The University of Limerick (UL) is one of Ireland’s leading public research universities, renowned for its innovation, forward-thinking education model, and strong ties to industry. Located in Limerick City, in the Midwest region of Ireland, UL was established in 1972 as the first university founded since the formation of the Irish state, and it officially gained university status in 1989.
Set on a scenic 133-hectare riverside campus along the River Shannon, UL offers a vibrant academic environment with cutting-edge facilities including modern lecture halls, advanced laboratories, a state-of-the-art library, and one of Europe’s most advanced sports complexes—the UL Sport Arena.
UL is particularly acclaimed for its Cooperative Education (Co-op) program, the largest and most successful of its kind in Ireland, offering students paid, hands-on work placements with over 1,700 partner employers in Ireland and abroad. This model ensures that graduates leave with practical experience, a competitive edge in the job market, and excellent employability rates.
UL is home to over 17,500 students, including more than 2,500 international students from over 100 countries, creating a diverse and inclusive global learning environment. The university also leads in research across multiple disciplines, with several national research centers, including the Bernal Institute for materials science and the Irish Software Research Centre (Lero).
University Overview
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Location: Limerick, Ireland
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Established: 1972
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Student Population: 17,500+
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International Students: 2,500+ from over 100 countries
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Campus: 133-hectare riverside campus with state-of-the-art facilities
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Global Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top 100 young universities worldwide
Faculties & Schools at UL
UL is organized into four faculties, each with multiple schools:
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Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences – Law, History, Politics, Languages, and Journalism
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Education & Health Sciences – Nursing, Psychology, Education, and Allied Health
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Science & Engineering – Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, and Biological Sciences
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Kemmy Business School – Business, Economics, Risk Management, and Accounting
Note: UL emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and real-world skills, especially through its co-op programs.
Intakes
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Autumn Intake (September Start) – Main intake for all programs
📅 Application Deadline: May – July -
Spring Intake (January Start) – Limited postgraduate programs
📅 Application Deadline: October – November
Note: Apply early if you need a student visa or are applying for scholarships.
Admission Requirements
| Program Level | Academic Requirements | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | High school diploma with good grades in relevant subjects | 6.0 (no band below 5.5) | 80 (min. 20 in each section) | 58 (no skill below 50) |
| Postgraduate | Bachelor’s degree in a related field | 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | 90 (min. 21 in each section) | 62 (no skill below 58) |
Note: Some programs may have additional requirements such as portfolios, interviews, or relevant work experience.
Top Programs at UL
Undergraduate
✅ BSc in Computer Systems
✅ BE in Mechanical Engineering
✅ BA in Journalism and Digital Communication
✅ BSc in Nursing (General)
✅ BA in International Business
Postgraduate
✅ MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
✅ MSc in Financial Services
✅ MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
✅ MSc in Human Nutrition
✅ MSc in Software Engineering
Tuition Fees
| Program Level | Tuition Fee (EUR) Per Year |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | €12,000 – €16,000 |
| Postgraduate | €13,000 – €18,000 |
Note: Fees vary by program. Estimated living costs are €10,000 – €13,000 per year.
Scholarships for International Students
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UL International Education Scholarships
🎯 Eligibility: High-achieving international students
💵 Amount: €1,500 – €4,000
🔄 Renewable: No (one-time tuition reduction) -
Faculty-based Merit Scholarships
🎯 Eligibility: Students applying to specific faculties
💵 Amount: Varies (up to 25% tuition fee waiver)
🔄 Renewable: Depends on the faculty -
Government of Ireland Scholarship
🎯 Eligibility: Outstanding non-EU students
💵 Amount: Full tuition + €10,000 stipend
🔄 Renewable: No
Note: Scholarship availability may change annually. Early applications are encouraged.
Why Choose University of Limerick (UL)?
✨ Highly ranked for graduate employability and student satisfaction
✨ Strong industry links with 1,700+ employer partners
✨ Ireland’s largest university-based work placement program
✨ Modern riverside campus with high-tech labs and facilities
✨ Active student life with over 70 clubs and societies
✨ Welcoming, safe city with a lower cost of living than Dublin