Jun 28, 2024
What are some of the first things that come to your mind when you hear the word Ireland? Indeed, some would say Liam Neeson, Irish Stew, Horse Racing or the Cliffs of Moher. However, one thing on which everyone agrees is the country’s top-notch higher education. With over a thousand students flying for their abroad education at The Emerald Isle, something special is truly drawing them in.
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The island nation, situated on the Westernmost Edge of Europe, is home to some of the most prestigious universities. Many universities are among the world’s top universities, and we will look at one such high-ranked Irish university – The University College Cork (UCC). This article will provide all the essential information about the university, from popular courses to eligibility requirements, tuition fees, scholarship options, and more. We will ensure everything you need is in one place for your convenience! So, let us go ahead and find out more about the prestigious University College Cork, Ireland.
Queen Victoria founded the University College Cork in 1845 to expand higher education opportunities in Ireland. The university has made significant contributions to shaping Ireland’s Education System since then. With 155 students in its inception batch, University College Cork is now home to nearly 24,000 students. UCC is also ranked among the top 1.1% of the global universities. Isn’t that astonishing? The University is not only one of the top universities in Ireland but also an ancient institution of higher education. Its historic campus is situated in a UNESCO Learning City and serves a global community. This 170-year-old University is set on 42 acres of wooded ground, only a 10-minute walk from Cork City Centre.
When international students consider a global university, one of their initial points of interest tends to be its ranking. Thus, let's delve into how the University College Cork performs across different indices that rate the World's Top Universities.
The University College Cork offers over 123 undergraduate degree programs and over 200 taught master’s and research master’s programs across its four leading colleges, as listed below:
The list of Top Study Fields at both undergraduates and postgraduate levels at UCC includes:
UCC has one primary intake period for admissions i.e., Fall starting September.
With 41% of acceptance rate, admission to University College Cork is relatively straightforward. For most programs, there are two primary requirements:
However, there may be a specific criterion for a few programs.
Considering the Cost of education in Ireland, this Island country is known to be one of the most affordable study destinations. International students attending UCC can expect annual tuition fees starting at approximately EUR 15,000, varying based on the chosen program and study level. Additionally, it's essential to budget for living expenses, which typically range from EUR 10,000 to 12,000 per year. This amount covers the area's housing, food, transportation, and other essentials.
The University College Cork offers some of the best scholarships in Europe to help make your higher education more affordable. Listed below are the popular ones:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
| SEFS International Student Merit Based Scholarship | Only available to applicants in the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science | varies
|
| Bishopstown Credit Union Prize in Business and Financial Economics | Students registered for BA (Hons) Business and Financial Economics programme | €500 |
| College of Business and Law Excellence Merit Based Scholarship | Only available to applicants in the College of Business and Law on taught masters programmes. | varies
|
| Claddagh Scholarship Program (CSP) | Must hold an offer letter to UCC to be eligible for this scholarship | €5,000 |
| College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences | Undergraduate Scholarship in the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences International Undergraduate Scholarships | 15% Fee Reduction in each year of study |
| Ananth Nair Memorial Fund | Full-time International Medical Student registered in the undergraduate programmes | varies |
The University College Cork's Career Services offers quality career resources to assist students and alumni in identifying their career goals and meeting their aspirations. The University claims that 93% of UCC graduates are in employment or further studies within nine months of graduating.
UCC Career Services has developed the UCC Propel Pre-Entry Employability Module for International Students, which helps them understand the job market in Ireland even before starting their degree program. The Propel Pre-Entry Employability module covers the following units:
UCC graduates also have access to the UCC Graduate Attributes Programme (GAP), an online platform where students can engage in various activities to strengthen their skillsets, knowledge and abilities. This program focuses on developing students' academic, technical, and specialist skills through extensive stakeholder consultation.
Over 90% of UCC programmes offer placements internationally and nationally through organised work placements, with civil society organisations or the ERASMUS+ programme. The University also organises job fairs, networking opportunities, workshops, employer events and leadership conferences to assist students in their job search.
Employment consultants and career counsellors guide students on:
University College Cork offers a safe and lively campus experience in the western part of Cork City. It boasts of being the World’s First Green Campus, meaning all the environmentally friendly practices are followed to promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices. It has a vibrant and open campus with modern Libraries, Study Spaces, and Recreational Areas. Known for high Academic Standards and Research, UCC is home to more than one hundred different societies. The university also hosts a multitude of talks and seminars that are open to the public every week.
The University College Cork also has Sports Clubs where you can participate in various sports like Archery, Olympic Handball, Fencing, Rugby, Soccer, Hockey, and many more. The overall campus life at the UCC is exceptionally stimulating and allows students to engage in diverse interests, expand their network, and make new friends. Living on campus provides a strong sense of community and easy access to all the city offers, ensuring a rich and fulfilling University Experience
UCC, with its impressive alumni roster including Cillian Murphy, Ronan John Ross O'Gara, and Simon Coveney, offers students numerous opportunities to grow and thrive. The university's top rankings, cutting-edge study fields, and affordability compared to other Irish universities make it a standout choice for students keen to study in Ireland.
If you are still thinking why study in Ireland’s UCC or require further detailed guidance regarding the application process at the UCC, connect with Ireland Experts at KC Overseas Education. We have been supporting students in fulfilling their study abroad dreams for more than 25 years, having assisted over 4 Lakh students till date. So, you can trust us with your Irish aspirations.
Take the leap towards your dream study destination with KC Overseas Education.
Ans: Admission prerequisites at University College Cork vary based on the program but typically entail achieving a GPA of 3.7 or higher and demonstrating proficiency in English, through exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
Ans: University College Cork has an acceptance rate of 41%, indicating moderate competitiveness for admission.
Ans: UCC is renowned for its research prowess and extends numerous opportunities for students to participate in research endeavours, collaborate with faculty members, and utilize cutting-edge research facilities spanning diverse fields.
Ans: UCC offers comprehensive support services tailored to international students, encompassing visa guidance, orientation programs, academic advising, and skill-building workshops.
Ans: Graduates from UCC enjoy favourable employment outcomes, with high employability rates across various sectors. The university further bolsters career prospects through career services, networking opportunities, and internships.
Ans: The academic environment at UCC is vibrant, characterized by smaller class settings, engaged faculty, interactive pedagogical approaches, and abundant educational resources encompassing libraries, laboratories, and digital learning platforms.