Ireland: University of College Cork

‌Consistently thought of as one of Ireland's most prestigious universities, at University College Cork (UCC), you have a chance to take courses from world-class lecturers at one of the safest and most beautiful universities in the world. Among its many accolades, UCC has been named the top university in Ireland on several occasions in the last two decades. UCC rests in one of Ireland’s most arts center communities.

Dates & Deadlines

Term: Spring 2026
App Deadline: October 1st, 2025
Program Dates: January - May

Spring 2026 applications are now open. Students can click the link below to schedule a meeting to go over important details about this program and begin the application process.

Schedule First Steps Meeting

Interested in studying abroad in the Summer of 2026 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open. If you are still deciding where or when you want to go abroad, you can also schedule an informational meeting with our office to learn more about the programs we offer and find one that works best for you!

Study Abroad Waitlist Schedule Info Meeting

Unsure where to begin? Visit our Application Process page to learn more!

Learn More about UCC

Location

The city of Cork has approximately 125,000 inhabitants and is the second largest city in Ireland. Cork is located on the busiest seaport on the south coast with mountains, hills, and river valleys to the north and east. The city itself has much to offer, including a marina, art galleries, history museums, opera house, shopping malls, movie theatres, historic castles, and much more. The weather in Cork is typically mild with wet winters and cool summers. Dublin is approximately four hours from Cork by bus or less than an hour by plane. Cork's new airport is located 6km from the university and has daily flights to Dublin, London, and other Euro destinations.

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Academics

UCC offers an early start program for incoming students that begins about 3 weeks earlier than the semester. Students are not required to attend the program but it is recommended. This is only an option for the fall semester. Students will pre-register for classes prior to studying in Cork. There are courses available in the following areas listed below. The ones listed are not the only courses offered. Refer to the catalog for a complete list. UCC Course Catalog

Business
Economics
Biology/Chemistry
Psychology
Criminology
English
History
Mathematics
Geography

At the University College Cork (UCC) students will take 4-5 classes that will earn 12-18 U.S. credits or 30-35 Cork credits. Classes are a mix of foreign and Irish students and are generally small to facilitate participation. Courses typically consist of 2 lectures a week, 12 weeks total, with 2 exams or essays, and are worth 5-10 credit classes each. Currently offer a pre-sessional 4-week course in subjects of Irish Archeology, English, History, Folklore, and Marketing.

Credit Equivalent/Grade Conversion:

Credits Grades

20 UCC credits = 10 sem hrs 70+ = A
15 UCC credits = 7.5 sem hrs 65 – 69 = A-
10 UCC credits = 5 sem hrs 60 – 64 = B+
5 UCC credits = 3 sem hrs 55 – 59   = B
2.5 UCC credits = 1.5 sem hrs 50 – 54   = B-
45 – 49   = C+
40 – 44   = C
35 – 39   = C-
“Early Start” = 5 sem hrs           Less than 35 = no transfer credit

Participant Info

Meet your Advisor:

Jamie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Ireland, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From your first steps meeting until you take off for your new adventure, Jamie will help you every step of the way.

Important information to review:

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Ireland.

Housing & Meals

Housing:

On Campus Apartment/ Dormitory
Off Campus Apartments

UCC campus accommodation includes a variety of housing styles, including apartment/dormitory style living or off-campus accommodation. Three to six students live with each other in each apartment; single rooms with sink and mirror in each room. Postal service exists in the DOR office along the housing grounds 8AM-8PM, bus stop is right in front of entrance, smoke alarms included, laundry is available, trash is taken once a week, and there is a fob/key opening for apartment security. Students are responsible for securing their own accommodation and paying the deposit.

Meals:

Apartments are equipped with pots, pans; bedding and cleaning supplies available for purchase upon arrival. Students may sign up for a weekly grocery delivery, complete with a recipe with ingredients for 10 EUR/week. This is for students that are not used to living away from home and cooking for themselves; the recipes give them balanced cooking ideas. Most international students stay in Castlewhite Apartments, Victoria Lodge or University Hall.

Summer School

International Summer School in Irish Studies

The 43rd International Summer School in Irish Studies will run from June 30thth - July 25th, 2025.

For the month of July, students explore key turning-points in Ireland’s history that shaped its destiny and identity and examine how modern Irish writers of international significance sought to define a sense of cultural identity. These themes are approached in interactive lectures, seminars, and in a series of field trips, delivered by leading experts.

The Summer School aims to provide a unique learning experience by combining a rigorous introduction to major academic themes in the development of Irish identity with an opportunity to encounter Ireland’s rich cultural landscape through expert tuition, optional courses in Irish language and a lively social program.

Please note that more information about the upcoming summer school, such as its cost, structure and content, will be available soon.

Summer 2025 Estimated Budget Sheet (PDF)

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost: $18,720*

*estimated total cost of participation, actual amount depends on type of housing accommodation selected, actual airfare purchase price, personal spending habits, and other factors

Fall 2025 Costs
Estimated Total Program Cost	$18,720
Estimated U-bill Charges	$7,993
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs	$10,727

Fall 2025 Estimated Budget Sheet (PDF)

Spring 2025 Estimated Budget Sheet (PDF)

Fall 2025 Costs (Early Start Program)
Estimated Total Program Costs	$20,180
Estimated U-bill Charges	$9,453
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs	$10,727

Fall 2025 Master Budget Sheets - Early Start Program (PDF)

Cost of Studying On Campus at UNI*

*per semester, estimated, will vary per person

Tuition & Fees	$4,968
Room & Board	$4,993
Books	$400
Personal Expenses	$902
Transportation	$385
Total	$11,648

Source: https://admissions.uni.edu/cost-aid

‌Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). Additionally, students must meet all of the following in order to be eligible to study abroad:

Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher at the time of application and maintain this cumulative GPA prior to departure and throughout the study abroad process
If your cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, submit the following to the Study Abroad Center (103 East Bartlett):
- Letters of reference from two academic contacts (e.g. academic advisor and former or current professor) supporting your pursuit of study abroad. If you are attending a faculty-led study abroad program, one of the letters must be from a course leader. However, if the program has two course leaders, only one of the letters can be from one of the course leaders.

Must be over the age of 18 years old
Must meet the course prerequisites (participation in the program is dependent upon meeting these)
Must be in good standing with the university
UNI's partner institutions may require additional eligibility requirements to be met, these vary from institution to institution. Please consult with the Study Abroad Center staff to discuss these additional requirements, if applicable.
Applicants traveling to a region of a country or a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel) will not be eligible.