring of Kerry is a tourist trail and part of the mystical & unspoiled region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. The Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland and takes in some of the most spectacular landscapes of Ireland’s Southwest. You will experience life in Kerry and the old way of living in Ireland. We will visit some of the Hotspots, including Muckross House, Molls Gap, Kenmare Town, sheepdog trials and much more.
Causey Farm
Causey farm is an action packed, hands-on excursion on a busy working farm. Come and gather the sheep, feed the pigs and cut the turf… They will teach you how to Irish dance and have a session on the bodhráns. Everyone can make their own soda bread or cut a few sods of turf for the fire. Bog jumping is a Causey favorite, everyone just loves the feel of the bog between the toes and creates some of the best memories ever.
Glendalough
Wicklow has been named “The Garden of Ireland” and with it’s beautiful fauna & flora, and it’s breath-taking scenery, you will see why. Our journey will bring us through locations where famous movies such as Braveheart and PS I Love You were filmed. This trip includes a hike in the world famous heritage site of Glendalough (Glen of two lakes) where we will see the dramatic and the breathtaking ancient glacial valleys of the Wicklow Mountains and a visit to the 6th century Monastic ruins there which hold great importance to Irish History.
Howth
Howth is a fishing village just north of Dublin, known for its stunning scenic hikes and views of Lambay Island and the Baily Lighthouse. Howth is also renowned for its seafood and has some of the most famous fish & chip shops in Ireland.
During this excursion, students can take a hike on Howth Hill to a famous lighthouse, visit the weekend market to browse through an array of Irish crafts and sample the wide selection of organic foods on offer. When done with all of that, students can stroll through Howth Harbor, and hopefully get a glance of the cheeky seals that pop up every now and then!
Bray to Greystones Coastal Hike
This linear walk takes you from Bray to Greystones along the stunning coastal path. Greystones has plenty to offer the hungry walker after beautiful views and a range of marine wildlife. From Bray start, there is a path leading to the top of Bray Head offering stunning views of the Irish Sea, The Wicklow Mountains and Bray.
This is a very enjoyable walk in a spectacular coastal setting linking Bray and Greystones. Views both up and down the coast are breath-taking.
Cork
Taking a trip South to Ireland’s second largest city Cork, the weekend will be packed full with bucket list items to see and do. Visit the most famous castle in all of Ireland - Blarney Castle, Lay back and kiss the magical Blarney Stone and receive the gift of eloquent speech for 7 years. Visit the picturesque towns of Kinsale and Cobh. Enjoy Cork city and see the highlights including the English Markets which welcomed Queen Elizabeth II of England on her recent state visit to Ireland. Also experience the Rock of Cashel - a magnificent ruin overlooking the plains of Co. Tipperary.
The Wild Atlantic Way
Join this overnight trip out West to see the world famous Cliffs of Moher. Formed 300 million years ago and towering to a height of over 200 meters, their scale and rugged beauty can truly be seen from the water. Experience traditional Irish culture as we spend the night on the Aran Islands. The next day we head to Galway City, a look into Ireland’s more traditional Gaelic culture, in the setting of a friendly, bohemian city, with a small town feel. Situated alongside a popular seaside destination, you can visit beautiful beaches and walk the long winding promenade. Galway is not called the ‘Capital of Culture’ for nothing.
Ring of Kerry
Two night trip to the stunning kingdom of Kerry. Stay in Killarney, a town famously known for its beautiful national park right on your doorstep. The Ring of Kerry is a tourist trail and part of the mystical & unspoiled region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. The Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland and takes in some of the most spectacular landscapes of Ireland’s Southwest. You will experience life in Kerry and the old way of living in Ireland. We will visit some of the Hotspots, including Muckross House, Molls Gap, Kenmare Town, sheepdog trials and much more.
Causey Farm
Causey farm is an action packed, hands-on excursion on a busy working farm. Come and gather the sheep, feed the pigs and cut the turf… They will teach you how to Irish dance and have a session on the bodhráns. Everyone can make their own soda bread or cut a few sods of turf for the fire. Bog jumping is a Causey favorite, everyone just loves the feel of the bog between the toes and creates some of the best memories ever.
Glendalough
Wicklow has been named “The Garden of Ireland” and with it’s beautiful fauna & flora, and it’s breath-taking scenery, you will see why. Our journey will bring us through locations where famous movies such as Braveheart and PS I Love You were filmed. This trip includes a hike in the world famous heritage site of Glendalough (Glen of two lakes) where we will see the dramatic and the breathtaking ancient glacial valleys of the Wicklow Mountains and a visit to the 6th century Monastic ruins there which hold great importance to Irish History.
Bray to Greystones Coastal Hike
This linear walk takes you from Bray to Greystones along the stunning coastal path. Greystones has plenty to offer the hungry walker after beautiful views and a range of marine wildlife. From Bray start, there is a path leading to the top of Bray Head offering stunning views of the Irish Sea, The Wicklow Mountains and Bray.
