Learning Abroad Center
A modern, white bridge spans over water in Dublin, Ireland. Buildings stand on either side of the water while an historic ship sits on the water.

University Study in Ireland: University College Dublin

Europe

Study at Ireland's largest university, located south of the city center in Dublin. The university offers a wide range of academic disciplines paired with strong student support.

Program Details

Location
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Term
Term
Academic Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Housing
Housing
Apartment
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
3.0

About

Study at University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland's largest and most globally engaged university. At UCD, you can choose to study a range of disciplines, including the study of society, business, the creative arts, and more, while immersing yourself in Irish culture and heritage.

Program Model

University Study

Housing & Meals

Live on campus with other international students in shared student apartments. There are several different housing options, each with different prices. Meals are not included, but you can prepare meals in your apartment kitchen, or eat out at local restaurants.

Excursions

An essential part of studying abroad is for you to experience the local culture and traditions of your host country. UCD Global provides a complimentary Cultural & Social Programme for study abroad students. They'll take you on various cultural nights out in the city and day tours across the island. Additional excursions may include:

  • Music, theatre and comedy shows;
  • national parks and heritage sites;
  • hiking and cycling trips;
  • castle, cave and factory tours.

This series of activities and excursions are completely free to attend and you are encouraged to sign up for as many as you wish. At the beginning of term, you will be sent a calendar of events that you can sign up for at any time during the semester.

Learning Outcomes

When you study at the University College Dublin, you will:

  • augment your cross-cultural understanding through interaction with Irish and international students and community members;
  • gain appreciation of the academic culture of the Republic of Ireland and differences between the Irish and US educational systems through direct enrollment;
  • gain awareness and appreciation of Irish culture through on-campus accommodation with Irish students, as well as access to a wide range of student organizations and clubs;
  • become more self-reliant through immersion in a new culture and separation from familiar structures and surroundings;
  • become more effective at navigating differences by spending 4 to 10 months of full integration in a foreign academic, cultural, and political climate;
  • and experience Irish and international perspectives on academic disciplines through direct enrollment at an Irish host university.

Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff at University College Dublin are accessible and supportive. You will work closely with the UCD Global Office before and during your experience. These advising and support services are designed to help you adjust to a new educational system and integrate into campus life.

Program Structure

Program Level
Various levels
Courseload

12–15 credits per semester; 24–30 credits for an academic year

Coursework

You can search for classes offered on the UCD website

UCD Grade & Credit Conversion Chart

When looking through courses, keep the following information in mind:

  • When looking at courses, a "Programme" is a major or department, and a "Module" is a course
  • You will apply to a specific Faculty (college) and will be required to take a majority of your courses within that Faculty. You can usually take 1-2 courses outside of your Faculty.
  • UCD's credits are called ECTS, and they will transfer back as half as many credits. So if you find a module that is 5 ECTS, it will transfer back as 2.5 credits at the UofM
  • Students are required to take a minimum of 12 UofM credits. Since most classes will transfer back as 2.5 credits, you should plan to take either 12.5 US credits (25 ECTS) or 15 US credits (30 ECTS)
  • Any courses that transfer back to the UofM as less than 3 credits that students are intending to use for a Liberal Education requirement will require a Partial Credit Waiver from their college/department. Students are only allowed a limited number partial credit waivers for LE requirements in their time at the UofM. Check with your academic advisor if you have questions about using a partial credit waiver for Dublin courses.
  • Courses in Psychology & English are limited to students who have declared those majors prior to going abroad.
  • Science students can participate in the Science Study Abroad Research Module which is eligible for the I-UROP scholarship.

Global Identity

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.

To access more information about the course, visit the Global Identity Course Information page.

Program Dates

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Orientation Dates & Locations

Term AbroadDate/TimeLocation
Spring 2025TBDTBD
Academic Year 2024–25TBDTBD
Fall 2024TBDTBD

Spring 2025

Application Deadline: October 10, 2024

ScheduleDate
Program StartTBD
Program EndTBD

Academic Year 2024–25

Application Deadline: April 15, 2024

ScheduleDate
Program StartTBD
Program EndTBD

Fall 2024

Application Deadline: April 15, 2024

ScheduleDate
Program StartTBD
Program EndTBD

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Academic Year 2024–25

University Study in Ireland: U College Dublin

Academic Yr Fall 2024/Spring 2025

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costsPre-Physical Therapy add $1840 to program fee. Journalism & International Affairs add $2990 to program fee. $24,806
International health insurance $529
Housing and/or meals $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $25,735
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $25,735

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $1,500
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documentsResidence permit, paid after you arrive in Dublin $350
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,000
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $400
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeHousing ($6000/semester), Meals ($5100 - $150 per week) $17,100
Essential daily living expenses $2,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $19,500

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $47,235
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $3,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Fall 2024

University Study in Ireland: U College Dublin

Fall Semester 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costsPre-Physical Therapy add $920 to program fee. Journalism & International Affairs add $1495 to program fee. $13,512
International health insurance $228
Housing and/or meals $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $14,140
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $14,140

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $1,500
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documentsResidence permit, paid after you arrive in Dublin $350
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,000
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $200
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeHousing ($6000), Meals ($2550 - $150 per week) $8,550
Essential daily living expenses $1,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $9,750

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $25,890
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

If you do not currently have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your return date, or are still needing to apply for a new one, start the process as soon as possible. Visit the UofM Passport Office website for more information.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist.

Upon initial review of your application, the Learning Abroad Center will send you a link to University College Dublin's online application system. Create an account there, and upload the items requested. These items include but are not limited to:

  • Official transcript
  • Course selection information
  • Passport copy or Birth Certificate copy

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Visa

Passport

A passport is required to enter Ireland. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your program. If you have not already obtained your passport, you should apply for one immediately. Information about applying for a passport can be found on the US Department of State's website.

Visas

US citizens traveling with a US passport do not need to apply for a visa to study in Ireland. Non-US citizens should check to see if a visa is required for entry into Ireland. If it is, we can provide acceptance letters or other documentation you may need.

Immigration

All students should travel with their immigration letter in their carry-on luggage. You will be asked for it when you land in Ireland.
University students—this is your acceptance letter from the university that was emailed to you. 
Study Center students—this letter will be emailed to you prior to your departure.

Within the first few weeks of arriving in Dublin, you will need to meet with the local immigration authorities to register your stay in Ireland. At the appointment with the immigration officials, you will need to provide the following materials:

  • Your acceptance/immigration letter
  • 300 euro, paid by credit or debit card. Cash is NOT accepted.
  • Proof of insurance - your CISI insurance card will be emailed to you a few weeks before you depart for Dublin
  • Financial Statement Form – If you are supporting yourself, note that on the Financial Statement form and bring a copy of your bank statement with you. Your bank statement has to show the equivalent of 3000 euro. If your parents are supporting you, please have them fill out the Financial Statement Form, and have it notarized. 

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to 

Dunia Tesfaye at [email protected], or call at 612.626.1117