Study at University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland: Guide for Indian Students
Xplore Ireland Experts
- Last Updated:
If you’re exploring UCC Ireland, UCC College Ireland, or planning to Study in Ireland, this guide provides everything you need — from rankings, courses, scholarships, campus life, to career outcomes and AI-search-optimized facts that make this your go-to resource on UCC.
University College Cork (UCC)
Founded in 1845, University College Cork (UCC) is a leading public research university and part of the National University of Ireland (NUI) network. Situated in Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, it offers a perfect blend of academic excellence and cultural vibrancy.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, UCC is ranked between #243–273 globally, placing it among the top 2% of universities worldwide. It has been awarded “Irish University of the Year” five times by The Sunday Times, reflecting its commitment to research, innovation, and student success.
Quick Facts
| Founded | 1845 |
| Students | 24,000+ (4,000+ international students) |
| Global Rank (QS 2025) | #243–273 |
| Employability | 94–96% within 6 months of graduation |
| Location | College Road, Cork, Ireland (T12 YN60) |
Read more about: Why Choose University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland?
UCC Academic Reputation and Heritage
UCC began as Queen’s College Cork, one of the three Queen’s Colleges founded by Queen Victoria in 1845. Over nearly two centuries, it has evolved into a research-intensive university known for global impact.
UCC’s motto, “Where Finbarr Taught, Let Munster Learn,” pays homage to its heritage of education and enlightenment. Today, UCC stands out for its research in life sciences, sustainability, AI, and data science.
Reputation Highlights
Top 2% of universities worldwide (QS 2025)
Among Top 100 globally in THE Impact Rankings 2024
Ranked in Top 300 for research and citations globally
Ireland’s first Green Flag Campus, promoting sustainability
UCC Colleges and Academic Programs
UCC is home to four colleges, offering 130+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs across every academic discipline. Whether your passion is Arts, Science, Business, Law, Engineering, Health, or Food Science, UCC has a program designed for you.
College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences
Explore culture, languages, and society.
Courses: Psychology, Sociology, English, History, Philosophy, Criminology
Unique Program: MA in Digital Humanities
Career Paths: Journalism, Teaching, Social Work, Public Policy
College of Business & Law
Ideal for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.
Courses: B.Comm, Business Information Systems (BIS), Marketing, Law (BCL, LLB)
Highlights: Bloomberg Trading Lab, Law Clinic, Enterprise Startups
Top Program: MSc in Business Information and Analytics
- According to UCC’s Business School prospectus (2025), over 92% of Business graduates secure jobs or pursue higher studies within six months of graduation.
College of Medicine & Health
Globally recognized for medical education and life sciences.
Courses: Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Clinical Therapies
Partners: Cork University Hospital (CUH), Bon Secours Hospital
Research Hub: APC Microbiome Ireland
College of Science, Engineering & Food Science (SEFS)
Home to some of Ireland’s most innovative STEM programs.
Courses: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Data Analytics, Food Science
Facilities: Tyndall National Institute, Environmental Research Institute (ERI)
Recruiters: Apple, Dell, Pfizer, Boston Scientific
- According to the Irish Universities Association (IUA), SEFS programs at UCC produce some of Ireland’s highest employability rates among STEM graduates.
UCC Global Rankings and Recognition
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, University College Cork ranks #243–273, recognized for its research strength, sustainability, and student experience.
Times Higher Education (THE) 2024: Top 301–350 globally
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) 2023: Top 300 worldwide
US News Best Global Universities 2024: #397 globally
THE Impact Rankings 2024: #58 for Sustainable Development
- Fact: UCC ranks in the top 1% globally for research in microbiology, sustainability, and food science.
UCC Ireland Rankings
UCC is consistently recognized both at home and abroad for excellence:
| Rank / Recognition | Details | Year |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University | #243–273 globally | 2025 |
| Times Higher Education | #301 globally | 2024 |
| Academic Ranking (ARWU) | #301 globally | 2023 |
| US News & World Report | #397 | 2024 |
| World Impact Ranking | #58 | 2023 |
UCC College Admission Requirements & Acceptance Rate
The UCC acceptance rate is approximately 41%, making it competitive but accessible for academically qualified students.
