IRELAND · CORK
University College Cork
public · Founded 1845 · Languages: English, Irish
In short
University College Cork (UCC) is a leading Irish research university founded in 1845, offering over 200 programs to around 18,000 students from over 100 countries. Located in the vibrant city of Cork, UCC is recognized for its sustainability efforts and strong graduate employability.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1845
- Students
- 18,000
- International students
- 3,800
- Acceptance rate
- 55%
- Tuition (intl)
- €6–25k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH, IRISH
- Location
- Cork, Ireland
University College Cork (UCC) is a leading Irish research university founded in 1845, enrolling around 18,000 students from over 100 countries. It offers more than 200 programmes across medicine, engineering, arts, law, science, and food science. UCC is distinguished as the world's first Green Flag Campus and has been voted Sunday Times Irish University of the Year five times. Its location in Cork places students in one of Europe's most dynamic and welcoming mid-size cities.
Why study here
- Ranked in the top 2% of global universities (QS 2024, rank #246) with rising international recognition
- World's first Green Flag Campus — a leader in sustainability research and campus practice
- More than 1,000 scholarships and bursaries awarded annually to domestic and international students
- Cork is ranked among Europe's most livable cities — safe, affordable relative to Dublin, and well-connected
- Strong graduate employability through close industry ties in pharma, tech, and agri-food sectors
- Voted safest campus in Ireland and among the safest globally
Student life
UCC's 'Begin, Belong, Become' ethos underpins a comprehensive support ecosystem for international students: pre-arrival visa guidance, dedicated orientation, mental health services, career coaching, and a lively network of 200+ clubs and societies. Cork's compact, walkable city centre, vibrant food and music scene, and easy access to the Wild Atlantic Way make it an exceptional base for student life.
Fees
InternationalUndergraduate: approximately €19,900–€25,000/year for most programmes; Medicine (MB, BCh) and Dentistry (BDS): €48,000–€52,000/year. Postgraduate taught: €13,000–€25,000/year depending on programme.
HomeEU/EEA undergraduate: free tuition under the Free Fees Initiative; student contribution levy ~€3,000/year.
LivingEstimated €900–€1,200/month in Cork for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
UCC awards over 1,000 scholarships and bursaries annually. Students should budget for health insurance, study materials, and the student levy separately.
Admissions
Undergraduate (non-EU)Equivalent of Irish Leaving Certificate with relevant subject grades; country-specific requirements listed on the International Admissions pages
Postgraduate taught (non-EU)Recognised bachelor's degree (2.1 or equivalent); some programmes require relevant work experience
Postgraduate research (non-EU)First-class or upper-second bachelor's; research proposal and supervisor agreement required
IELTS6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT90 overall
PTE Academic63
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024246
Times Higher Education World Rankings 2024601–800
Sunday Times Irish University of the Year5× winner
University scholarships
UCC International Merit ScholarshipUp to €5,000 per year for high-achieving international undergraduates
UCC General Scholarships & BursariesOver 1,000 awarded annually; amounts vary by category
Sanctuary Scholarship (ACE)Full fee waiver for students with refugee/protection status
Accreditation
Constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI); accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). Medical and dental programmes hold professional accreditation from the Medical Council of Ireland.
Programs
a selectionUniversity College Cork · Ireland
ACE Standalone Modules
University College Cork's Adult Continuing Education (ACE) department offers standalone modules for individuals looking to study specific subjects without committing to a full program. These modules allow for focused learning and can be a stepping stone to further qualifications. ACE provides flexible learning opportunities in a variety of fields.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University College Cork · Ireland
Adult Continuing Education Programmes
University College Cork (UCC) offers a wide range of Adult Continuing Education (ACE) programmes designed for individuals seeking to enhance their skills, advance their careers, or pursue new areas of interest. These programmes are delivered in various formats, including part-time and full-time options, across multiple NFQ levels from 6 to 9. The ACE unit focuses on providing flexible learning opportunities for adults, catering to diverse educational needs and professional development goals.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
University College Cork · Ireland
Certificate Courses at University College Cork
University College Cork (UCC) offers a variety of Certificate courses through its Adult Continuing Education department. These programs are designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills in diverse fields. Many certificates are part-time, allowing students to balance study with other commitments. The duration and specific focus vary significantly between programs.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University College Cork · Ireland
Diploma in Adult Continuing Education
University College Cork (UCC) offers a Diploma in Adult Continuing Education through its Adult Continuing Education (ACE) department. This program is designed for individuals interested in the field of adult education, providing a foundational understanding and practical skills relevant to working with adult learners. The ACE department at UCC focuses on flexible and accessible learning opportunities for a diverse range of students. This diploma program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and competencies necessary to engage effectively in adult learning environments. It explores various aspects of adult education, potentially covering topics such as learning theories, curriculum design for adults, facilitation techniques, and assessment strategies. The curriculum is structured to support personal and professional development in the field of lifelong learning. UCC is committed to providing high-quality education, and the ACE department specifically caters to the needs of continuing education students. Further details regarding specific course content, duration, and application procedures can be found on the ACE section of the UCC website.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University College Cork · Ireland