This is a very enjoyable walk in a spectacular coastal setting linking Bray and Greystones. Views both up and down the coast are breath-taking.
Program Details
What You’ll Study
TOTAL CREDITS - 15 credits per semester
Students who choose to study abroad in Dublin at the University College Dublin (UCD) choose from a range of undergraduate courses offered in the Faculties of American Studies, Arts and Celtic Studies, Business, Engineering, Human Sciences, Law, Life Sciences, and Mathematical & Physical Sciences. Courses are arranged in the seminar and lecture style, and grades are based predominantly on work submitted during the semester and by a final exam.
TRANSCRIPTS
API students receive their transcript from University College Dublin upon successful completion of their program.
Kelly Kennedy
Kelly Kennedy will be your Program Coordinator and will help prepare you for your API program!
(she/her/hers)
Rachael O'Malley
Rachael will be your on-site Resident Director and will be a resource for you while you are in Dublin! (she/her/hers)
Emilie Noble
Emilie Noble will be your Regional Director on-site and will assist you in achieving your educational and professional goals abroad. (she/her/hers)
UCD offers a number of unique and in-demand majors for students at all levels, including architecture, business, nursing, international studies, engineering, natural sciences, pre-medicine, and sports management!
Courses are arranged in the seminar and lecture style. Most courses at UCD are equivalent to 2.5 U.S. semester credits. Students may select 3-6 courses (modules) from any one department (e.g., 3-6 modules from the school of Business, 1-2 of which can optionally be from any other school at UCD). Students must enroll in a minimum of 5 modules eligible for up to 15 credit hours per semester. Students must enroll in at least 3 modules from their main department choice.
Students will pre-register for courses prior to arrival. API recommends that after consulting the API website for course listings, students have 10 courses approved by their home university prior to departure, in order to allow for scheduling conflicts and the possible unavailability of certain classes. There is a 1-week add/drop period at the beginning of the semester at UCD.
Please note: not all courses are offered every semester or every year. The course selection may vary, and no course is guaranteed. Contact the API office if you have any questions on available courses.
Students who are interested in taking courses in the schools of Agriculture, Architecture, Nursing, Science, Pre-Med, or the College of Engineering, will be subject to additional fees. Likewise, if a student wants to take the majority of their modules from STEM-related subject areas, they will be assessed an additional tuition fee per semester. The tuition portion of the API program price varies based on the combination of courses chosen. Please check the ‘Dates and Fees’ section or contact the API office for further details.
ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP OPTION (SPRING ONLY)
The UCD College of Engineering & Architecture is offering Study Abroad Engineering Students the opportunity to extend an academic semester of study to include a research or industry placement during the summer. Spring students can be accommodated in a 4-16 week unpaid placement on the basis that they will or have spent an academic semester of study at the UCD College of Engineering & Architecture. While placements cannot be guaranteed, a dedicated Study Abroad Officer will work with the student from the outset to secure their summer placement as early as possible. There is no additional fee for this placement opportunity, though there may be additional fees to extend housing and insurance. Students will be responsible for arranging and financing their own housing to cover the additional time spent in Dublin for the internship. Contact the API Dublin Program Manager for more information on this opportunity.
PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM OPTIONS
UCD has developed a series of programs for study abroad students focused on specific professional disciplines.
These include the following:
Pre-Law
Pre-Medical
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Veterinary
For more information about these professional program options, contact the API office.
CREDIT INFORMATION
UCD awards credit based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Semester courses at the university are usually awarded 5 or 10 ECTS credits. Universities in the U.S. typically award .5 credit hour for every 1 ECTS credit. For example, a course worth 5 ECTS would transfer in the U.S. as 2.5 semester credit hours. It is very important that students planning on studying at UCD discuss the transfer of credits with an advisor at their home university – some universities have different standards for transferring ECTS credits. Based on the ECTS credits awarded per course, students usually take 5-6 classes in order to receive 12-15 credit hours per semester. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are enrolled in the required amount of semester credits to meet the requirements of the home university. In all faculties, entrance to specific courses is subject to the approval of UCD and the completion of certain prerequisites. Courses offered on a year-long basis can only be taken by students visiting for the full academic year.
Courses at University College Dublin (Full Curriculum)
For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!
UCD single-semester students stay on the UCD campus, ideally located and a five-minute walk to class. The three-story apartment buildings are formed into a number of blocks over-looking large grassed areas. Students can enjoy the privacy of their own room with shared bathroom and communal area for cooking and socializing. All utilities are included, with wifi available across the entire campus. There is 24/7 security and support for any issues you may experience. The accommodation also offers a social space for the entire complex, equipped with vending machines, pool table, Xbox and Netflix, and students can also make full use of the campus fitness center, swimming pool, cinema, restaurants, cafes, and health center.
