Author: Michael | Published: August 20, 2026
University College Dublin (UCD)
University College Dublin (UCD) offers international students merit‑based scholarships such as the Global Excellence Scholarship, which covers 50% or 100% of tuition fees, and the International Student Scholarship, which provides automatic tuition discounts of 10–35%. Applicants must first secure an offer to study at UCD.
Scholarship Options for International Applicants
- Medicine (Direct Entry B.Sc./MB BCh BAO – MDS2) Annual tuition for non‑EU students is €61,430. While direct tuition waivers are not available, students can compete for National University of Ireland (NUI) Medical Awards and Dean’s Research Grants, which provide academic prizes and research stipends.
- Biomedical, Health and Life Sciences (B.Sc.) Tuition is €29,100 per year. Applicants are eligible for the UCD Global Excellence Scholarship, which can cover 50% to 100% of tuition fees depending on academic merit.
- Radiography (B.Sc.) Annual tuition is €35,540. The UCD Global Excellence Scholarship also applies here, offering partial to full tuition waivers.
Allied Health Programs and Research Awards
| Program Type | Scholarship / Award | Funding Value |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Programs | International Student Scholarship | 10%–35% tuition discount |
| Summer Student Research Awards (SSRA) | Dean’s Research Scholarships | Funded placements and stipends |
The International Student Scholarship is assessed automatically during course entry for allied health programs, providing tuition discounts between 10% and 35%. The SSRA program supports enrolled students through eight‑week supervised research projects. Successful applicants receive stipends to cover travel and living costs for placements at partner institutions worldwide.
Applicant Eligibility Criteria
- Fee Status: Applicants must be classified as non‑EU fee payers.
- Academic Record: Competitive grades or GPA.
- Language Proficiency: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall (no sub‑score below 7.0) for Medicine. Other health programs accept 6.5–7.0.
- Standardized Testing: Direct entry medicine applicants do not require MCAT/GAMSAT.
Research Grants and Merit Prizes
- Summer Student Research Awards (SSRA) Eight‑week supervised projects open to enrolled students. Dean’s Research Scholarships cover travel and living costs for placements at partner institutions such as Washington University in St. Louis and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
- National University of Ireland (NUI) Awards Annual Dr H H Stewart Medical Scholarships recognize top students in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Surgery.
Required Documents
- Certified high school transcripts.
- Valid English language test results.
- Personal statement outlining motivation and career goals.
- Two academic recommendation letters.
- Curriculum vitae with academic and clinical experience.
- Passport copy (biographical page).
Application Deadlines
- System Opens: October 1 annually
- North American Applicants: Apply via Atlantic Bridge or UCD page by December 1
- General International Applicants: Submit by February 1
- Global Excellence Scholarship Deadlines:
- North America: February 1
- Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, South Asia: February 28
- Other regions: March 31
How to Start Your Application
- Select your degree track on the UCD portal.
- North American applicants apply through Atlantic Bridge; others apply directly via UCD online.
- For non‑clinical programs, submit at least three weeks before the scholarship deadline.
- Once you receive a conditional or unconditional offer, complete the Global Excellence Scholarship essay prompts via UCD SISWeb.
- Direct Entry Medicine applicants should focus on achieving high entry marks to qualify for research stipends and merit awards after enrollment.
Review official guidelines on the UCD School of Medicine Website and UCD Global Scholarships Page to confirm requirements.
See Harvard Medical Financial Scholarship and University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Awards detailed guides to explore related scholarship opportunities.
Michael – Founder and Editor at Suretripacademia, your dedicated resource for unlocking global mobility and international educational opportunities. WhatsApp l Facebook l TikTok
Disclaimer: Scholarship details, tuition fees, and deadlines provided here are based on publicly available information from University College Dublin. They may change without prior notice. Applicants should always confirm the latest requirements and funding options directly on the official UCD website before applying.