API invites you to study abroad in Ireland at Maynooth University! Situated only 15 miles from Dublin, Maynooth is Ireland's only "university town," and welcomes students from across the globe. You can choose from a range of undergraduate courses in the fields of Arts, Celtic Studies & Philosophy, Science and Engineering, and Social Sciences. This program also offers an array of additional opportunities, to include mentorship and special certificate programs.
Enroll in classes alongside students from across the world, earn valuable academic credit, experience the warm hospitality of the Irish people, and explore Ireland with API!
Open to first years, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Completed API application
University Approval Form
Official transcript
Entry Requirements: Valid passport with supporting documentation
Dates & Fees
Session
Program Dates
Program Cost
Application Deadline
Extended Application Deadline
Payment Deadline
Spring
Jan 29, 2024 - Jun 2, 2024
$19,900
Oct 15, 2023
No Extension
Nov 30, 2023
Academic Year
Sep, 2024 - Jun, 2025
$38,900
May 15, 2024
No Extension
Jun 14, 2024
Fall
Sep, 2024 - Dec, 2024
$19,900
May 15, 2024
No Extension
Jun 14, 2024
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Program Details
What You’ll Study
TOTAL CREDITS - 12-15 credits per semester
API students who choose to study abroad in Dublin at Maynooth University choose from a range of undergraduate courses as offered in the Faculty of Arts, Celtic Studies and Philosophy, the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and the Faculty of Social Sciences. Courses are arranged in the seminar and lecture styles, and grades are based predominantly on one final exam.
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
In addition to the normal class offerings at Maynooth University, API semester students may participate in one of several certificate programs offered during the semester or academic year. These may include:
Certificate in Irish Cultural Heritage
Certificate in International Business
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY MENTOR PROGRAM
API students at Maynooth University have the exciting opportunity to participate in a university-sponsored mentoring program. Maynooth University’s Mentoring Program facilitates intercultural exchange by matching full-time Irish students with recently arrived study abroad students. It is a program with mutual benefits! The local Irish student mentors are eager to share the area they know so well with their API student mentee, and the API students are encouraged to integrate with local students and learn more about Irish life, both inside and out of the university setting.
TRANSCRIPTS
Students will receive their transcript from Maynooth University (formerly known as the National University of Ireland, Maynooth) upon 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)
For the most up-to-date course availability, click here to explore our Class Finder.
CREDIT INFORMATION
API partner universities in Ireland operate on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). It is generally accepted that in order to convert from ECTS to U.S. credits, one should divide the ECTS total by 2. Most courses at Maynooth University are equivalent to 2.5 U.S. semester credits. Students take up to 6 courses and receive 15 credit hours per semester. Not all courses are offered every semester or every year. The course selection may vary, and no course is guaranteed. Some courses may have prerequisites, and some courses may require minimal additional fees for labs, equipment, etc. Registration takes place upon arrival; however, we recommend 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 Maynooth University.
IRISH STUDIES OPTIONS
Maynooth University offers a flexible Irish Studies pathway designed specifically to introduce international students from all disciplines to Ireland’s history, literature and culture. API students may opt to take a one-semester, introductory module in Irish Studies, or to enroll for the wider-ranging Certificate in Irish Studies, which can be taken over one or two semesters.
INTRODUCTION TO IRISH STUDIES 2.5 CREDITS (SEMESTER).
Coordinated by An Foras Feasa: the Institute for Research in Irish Historical and Cultural Traditions, this module draws on a number of academic disciplines, including literature, film, and music. No previous knowledge of these subjects is required as this introductory course caters for study abroad students from all academic backgrounds. Weekly classes, led by subject specialists and conducted through the medium of English, are complemented by field trips that introduce students to issues, trends, and debates relating to Irish society, cultural heritage, and national identity. Tracing a number of key themes across a range of twentieth-century and contemporary texts and films, students are encouraged to explore and debate what it means and have meant, to be Irish.
CERTIFICATE IN IRISH CULTURAL HERITAGE 10 CREDITS (SEMESTER OR ACADEMIC YEAR)
This certificate on Irish Cultural Heritage is available to students visiting Maynooth University for a single semester and for the full academic year. The program offers an interdisciplinary evaluation of early Irish cultural history with particular emphasis on archaeological, literary, historical and linguistic evidence. Modules are delivered by academic experts while there is an exciting program of Field Seminars that bring students to some of the most iconic archaeological and historical sites. There are no prerequisites and no exams: all assessment is through written assignments. Semester students may take other courses at Maynooth University for additional credits in order to retain full-time status (12-semester credits).
Modules:
Students choose one core module and three optional ones:
ID001 Introducing Irish Cultural Heritage (core)
ID003 The Cultural Heritage of Newgrange (optional)
ID004 Cultural Heritage & the Irish Literary Tradition (optional)
ID005 Cultural Heritage & the Early Irish Heroic Tradition (optional)
ID013 The Cultural Heritage of ‘Royal Sites’ (optional)
LC101 Irish Language 1 (optional)
PH204 Medieval Philosophy (optional)
CERTIFICATE IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS 10 CREDITS SEMESTER
The objective of this certificate is to provide visiting international students with a grounding in the functional principles of international business. Upon completion of the certificate, students will demonstrate an intermediate knowledge of the fundamentals of business and management in general, as well as a solid grounding in international business specifically. In particular, the program will challenge cultural and management stereotypes and question the application and appropriateness of frameworks established under more traditional perspectives. Semester students may take other courses at Maynooth University for additional credits in order to retain full-time status (12-semester credits).
Modules:
MN215 International Business (Fall)
MN313 International Marketing (Fall)
MN322 Managing Multinational Cooperations (Fall)
MN224 International Marketing (Spring)
MN214 International HR Management (Spring)
MN 323 International Corporate Entrepreneurship (Spring)
CREDIT INFORMATION
Maynooth University 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 semester credit hour for every 1 ECTS credit. For example, a course worth 5 ECTS would transfer to the U.S. as 2.5 semester credit hours. It is very important that students planning on studying at Maynooth University 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. Most courses at Maynooth University do not have specific prerequisites, though certain disciplines may (languages, mathematics, and sciences). Courses offered on a year-long basis can only be taken by students visiting for the full academic year.
Courses at Maynooth University (Full Curriculum at Maynooth University in Dublin)
For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!
Courses with Irish and other international students
Best of both worlds – small Irish community on the outskirts of Dublin City
Ireland’s only university town
Beautiful old campus buildings mixed with modern architecture
Many scenic trails and country walks
Charming small town feel
Vibrant campus community
Approximately twenty miles from Dublin city center
Housing
Maynooth offers accommodation for over 900 students in purpose-built on-campus apartments, a short stroll from classes, the Maynooth town center, and connecting bus and train routes. Students can enjoy the privacy of a single bed ensuite room with shared communal areas for cooking and socializing. Crockery is not included. 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 apartments also offer lift access to upper and on-site laundry facilities, as well as the use of the campus fitness center, restaurants, cafes, and health clinic.
Housing for academic year students is included in the period between the fall and spring semesters. Meals are not included in these housing options.
