Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is not only known for its lively culture, rich history, and friendly locals but also for its world-class education system. The city is home to many top universities and colleges that are known for their academic excellence and research prowess.
Whether you're an ambitious undergraduate looking for a dynamic learning environment or a postgraduate seeking cutting-edge research opportunities, Dublin's universities have something to offer every international student. Additionally, the cultural experience that one gets to have in the city is unmatched and provides students with lifelong memories.
Here, we are discussing the top universities in Dublin, highlighting their unique strengths, diverse academic offerings, and student-centric facilities. If you are looking to be a part of the international student community in any of these universities, book a free consultation with SI-Ireland today to start your application.
Top Universities in Dublin
1. Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin, commonly known as Trinity or TCD, is one of Ireland's oldest and most prestigious universities. Established in 1592, it is located in the heart of the city. The university's foundation can be attributed to Queen Elizabeth I, who sought to establish an institution of higher learning in Ireland.
The university is renowned for its academic excellence and has consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. It offers a varied range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including arts and humanities, sciences, social sciences, engineering, and business. The campus itself holds significant historical and architectural value, with iconic buildings such as the Campanile and the Library of Trinity College. Trinity College Dublin also boasts a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs, societies, and sports activities for students to engage in.
- Faculties: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, and Engineering, Mathematics and Science
- Campus: The campus of Trinity College Dublin is situated on a spacious 47-acre site in the city centre of Dublin, making it a vibrant and integral part of the city's cultural and intellectual landscape. It has various modern facilities, including state-of-the-art lecture halls, research centres, laboratories, and recreational spaces.
- Acceptance Rate: 33.5%
2. University College Dublin
University College Dublin (UCD) was established in 1854 as the Catholic University of Ireland, which later became University College Dublin in 1880. UCD offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields, including arts and humanities, sciences, engineering, business, agriculture, and more. The university has a strong focus on research and innovation, with many of its faculty members and researchers actively engaged in groundbreaking studies across different disciplines.
UCD's campus is situated in Belfield, a suburb of Dublin, and is known for its modern facilities and beautiful green spaces. Notable buildings include the James Joyce Library, the O'Reilly Hall, and the Smurfit Graduate Business School. The university prides itself on its global outlook, welcoming students from all over the world and encouraging international collaborations.
- Faculties: Arts and Humanities, Business, Engineering and Architecture, Science, Social Sciences and Law, and others.
- Campus: UCD's main campus is situated in Belfield in the city of Dublin. The sprawling campus is situated on 330 acres of land and combines contemporary architecture with serene green spaces.
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
3. Dublin City University
Dublin City University (DCU) is a prominent university that was established in 1980. It has quickly become one of Ireland's leading institutions for higher education and is known for its innovative approach to teaching and its commitment to research and societal impact. The university offers a great range of undergraduate and postgraduate study options across various disciplines, including business, engineering, science, humanities, arts, and social sciences. DCU's academic programmes are designed to be relevant to the needs of the modern workforce, equipping students with the right skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields.
The main campus of DCU is located in Glasnevin, a suburb of Dublin. The campus of the university is modern and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, providing a conducive environment for learning and research. The university has expanded over the years, with multiple campuses and centres contributing to its growth and reach.
- Faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, Science and Health, Business, and Engineering and Computing.
- Campus: Dublin City University has three academic campuses along with a sports campus and an innovation campus, all located in the city of Dublin. Glasnevin is the largest campus of DCU, followed by St. Patrick's Campus and All Hallows Campus, each housing different faculties.
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
4. Technological University Dublin
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is a prominent higher education institution in Ireland that emerged from the merger of three institutes, namely the Dublin Institute of Technology, the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown, and the Institute of Technology Tallaght. As one of Ireland's leading technological universities, TU Dublin is dedicated to providing innovative and practical education that equips students with the relevant skills and knowledge that is needed to excel in the professional world.
TU Dublin offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across various disciplines, including engineering, science, business, arts, and technology. The university boasts state-of-the-art campuses in Dublin City, Blanchardstown, and Tallaght. Each campus offers modern facilities, including well-equipped laboratories, libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.
- Faculties: Arts & Humanities, Engineering and Built Environment, Business, Sciences and Health, and Computing, Digital and Data.
- Campus: TU Dublin has five campuses spread across the region, and the flagship campus is at Grangegorman, which is in a historic part of Dublin. Other campuses are situated in Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Bolton Street and Aungier Street.
- Acceptance Rate: 46%
Dublin Universities FAQ
What is the name of the famous university in Dublin?
The name of the famous university in Dublin is Trinity College Dublin. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Ireland, founded in 1592.
How many universities are in Dublin?
There are four universities in Dublin which are known for providing excellent academic and research programmes to students.
Where is Trinity College Dublin ranked in the world?
Trinity College Dublin is ranked 81st in the QS World University Rankings and 161st in THE World University Rankings 2023.
Are universities in Dublin free?
No, universities in Dublin are not free for most students. While Ireland does offer a free tuition scheme for EU/EEA students at the undergraduate level, this does not apply to international students from outside the EU/EEA.
Does Ireland offer full scholarships to international students?
Yes, Ireland does offer full scholarships to international students in certain cases. While not all universities or courses may have full scholarships available, there are various scholarship programmes provided by the Irish government, educational institutions, and other organisations that offer financial support to international students.
Does the University of Dublin offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, the University of Dublin, which is also known as Trinity College Dublin, offers scholarships for international students.