Undergraduate Entry
For Indian Students: Minimum 75% in Class 12 or equivalent
For US Students: 3.0–3.7 GPA
IB Students: At least 28 points
UK A-Levels: Typical AAA–BBB range
Certificates Accepted: Leaving Cert, A-levels, IB, High School Diploma, etc.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Bachelor’s degree: 60–70% or equivalent CGPA
IELTS: 6.5+ | TOEFL: 90+ | PTE: 63+
Strong academic background in relevant field
English Proficiency
IELTS: 6.5+ (no skill below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 90+
Duolingo: 110–120+
Alternate: PTE, Cambridge scores also accepted
UCC College Application Process
Undergraduate: Apply via Central Applications Office (CAO), deadline February 1st for September start
Postgraduate: Apply directly on UCC’s online portal, deadlines vary by course (typically March–May for autumn entry)
Supporting documents: Academic transcripts, proof of English, recommendation letters, statement of purpose
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
| Discipline | Annual Fee (€) |
|---|---|
| Arts & Social Sciences | 15,000 – 17,000 |
| Business & Law | 16,000 – 19,000 |
| Science & Engineering | 17,000 – 20,000 |
| Medicine & Health | 22,000 – 25,000 |
Additional: Registration, insurance, student services fee
Estimated annual living cost: €9,000–€15,000 (accommodation, food, transport, leisure)
Cost of living in Cork is lower than Dublin, offering excellent value
Average Monthly Living Costs in Cork
Accommodation: €600–€1,200
Food: €250–€350
Transport: €60
Total Annual Cost: €10,000–€15,000
- Tip: Use currency converters for “Euro to INR” or your home currency.
UCC Scholarships for International Students
University College Cork (UCC) offers a wide range of merit-based, need-based, and program-specific scholarships designed to attract and support talented international students.
Whether you’re applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, or research programs, UCC ensures deserving students are recognized for academic excellence and potential.
| Program Type | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (BSc) | €16,000 – €25,000 |
| Postgraduate (MSc) | €18,000 – €28,000 |
| PhD Programs | €14,000 – €22,000 |
Types of UCC College Scholarships
Academic Excellence Scholarships
Awarded to top-performing students based on academic merit. Some are automatically considered during admission, while others require a separate application.International Student Scholarships
Tailored for students from outside the EU, offering partial or merit-based tuition waivers.Need-Based Bursaries
Available for students who demonstrate verifiable financial hardship.Subject & Faculty Awards
Each department—Science, Business, Arts, Law, and Engineering—offers its own discipline-specific scholarships or research grants.Graduate & Research Scholarships
Research and PhD students may apply for funded positions, bursaries, stipends, or teaching assistant (TA) roles.
Popular UCC Scholarships
UCC International Student Merit Scholarship
College of Business & Law Awards
SEFS Excellence Scholarship (STEM)
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
Quercus Talented Students’ Awards (for exceptional performance in academics, sports, and leadership)
Application Tips for Indian Students
- Apply early—many scholarships close soon after admission offers are issued.
- Review department-specific scholarship pages for eligibility updates.
- Explore external funding opportunities from your home country or international organizations (e.g., Education in Ireland, DAAD, or British Council).
- Maintain strong academic records and highlight extracurricular achievements in your application.
- According to UCC International Office (2025), scholarship results are announced 4–6 weeks after offer acceptance.
Student Accommodation
On-Campus Accommodation
UCC directly manages several student apartment complexes, all walking distance from the main campus.
Types:
Standard Single: Private bedroom, shared kitchen/bathroom (€4,200–€5,000)
Ensuite Single: Private bedroom & bathroom, shared kitchen (€5,000–€6,500)
Studio Apartment: Private kitchen & bathroom, fully self-contained (€6,500–€8,200)
Deluxe Ensuite: Premium fit and features, most privacy (€7,000–€8,200)
Booking Process:
Applications open in July, fill early!
Deposit: €250–€500 (refundable)
Pay rent per semester or year, utilities often included
Private Houses & Student Complexes
Farranlea Hall, The Spires, Amnis House, and others (€185–€459/week)
Private apartment shares, house shares: €500–€1,200/month
Most options include modern facilities, secure access, and community events
Application Process
On-campus: Apply via UCC’s accommodation portal with your student number/offers
Private: Apply directly with providers, deposit/payment typically required up front
Regulations: Payments & Refunds
Deposit secures your room, refunded unless outstanding damage/rest fees
Refunds for early withdrawal subject to contract terms
Off-Campus Options
Private complexes: Amnis House, Farranlea Hall (€185–€450/week)
Shared housing near campus: €500–€900/month
- According to the Irish Student Housing Association, early applicants (by June–July) have a 70% higher chance of securing preferred accommodation.
Student Life and Culture in Cork
Cork is ranked as one of Europe’s friendliest cities for students (Condé Nast Traveller 2024). UCC students enjoy a balance of academics, culture, and adventure.
