University College Cork

Introduction

Founded in 1845, University College Cork (UCC) is one of Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Located in the vibrant city of Cork, UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI) system and is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide. With a strong focus on research, academic excellence, and student experience, UCC is recognized as a leading destination for international students seeking high-quality education in Europe.

UCC is known for its strengths in Medicine, Business, Law, Engineering, Science, and the Humanities and offers a globally respected degree in a welcoming, student-friendly city.

To learn more about UCC, book a free consultation with LCI Group today!

University College Cork Key Statistics

• International Students: Around 4,000 students
• Student-Faculty Ratio: Around 21:1
• Acceptance Rate: 41%

University College Cork Accreditation and Affiliations

• Part of the National University of Ireland (NUI) system
• Accredited by the Department of Education and Skills, Government of Ireland
• AACSB accredited Cork University Business School (CUBS)
• Member of Universitas 21 and the Coimbra Group
• REF-style rankings: Over 90% of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent

University College Cork Academic Information

Programs Offered

120+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 4 colleges:

• College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences
• College of Business & Law (CUBS)
• College of Medicine & Health
• College of Science, Engineering & Food Science

Popular Programs

• Business & Management (CUBS)
• Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing
• Law (LLB, LLM)
• Computer Science & Data Analytics
• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Energy)
• Environmental Science & Food Science
• Arts, Humanities, and Celtic Studies

University College Cork Tuition Fees (approx.)

• Undergraduate: €16,500 – €22,000 per year
• Postgraduate Taught: €18,000 – €25,000 per year

University College Cork Admission Requirements

Undergraduate

• High school completion with strong academic results (equivalent to Irish Leaving Certificate)
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each band) / TOEFL iBT 90+ / PTE 63+

Postgraduate

• Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 equivalent (some programs accept 2:2)
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL iBT 90–100 / PTE 63+
• Medicine/Dentistry: High academic performance + additional entry assessments/interviews

University College Cork Rankings and Recognition

• QS World University Rankings 2026: 246
• THE World University Rankings 2025: 351-400

University College Cork Campus Facilities

• Historic campus blending Gothic architecture with modern facilities
• Boole Library (named after George Boole, father of Boolean algebra and former UCC professor)
• Cutting-edge labs for Science, Health, and Engineering
• UCC Dental School and University Hospital Cork for medical and health sciences training
• On-campus accommodation and dining options
• Mardyke Arena (sports and recreation complex with gyms, pools, and pitches)
• Active student union and 100+ clubs and societies

University College Cork Support Services

International Student Support

• Dedicated International Office
• Visa and immigration guidance
• Pre-arrival webinars and orientation programs
• English language support and academic writing workshops
• Cultural integration and buddy programs

Career Services

• Internship and work placement opportunities (especially in Business, IT, and Health Sciences)
• Career workshops, CV clinics, and fairs
• Access to Ireland’s strong graduate employability market
• Alumni and industry connections across Europe and globally

University College Cork Scholarships and Financial Aid

• UCC International Student Merit Scholarships (10–20% tuition fee reduction)
• SEFS International Student Merit-Based Scholarship (for STEM programs)
• CUBS Scholarships (Business School awards for postgraduates)
• Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (€10,000 stipend + full tuition waiver)
• Country-specific scholarships for India, China, and others

Study at University College Cork

University College Cork offers students a unique blend of academic prestige, cultural richness, and career opportunities in Ireland’s second-largest city. With strong global rankings, diverse programs, and a reputation for research excellence, UCC is a top choice for international students seeking an affordable, world-class education in Europe.

To explore opportunities at University College Cork, book a free consultation with LCI Group today and begin your application for the upcoming intakes.