Higher and Postgraduate Diploma Courses
University College Cork (UCC) offers a variety of Higher and Postgraduate Diploma courses through its Adult Continuing Education department. These programs are designed for individuals seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in specific fields, often serving as a pathway to further postgraduate study or career enhancement. The courses are structured to accommodate diverse learning needs, with options for part-time study. The Adult Continuing Education department at UCC is committed to providing accessible and flexible learning opportunities. Information on specific courses, including admission requirements and application procedures, is available through the department's study options. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the A-Z listing of available diplomas to find a program that aligns with their academic and professional goals.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University College Cork · Ireland
Part-time Master's Programmes at University College Cork
University College Cork (UCC) offers a range of part-time Master's programmes through its Adult Continuing Education department. These programs are designed for individuals seeking to advance their knowledge and skills while balancing other commitments. The programs are delivered on-campus in Cork, Ireland. UCC is committed to providing high-quality education and support to its students. The Adult Continuing Education center offers a variety of courses aimed at professional development and personal enrichment. Further details on specific Master's programs, including curriculum and entry requirements, can be found by exploring the available courses.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Ireland
full fundingGovernment of Ireland, Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland Fellows Programme)
Casement Fellowship in Human Rights
Open to Nigerian nationals currently residing in Nigeria who have at least two years of relevant professional work experience and hold a bachelor's degree (minimum GPA 3.0/4.0 or equivalent) awarded no earlier than 2014. Applicants must not already hold a master's degree or higher, must be applying for a new one-year master's beginning in 2026, and must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
Feb 27, 2027
Deadline
tuition only fundingCork University Business School (CUBS), University College Cork
UCC CUBS Bank of Ireland Executive MBA Scholarship
Open to international and domestic applicants of all nationalities who are currently employed in the Not-for-Profit or Charity sector, meet the entry requirements for the UCC CUBS Executive MBA (Course Code CKL11), have applied for the programme, and have received and accepted an offer of a place. Only one scholarship is awarded for the intake.
tuition only
Funding
€32k
Max
Jun 20, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Galway
University of Galway FlexECon PhD Scholarship
Open to applicants of all nationalities holding a strong undergraduate degree in Economics or a closely related discipline, with strong quantitative and problem-solving skills and fluent written and spoken English. A master's degree is an advantage. Candidates must be willing to take additional structured PhD coursework.
full
Funding
€31k
Max
Jan 22, 2027
Deadline
full funding20FIFTY Partners
20FIFTY Partners Masters by Research in Sustainability
Open to international graduates holding (or expecting) at least a 2.1 honours degree in a relevant discipline such as environmental studies, engineering, data analytics, scientific research or business. Candidates awaiting results may apply but must achieve the 2.1 minimum. Applicants who need a visa must hold one valid for the full duration of study in Ireland. Shortlisted candidates attend an interview and assessment.
full
Funding
€28k
Max
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaynooth University (ICARUS Climate Research Centre)
PhD Climate Research Scholarship at Maynooth University
Open to applicants holding a first-class or 2.1 honours undergraduate degree, or a relevant Master's degree, in meteorology, climate science, environmental science, statistics, geography, or a related field. Candidates need experience in computer programming and in handling large datasets, plus strong teamwork skills. Experience with climate datasets, knowledge of midlatitude meteorology, and media-communication experience are desirable. There is no nationality restriction.
full
Funding
€25k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Limerick and Teagasc
University of Limerick Teagasc Walsh PhD Scholarship
Open to international and domestic applicants who hold a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline and meet the University of Limerick's English language requirements. Applicants should have strong problem-solving and data-analysis skills, a full driving licence, and ideally experience with statistical or modelling software. A master's degree is an advantage but not required.
full
Funding
€25k
Max
Nov 7, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated living costs for international students at University College Cork?
+
Estimated monthly living costs in Cork are between €900 and €1,200. This estimate covers accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
What is the tuition fee range for international students at University College Cork?
+
International undergraduate tuition fees typically range from approximately €19,900 to €25,000 per year for most programs. Specialized programs like Medicine and Dentistry have higher fees, ranging from €48,000 to €52,000 per year.
Does University College Cork offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, University College Cork awards over 1,000 scholarships and bursaries annually. Examples include the UCC International Merit Scholarship, offering up to €5,000 per year for high-achieving undergraduates.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
For IELTS, applicants generally need an overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0. For TOEFL iBT, the requirement is 90 overall, and for PTE Academic, it is 63.
What are the academic requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate studies for non-EU students?
+
For undergraduate studies, non-EU students need qualifications equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. For postgraduate taught programs, a recognized bachelor's degree (2.1 or equivalent) is usually required, and some programs may ask for relevant work experience.
Last updated