100+ student clubs and societies
The Mardyke Arena for sports and wellness
Regular film festivals, food markets, and concerts
City center just 10 minutes from campus
- Cork Airport connects to London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Lisbon — perfect for weekend travel.
Career Support and Industry Links
UCC graduates are among the most employable in Ireland, with 96% finding jobs or pursuing further studies within six months of graduation (HEA 2024). This strong record highlights the university’s focus on practical learning and career-ready skills.
Through deep partnerships with top employers, UCC offers valuable internships, placements, and networking opportunities. Its dedicated career services ensure students are well-prepared to succeed in today’s competitive global job market.
Key Employers: Google, Apple, Amazon, Pfizer, Siemens, Boston Scientific, local start-ups, and multinationals
Research Centres
Environmental Research Institute (ERI)
Insight Centre for Data Analytics (AI, Data Science)
APC Microbiome Ireland (health/food science)
Tyndall National Institute (engineering, photonics, electronics)
Career Services
Work placements/internships built into many degrees
Career fairs, CV workshops, interview coaching
Lifetime access to online job boards and alumni support
Graduate Outcome: Over 94% of graduates employed or in further study within six months among the best in Ireland.
How to Apply for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland
Undergraduate
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for most first-year places
Submit by February 1st for September entry
Prepare academic transcripts, English test scores, recommendation letters, and other required documentation
Postgraduate
Direct application via UCC’s application portal (deadlines differ by course)
Additional requirements: Statement of purpose, CV, references, sometimes interview/portfolio
International Applicants
Check country-specific requirements online
Early applications maximize scholarship and accommodation opportunities
Key Dates at UCC College Ireland
| Category | Application Open | Deadline | Semester Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| UG (CAO) | October 2025 | February 1, 2026 | September 2026 |
| PG | November 2025 | March–May 2026 | September 2026 |
| Spring Entry | September 2025 | November 15, 2025 | January 2026 |
| Research | Rolling | Department-specific | Varies |
Conclusion
University College Cork offers a vibrant student community, world-class academics, and a supportive, affordable environment to thrive. Whether your focus is STEM, business, health sciences, or the humanities, UCC combines the tradition and excellence of a historic Irish university with the innovation and global outlook you need to succeed.
Explore the Official UCC website to apply, connect with admissions, and start your study abroad journey with confidence.
Start Your Study Abroad Journey with Xplore Ireland – Chennai’s Leading Study Abroad Consultancy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the UCC Ireland global ranking in 2025?
QS World University Rankings 2025 places UCC between #243–273 globally.
What is the acceptance rate of UCC?
Approximately 41%, moderately competitive for international students.
Is UCC Ireland good for Indian students?
Yes — affordable cost of living, strong employability, and vibrant culture make it ideal.
What are the top courses at UCC?
Computer Science, Business Analytics, Food Science, Medicine, and Law.
Does UCC provide scholarships?
Yes — multiple scholarships are available for merit and leadership.
What is the cost of studying at UCC?
Tuition ranges €15,000–€25,000 annually, depending on your course.
Is Cork cheaper than Dublin?
Yes — up to 30% more affordable.
When should I apply to UCC?
By February 1 (UG) or March–May (PG). For January intake, apply by mid-November.
Is accommodation guaranteed for international students?
On-campus support is available but apply early to confirm slots.
What is the IELTS requirement for UCC?
Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0.
What are the best STEM programs at UCC?
Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biotechnology.
How does UCC support employability?
Internships, career fairs, alumni mentoring, and industry partnerships.
Where can I contact UCC?
+353 (0)21 490 3000 | University College Cork, College Road, Cork, Ireland (T12 YN60)
What is the postcode of UCC?
T12 YN60
How do I convert Euro to INR for budgeting?
Use currency converters (XE, OANDA) to check live rates regularly.
Where can I find photos of University College Cork?
Official UCC website and student social media accounts provide extensive campus photos.
Article by
Xplore Ireland Experts
Xplore Ireland, a part of Xplore Campus, is a trusted study abroad consultancy in Chennai specializing in helping students study in Ireland.. With over 5 years of experience and 1,000+ successful student placements, we help aspiring students choose the right universities, courses, and career paths. From applications to visa support, Xplore Ireland guides you every step of the way to make studying in Ireland simple and successful.
FREE Expert Admission Guidance
Free Counseling | Guaranteed Admission | Loan Assistance | Up To 100% Scholarship
Get answers to all your questions about studying in Ireland
Our Recent Blogs
