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Dublin Direct Enrollment – University College Dublin
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with University College Dublin (UCD).
You must meet the requisite minimum number of credits as stipulated for UCD.
You also have to meet UCD’s specific requirements, including the requisite minimum GPA (3.0 on a 4.0 scale), relevant prerequisites for your study track, and junior or senior standing. You should select courses in your major or minor and be prepared to provide documentation of relevant prior coursework.
University College Dublin
Founded in 1854, University College Dublin (UCD) has more than 160 years of tradition. Among its alumni are revolutionaries who participated in the struggle for Irish independence, famed novelist James Joyce, and numerous Irish Presidents and Taoisigh (prime ministers).
Courses
UCD courses are worth 2.5 IES Abroad credits each, unless otherwise noted, and you are required to take 15 IES Abroad credits. Courses are available within the following disciplines:
- Agriculture, Food & Nutrition
- Architecture & Planning* (3 credits)
- Arts & Humanities
- Business
- Engineering* (3 credits)
- Science* (3 credits)
- Sports & Exercise Management
- US & International Affairs
*Additional tuition fee applies. See the Program Fees Sheet for more information.
For information on the course options available, please take a look at UCD Course Search.
Advising & Support
In a direct enrollment program, you are enrolled as a full-time student at one of our international partner institutions. Even though your local host institution is where you’ll take your classes, we’re still here to fully support you.
Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming—we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to you. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
On-Site Staff
As an IES Abroad student directly enrolled at local Irish universities, you have access to the IES Abroad Dublin Center and staff who are specifically dedicated to your needs. Our on-site staff work with you and your local institution to answer any questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety.
Support
Our support services for direct enrollment students are designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff is here for you.
Peer Mentors
All IES Abroad students will be linked with a peer mentor who is a second or third year UCD student. Where possible, you will be assigned to peer mentors who have had a similar experience and have spent some time studying abroad in the United States or in another location.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Dublin, our field trips take you outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond and beyond. These trips are partially subsidized by IES Abroad.
The West of Ireland
3 days | Fall & Spring
Explore the 800-year-old city of Galway, the 2020 European Capital of Culture, with a guided tour and discover the stunning landscapes and castles of Connemara.
Causey Farm
1 day | Fall & Spring
Visit an open farm where you will have the chance to try Irish dancing, bake traditional Irish bread, learn to play an Irish drum called the bodhrán, and jump in a bog.
Students' Choice Day-Trip
1 day | Fall & Spring
Cast your vote at the beginning of the semester for an IES Abroad day-trip location.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Dublin is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-situated and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Dublin staff, your fellow students, and the city of Dublin. Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
In addition, University College Dublin students also participate in their local orientation program for international students.
Housing
As part of IES Abroad’s direct enrollment services, we offer well-situated, comfortable housing for all students because securing housing independently can be challenging. IES Abroad’s housing options meet our safety and security standards.
Residence Hall - You will live in a dedicated student residence at UCD with your own bedroom in either a four-or six-bedroom unit. Each accommodation has a shared kitchen, living room, either private or shared bathrooms, WiFi, and a common laundry facility.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
University Clubs & Events
While you’re at UCD, joining a social or sports club is a great way to meet other students. The college has an active student body with more than 100 clubs and societies.
Students living on campus are invited to participate in Res Life programs, which offer a range of events and activities to help you integrate into the local campus culture.
Check out the UCD Global Lounge for opportunities for cultural exchange and development. You can also join the UCD International Students’ Society, which organizes a range of social and cultural events such as weekend trips to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher, pub outings, and breakfast clubs.
Get to Know Your New City
Take a Day Trip
Just a short train ride away are the towns of Howth, Dun Laoghaire and more. Let the explorer in you roam, and hike along the coast.
Catch a Live Performance
From traditional folk music to cutting-edge performance art, Dublin has it all. Venture to the theatre, or enjoy live music at your local pub.
Taste the Local Food
Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, boxty, and more—sink your teeth into the various fresh and delicious foods of Dublin.
