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Dublin Direct Enrollment – University College Dublin
$5 Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
IES Abroad’s 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 Univeristy College Dublin.
Courses
You will take 6 courses during your time at UCD - 4 courses in a primary discipline, and 2 elective courses that can be either in your primary discipline or a different discipline.
When studying at UCD, you are eligible to choose from the following disciplines:
- Agriculture, Food & Nutrition
- Architecture *
- Arts and Humanities
- Business
- Engineering *
- Science *
- Social Sciences
*Enrolling in a course(s) in Architecture, Engineering, and Science requires an additional fee.
For information on the course options available, please take a look here:
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.
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.
Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming. This is why we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. 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 specifically 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 there for you.
Field Trips & Events
Although your adventure begins in Dublin, our field trips take you to rural areas and Northern Ireland to provide contrast and context for what you are learning in Dublin. You share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad.
Northern Ireland
3 Days | Fall & Spring
Take a guided tour of Belfast, visit the Giant's Causeway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and explore the countryside for an ultimate Game of Thrones experience.
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 play in a bog.
Celtic Origin of Halloween
1 Day | Fall
Join a guided tour of historic sites around County Meath where the festival of Samhain (more commonly known today as Halloween) originated more than 2,000 years ago.
Following in the Footsteps of St. Brigid
1 Day | Spring
Go off the beaten track to the ruins of Faughart and the town of Kildare to explore St. Brigid’s birthplace and learn the legends surrounding her as a Celtic Goddess and Christian saint.
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-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
Orientation
The program begins with an orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Dublin staff, your fellow students, and the city of Dublin.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins right when you arrive and continues through 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.
You also take guided tours around the Center and areas of interest in Dublin as part of your orientation.
You will also participate in UCD's orientation program for international students. This begins with an evening reception where the President welcoming new international students. The following day you will learn about safety, visas, transportation and student life.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Dublin, it will feel like home.
As a study abroad student, you will apply for student housing after your acceptance. The majority of students choose to live on campus but there is a limited number of beds also available in town.
You will have shared accommodations at UCD, and you will have your own bedroom, giving you maximum comfort and maximum privacy. The exceptionally well appointed residential accommodation comprises of comfortable 4-bedroom and 6-bedroom accommodations – with free WiFi throughout. Each accommodation has spacious shared kitchen and living room and a common laundry facility.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
With over 70 student societies, UCD has something for everyone. Being involved in society life is a great way to make friends and develop your skills. The university experience is all about getting involved and getting active, trying something new, having fun and making some great friends and memories along the way. The best way to get involved is to join a society during Fresher’s week.
Clubs
Getting involved in a sports club is an ideal way to keep fit, learn a new skill, meet people with similar interests, as well as provide a welcome break from academic life. UCD sports clubs are for the most part student-run and student-led, so you can play your sport and if you wish also lead and develop your club. With nearly 60 sports clubs to choose from, ranging from team sports, adventure sports, water sports to martial arts, there is something for everyone!
UCD Cultural Program
The international office organizes a Cultural Program with events and trips througout the term. Typical events include a day trip to the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny where students visit the local cathedral and castle. Irish music session and sporting events are all part of the fun when studying abroad with UCD.
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 theatre, 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 illustrated manuscript, located in the beautiful Trinity College Library.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Walk along the River Liffey, and meander through the city. Be sure to stop at Fitzwilliam Square and Merrion Square for the famous colorful 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
Program-Specific 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
$5 Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad Dublin Center occupies a red-brick Victorian building that was originally a post office and has been completely renovated. The Center is walking distance from St. Stephen’s Green and Trinity College.
Features include:
- High-speed Internet, printer, photocopier and scanner access
- A student lounge with study desks
- 4 laptops and 2 desktops
- Classrooms
- A small library and travel planning area
Take a virtual tour of what it’s like to be in Dublin and what the IES Abroad Dublin Center is like!
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 service 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 Staff
IES Abroad Dublin Staff
Regina Fitzpatrick
Assistant Director
Shane Fitzgerald
Internship Coordinator
Andrew Diviney
Student Affairs Coordinator
Stephen McMahon
Senior Faculty and Writers Program Coordinator
Cristin O'Gorman
Internship Coordinator
Mairéad White
Accountant Assistant
Latest from Dublin
Contact a Past Participant
From budgeting tips to housing insight, 500+ IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad experiences and advice.
