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 freshman, 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, 2023 - May, 2023
$19,900
Oct 30, 2022
No Extension
Nov 30, 2022
Fall
Sep, 2023 - Dec, 2023
$19,900
Jul 8, 2023
No Extension
Aug 8, 2023
Academic Year
Sep, 2023 - Jun, 2024
$38,900
Jul 8, 2023
No Extension
Aug 8, 2023
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.
Boyne Valley Farm Tour
The Boyne Valley, located in Ireland’s Ancient East, is Ireland's heritage cultural center, and was once the seat of the High Kings and the political & ceremonial center of the island. The Boyne Valley is scattered with ancient burial tombs older than the pyramids, and ceremonial lands, Medieval Castles that were honored by the Irish clans, and some of the best agricultural land in the country. During this trip, students will stop at a famous castle, visit a working farm, and hike to a stunning Megalithic Tomb on Witches Hill.
Galway City Day Trip
On Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, Galway City is 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, students can visit its beautiful beaches and walk the long winding promenade. After exploring its labyrinthine cobbled streets, colorful shop facades, old bookstores, and weekend markets, there’s still more to do! Visitors can kick back and listen to some of Ireland's best traditional musicians, tour the great museums, watch craftspeople make hand-knit pieces, pick up a Claddagh ring in the home of Claddagh, sip on a cuppa beside a turf fire, or test their ears on the Gaelic language sung & spoken. Galway is not called the ‘Capital of Culture' for nothing!
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 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!
Wicklow Way & Glendalough Trip
Wicklow has been named “The Garden of Ireland” due to its beautiful fauna & flora, and its breathtaking scenery. The journey will bring students 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) with its dramatic and the breathtaking ancient glacial valleys of the Wicklow Mountains, and a visit to the monastic ruins that hold great importance to Irish history.
Boyne Valley Farm Tour
The Boyne Valley, located in Ireland’s Ancient East, is Ireland's heritage cultural center, and was once the seat of the High Kings and the political & ceremonial center of the island. The Boyne Valley is scattered with ancient burial tombs older than the pyramids, and ceremonial lands, Medieval Castles that were honored by the Irish clans, and some of the best agricultural land in the country. During this trip, students will stop at a famous castle, visit a working farm, and hike to a stunning Megalithic Tomb on Witches Hill.
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.
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!
Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a tourist trail and part of the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits that include golf, water sports, cycling, walking, running, riding and the very best fishing in freshwater rivers. Above all, 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.
There is a huge variety in the excursion including incredible scenery, historical and archaeological sites of national importance, Ceilí dancing, traditional music, Gaelic football, meeting local people, visiting a Gaelic speaking area and learning about local traditions & the way of life. Students get to experience life in Kerry and visit places most tourists never see. It’s always great fun or ‘great craic’ – an experience not to be missed!
Boyne Valley Farm Tour
The Boyne Valley, located in Ireland’s Ancient East, is Ireland's heritage cultural center, and was once the seat of the High Kings and the political & ceremonial center of the island. The Boyne Valley is scattered with ancient burial tombs older than the pyramids, and ceremonial lands, Medieval Castles that were honored by the Irish clans, and some of the best agricultural land in the country. Students will visit a famous castle, a working farm, and hike to a stunning Megalithic Tomb on Witches Hill.
Bray to Greystones Coastal Hike
The beautiful coastal walk to Greystones begins from the pretty seaside town of Bray. Students will navigate one of the region's most picturesque coastal hikes to the quaint village of Greystones, and will visit yummy eateries to suit all tastes!
Dingle
Dingle is renowned for its landscape panoramic views and also for the warmth of its people. It is a small fishing village with many castle ruins, ancient monuments and archaeological sites.
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.
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!
Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a tourist trail and part of the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits that include golf, water sports, cycling, walking, running, riding and the very best fishing in freshwater rivers. Above all, 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.
There is a huge variety in the excursion including incredible scenery, historical and archaeological sites of national importance, Ceilí dancing, traditional music, Gaelic football, meeting local people, visiting a Gaelic speaking area and learning about local traditions & the way of life. Students get to experience life in Kerry and visit places most tourists never see. It’s always great fun or ‘great craic’ – an experience not to be missed!
The Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is a world-famous coastal route that spans seven of Ireland’s counties, taking in some breathtaking scenery along the way. Stops may include the Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, the Spanish Point, Doolin, the Ailwee Caves, the Burren, and more!
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.
Courtney Kovacs
Courtney Kovacs will be your program advisor and help prepare you to go abroad!
(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.