Visit the Book of Kells
See this lavishly illuminated manuscript, located in the beautiful Library of Trinity College Dublin.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Walk along the River Liffey, and meander through the city. Be sure to stop at Fitzwilliam Square and Merrion Square to see the iconic painted doors.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
John Gearen Need-Based Dublin or Developing Regions Scholarship
John Gearen, a member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for many years and past chair of the Board for six years, is a leading real estate attorney and Rhodes Scholar who is involved in numerous philanthropic causes. Mr. Gearen has generously established this scholarship to support students who have an interest in studying on an IES Abroad Center in a developing region of the world (Argentina, Chile, China, Ecuador, Ireland, Morocco, or South Africa).
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers
The Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers was established by an anonymous donor to encourage more engineering students to have the enriching, life changing experience of study abroad.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad Dublin Center is a fully-renovated red-brick Victorian building that used to serve as a post office. Located just south of Dublin’s city center, our building is walking distance from Dublin Castle, St. Stephen’s Green, and Trinity College Dublin.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Study and plan trips in the library and travel planning space
- Meet up with friends in the student lounge
- Borrow one of four laptops or two desktops
Other features include: high-speed internet, printing facilities, photocopier and scanner access
Our Staff
Megan Markey
Center Director
Megan Markey earned an MBA in Education Management from the Institute of Education, University of London and a Masters in Sociology from University College Dublin. Employed by IES Abroad since 2004, Megan teaches our community-based learning seminar, Service Learning: Youth Engagement and Education in Ireland. She has also taught qualitative research for the Sociology Department at University College Dublin. Megan was the Assistant Director of the Dublin Center from 2010-2014 and became the Center Director in 2015.
IES Abroad Dublin Staff
Regina Fitzpatrick
Assistant Director
Shane Fitzgerald
Internship Coordinator
Andrew Diviney
Student Affairs Coordinator
Stephen McMahon
Senior Writers Program Coordinator
Cristin O'Gorman
Internship Coordinator
Mairéad White
Accountant Assistant
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Fall 2021
We all know that Fall 2021 is going to look a bit different from other study abroad terms, but that doesn’t mean it still won’t be the most incredible semester of your life!
We’re working hard to keep you safe and well, so you can focus on what you came to do—live and learn abroad (and have some fun along the way!). Below is a summary of the main tweaks to the program this semester, which may be updated as more details become known. You can learn even more about our measures for all programs on our Fall 2021 Health & Safety page.
Academics
Know that you’ll be learning from the best of the best this fall. On our Dublin Direct Enrollment - University College Dublin program, you’ll take courses at University College Dublin (UCD). Explore all the course options from UCD on the “Academics” tab.
Health & Safety Protocols
We’re making sure that your learning experience is a safe one so you can focus on the topic at hand. So, to enhance effective social/physical distancing, IES Abroad is taking proactive measures in the classroom, including:
- limiting class enrollment sizes
- adjusting space layout and room choice
- and promoting student/faculty use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Learn more about our health and safety measures for Fall 2021.
Housing
You will live in a dedicated student residence at UCD with your own bedroom in either a four-or six-bedroom unit. Mixed-gender and single-gender apartments are available. Each accommodation has a shared kitchen, living room, either private or shared bathrooms, WiFi, and a common laundry facility.
Field Trips
Across all IES Abroad programs, field trips will stay local and regional this fall. Your fields trips will all take place in Ireland, which means you’ll get fully immersed in the culture(s) you came for! Possible trips include:
- Gaelic Games
- Causey Farm
- Other locations will be added based on student preference. Come with ideas in mind!
Our Center
Our Center in Dublin is your go-to spot for student services and information. Serving as your campus away from campus, you can feel safe going to class or checking in with an IES Abroad staff member because, at a minimum, IES Abroad Centers will undergo daily cleaning and disinfection by professional cleaning services.
Cost
Cost details for Fall 2021 can be found on the Cost tab. Be sure to click through the linked total to view a thorough cost breakdown PDF. Consider those prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Go Ahead & Get Started…With a Refund Policy that has your Back
As a mission-driven, not-for-profit, we are guided by two priorities as we navigate Fall 2021: to leave the door open for your opportunity to study abroad, and to strive to keep you safe and healthy. So, what’s our advice? Give yourself the chance to have an incredible adventure—even if it’s a bit different than planned!—and know we’re right alongside you as the details unfold.
And thanks to our Fall 2021 Refund Policy, there’s no commitment just yet. What’s more, once you start an application, you’ll be in the loop and hear directly from us if any changes are made to your program.
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