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University College Cork (UCC) is a top-tier public university in Ireland, established in 1845 as one of the original “Queen’s Colleges.” It is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI) and is globally recognized for its excellence in teaching, research, and sustainability leadership. UCC was the first university in the world to be awarded a Green Flag from the Foundation for Environmental Education, recognizing its strong commitment to environmental responsibility.

UCC’s campus blends historic architecture with cutting-edge facilities, offering students the best of tradition and modern innovation. It is located in Cork city, Ireland’s second-largest city and one of the most student-friendly urban hubs in Europe.

University Overview

• Location: Cork City, Ireland

• Established: 1845

• Student Population: Over 23,000

• International Students: 3,000+ from more than 100 countries

• Campus Type: Urban, River Lee waterfront

• Global Ranking: Frequently ranks in the top 2% of universities worldwide

• Affiliation: National University of Ireland (NUI), EUA, Universitas 21

Faculties & Schools

UCC is organized into four colleges and over 40 academic schools, including:

• College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences

• College of Business & Law

• College of Medicine & Health

• College of Science, Engineering & Food Science

Popular interdisciplinary research centers include Tyndall National Institute, Environmental Research Institute, and APC Microbiome Ireland.

Intakes

• Autumn (September Start) – Main intake for all undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  📅 Application Window: Typically March to July (UG), varies for PG

• Spring (January Start) – Limited taught postgraduate programs only
  📅 Application Window: Typically October to November

Note: Deadlines may differ by program. Early application is advised for students needing an Irish visa.

Admission Requirements

Note: Competitive programs may require higher scores or additional documents like a statement of purpose, CV, portfolio, or letters of recommendation.

Top Programs at UCC

Undergraduate Programs

✅ BSc in Computer Science
✅ BEng in Civil, Electrical & Mechanical Engineering
✅ BSc in Biomedical Science
✅ BSc in Nutritional Sciences
✅ BSc in Environmental Science
✅ BA in English & History
✅ BComm in Business & Finance

Postgraduate Programs

✅ MSc in Data Science and Analytics
✅ MSc in Food Security Policy & Management
✅ MSc in Sustainable Energy
✅ MSc in Finance (Corporate Finance, Risk Management)
✅ MA in Applied Psychology
✅ MSc in Public Health
✅ MSc in Artificial Intelligence

Tuition Fees

Note: Fees depend on the program, especially for specialized STEM and health-related fields. Living expenses in Cork range from €10,000 – €12,000 per year.

Scholarships for International Students

1. UCC International Merit-Based Scholarships
   🎯 For UG and PG students with strong academic records
   💵 Up to €5,000 reduction on tuition (non-renewable)
   🔄 Automatically considered

2. SEFS International Scholarships (Science, Engineering, and Food Science)
   🎯 For international postgraduate students in SEFS programs
   💵 €1,000 – €2,000 off tuition fees
   🔄 Non-renewable

3. College of Business and Law Scholarships
   🎯 For students pursuing business, economics, or law degrees
   💵 Partial tuition waivers up to €3,000

4. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
   🎯 For high-achieving students from non-EU/EEA countries
   💵 Full tuition + €10,000 stipend (1 year only)

Note: Scholarships are highly competitive. Some are auto-awarded; others require a separate application.

Student Life & Support

• Over 100 student clubs and societies, including international and cultural groups

• Dedicated International Office for visa, housing, and academic support

• Career support and job fairs with top companies in Ireland

• Beautiful riverside campus with modern labs, lecture halls, libraries, and student centers

• Access to on-campus student accommodation and affordable city housing

Why Choose University College Cork (UCC)?

✨ Consistently ranks in top global university rankings
✨ Strong graduate employability and research funding
✨ Cork is a safe, vibrant, and affordable city
✨ Award-winning green campus and eco-initiatives
✨ Internship and industry opportunities with multinational companies
✨ Globally recognized degrees with pathways to EU and global careers