Information for Parents and Guardians
Going to university is a life-changing step for your child, and a big investment in their future. As a parent or guardian, you have a vital role to play in supporting and guiding them as they embark on this key stage of their life.
In choosing UCD, know that your child will study at one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities. In the overall 2023 QS World University Rankings, UCD was placed 181 in the world. In 2022, for the fifth year in a row, UCD was ranked number one in Ireland for graduate employability and 87th in the world, in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
Dr Abbas Khosravi
Dr Khosravi, an Intensivist in Dubai, explains why he decided UCD was the best university for his daughter to study Medicine.
The UCD Experience
Established in 1854, UCD is Ireland’s largest university with a student body of over 38,000 students, with over 9,000 international students drawn from 152 countries. Students are attracted to UCD by the strength of its teaching and research, by the programme portfolio (UCD offers Ireland’s widest range of programmes which are recognised and valued by academic institutions and employers throughout the world) and the holistic experience which studying in UCD offers. UCD students are the most engaged in Ireland with over 100 clubs and societies in which they can engage and explore new interests and friendships. This, alongside the campus environment, offers unparalleled experiences for students looking to study abroad.
UCD graduates join a global alumni network of over 300,000 students living in 184 countries, who hold positions in leading organisations around the world. The UCD alumni network is influential, successful, active and truly international.
Connect With Our Staff
Staff in our Global Centres in Beijing, Delhi, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and New York are always on hand to support and assist with queries. Staff based in UCD also regularly travel overseas to meet with prospective students and applicants. Check out our events page for forthcoming trips where you can meet our staff in person.
If you would like to speak with parents who have children studying abroad in UCD, please get in touch through the enquiry form below and a staff member will be delighted to arrange this for you.
Resources for Parents
You can help prepare your child for leaving home by encouraging them to take responsibility for themselves, so they can start their new way of life with confidence and enthusiasm. Teach them to cook a few basic meals as well as how to manage their money.
Being home to over 9,000 international students we are used to welcoming international students and helping them adjust to life in Ireland and at UCD.
Read our parents’ brochure for useful information and advice, as well as details of the support services we have on offer and an insight into student life here at UCD.
Visiting Dublin
Should you wish to visit your child in Dublin, the city is well connected to public transport links.
Belfield and the surrounding area is also home to a variety of hotels, from the luxury of a five-star suite to a boutique bed and breakfast. Over the summer months, visitors to UCD also have the option of staying in the University accommodation.
"UCD has been a second home for our daughter. She has always been guided and supported by UCD staff in academics, career and personal development. The staff are also very kind and compassionate for parents too. We were always given a helping hand when we had questions about academics, visa, living in Dublin, etc. We as parents find UCD a very trustworthy and reliable institution for our daughter’s education. We would highly recommend UCD to other parents."
Sanjib and Mita De, parents of Anusha De, an MSc Quantitative Economics student at UCD
Require More Information?
Contact us with your query, or to help your child apply