Language of instruction
University College Dublin is Ireland’s largest and most international university and is currently ranked within the top 1% of institutions worldwide. It is a vibrant, modern university, situated on a spacious and leafy campus some 5km to the south of Dublin city centre.
Dublin is the thriving capital of the Republic of Ireland and is the centre of the political, diplomatic, administrative and commercial life of the country. A visit to Dublin allows you to explore both the historical and the modern, from castles and churches to cafés and pubs.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | January–May |
| Semester 2 | Semester 1 | September–January |
View UCD's academic calendar.
Guides and additional information
UCD has online resources to help get the most out of your exchange:
- International student handbook
- Exchange student orientation, including link to welcome guide
- UCD International Exchanges Facebook page
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Student testimonials
- B ScienceSemester 1, 2019
Exchange was so much more valuable than I could have imagined, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
- B EconomicsSemester 1, 2019
Great craic!
- B Engineering/ArtsSemester 1, 2019
It turned out to be everything I wanted and more – do not hesitate to apply!
Full-time study load
30 ECTS credits per semester at UCD is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Minimum academic requirements
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at UCD.
Find courses
Search the Credit Precedent Database to find courses offered by your host university that have been previously approved for credit at UQ. The database should be used as a general guide only.
Search the UCD course catalogue if courses do not appear in the database. Business course list are usually confirmed in August for the following academic year.
Ensure you search for the correct level of courses - see "Additional Academic Information" below for more detail.
Study areas taught in English
Course restrictions
You can select the majority of your courses (20-30 ECTS credits) from one single faculty and up to 2 electives (5-10 ECTS credits) from another subject area. The following faculties are available to exchange students:
- Arts & Humanities
- Business
- Engineering & Architecture
- Health & Agricultural Sciences (only sports science, food science and agriculture).
- Social Sciences and Law
- Science
Places in English and Psychology courses are in high demand and are only available to students majoring in these areas. Bachelor of Psychological Science (BPsySc) students are not recommended to apply for UCD.
Master of Architecture students must have relevant studio experience to apply for UCD.
Courses in the following programs are not available to exchange students:
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Physiotherapy
- Medicine
- Veterinary Sciences
Additional academic information
UCD has online resources to help navigate their academic policies:
Course code numbering:
Undergraduate:
LEVEL:1 Introductory - 1st year
LEVEL:2 Intermediate - 2nd year
LEVEL:3 Degree - 3rd year
Postgraduate:
LEVEL:4 Masters - 4th year
The main indicator is the first number in the module code, so for example ECON20010 will be a 2nd year course. The level is also mentioned in the course description that can be found on our course search.
There are possible overlaps, however, when it comes to level 4 courses as they can sometimes be open to 3rd year students with a specialisation in the field as well as to graduate students. This often occurs in Science, e.g. Computer Science courses.
Exchange students are allowed to take any level of courses from 1 to 3. If they are interested in taking level 4 courses, we will need to assess each individual case with our academic contacts. If they are postgrad students in their home university, they will likely be able to attend the course. If they are undergrads it will depend on the course being open to undergrad students as mentioned above.
In general, we recommend that you or the student reach out to us directly to inquire about specific level 4 courses
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Accommodation
UCD has accommodation available on-campus in residence halls, catered and self-catering apartments, however, places are limited and accommodation cannot be guaranteed for all international students. If you have not been allocated a room in the student residences on-campus, or if you would rather live off-campus, you can contact the UCD Residences Off-Campus Office or the Student Union Accommodation Services for advice on off-campus options.
Cost of living
UCD has developed a guide to the living costs in Ireland to help budget for your exchange.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in the Student Exchange Program are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
UCD provides advice to students regarding their health, services available and health insurance requirements.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
UCD has visa and immigration information for incoming exchange students.
Contact the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for visa information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, Global Experience programs to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Register your travel plans
We recommend that you register your travel plans on the Smartraveller website so that the Australian Government can contact you or your family in an emergency.
Non-Australian citizens should register with their closest consulate.
Exchange deadlines
May 31 for Semester 1 of the following year.
October 31 for Semester 2 of the following year.