Frequently Asked Questions

Why Ireland / Dublin/UCD?

Geographically Ireland is the bridge between Europe and North America.  Dublin is the vibrant beating heart of Ireland.  UCD is Ireland's global university situated on a beautiful 133 hectare parkland campus, a mere 8km south of Dublin's city centre.

Ireland is where US innovation comes to scale globally and the jumping off point into the US for start-ups from across Europe.  It is home to 24 of the world's top 25 biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies.  8 of the top 10 global software companies, 9 of the top 10 US technology companies and 4 of the top 5 IT services companies are located in the country.

Choosing Dublin as your overseas study destination means choosing the eighth best student city and eighth safest country in the world with a large, young population who not only speak English as their official language. In Dublin, you have the chance to study for a degree at one of the world’s top-ranking universities; University College Dublin, which will set you apart from the rest as you begin your new career path.

UCD Medicine is where East meets West as students from Malaysia and Singapore together with those from Canada and the USA forge friendships with the hospitable and friendly Irish.

What are the entry requirements for Undergraduate Medicine (Non-EU) at UCD?

For admission requirements please visit here and select your country of citizenship.

How do I apply to UCD Medicine?

EU Enquiries: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/admissions/apply.html

Non EU Enquiries: http://www.ucd.ie/international/study-at-ucd-global/how-to-apply-medicine/

North Americans should apply via Atlantic Bridge: https://www.atlanticbridge.com/

Can I arrange a visit to UCD School of Medicine?

Yes, please contact international.medicine@ucd.ie at least 2 weeks in advance of your visit. Please also visit Global Campus Tours to arrange a tour of the UCD Campus.

Can I transfer into UCD Medicine?

In general, as our programmes are very oversubscribed, we do not accept transfers into our medicine programmes.

How early in the programme will I meet patients?

Undergraduate Entry to Medicine: In Stage 2, semester 2 you will be interacting with patients as part of your teaching.

Graduate Entry to Medicine: In Stage 1, Semester 2 you will be interacting with patients as part of your teaching.

What student supports are available at UCD?

UCD School of Medicine provides students with a multi-faceted support network on a range of issues, including academic, pastoral, personal and practical matters. The following supports are available: medicine programme office, medicine international office, student advisor, peer mentoring, UCD student health service, and UCD International Office.

Can I undertake an internship in Ireland post graduation?

Intern training posts are allocated through a national matching programme administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE), not UCD School of Medicine. Posts are allocated on the basis of individual’s position in the overall ranking of applicants hence there is no need to seek letters of reference from the Medical School. For more information please visit http://www.ucd.ie/medicine/intern/

How do I apply for a clinical elective/observership abroad?

1. UCD School of Medicine can apply for clinical electives in the US through Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO). The VSLO program helps medical and public health students connect with institutions offering short-term elective opportunities that can enhance their medical education. These elective opportunities include observerships, summer research programs, clinical opportunities, away rotations, away electives, clinical rotations and visiting opportunities.  To register please e-mail international.medicine@ucd.ie
2. UCD School of Medicine is a member of the Universitas 21 Clinical Elective Exchange Programme.  The programme entails that U21 institutions that have a medical degree offer up to 5 short-term Medical Clinical places to U21 students each year, waived from administration fees. The U21 network strives to create a distinctive experience and resource for students that will prepare them for life and work across borders, boundaries and cultures in the increasingly globalized 21st century society. Medical schools worldwide recognize the increasing importance of global health training and the benefits of international clinical rotations for a physician's development.
3. The School of Medicine runs a Summer Elective Competition for both clinical elective and observerships, and research electives. For full details and application procedure please contact international.medicine@ucd.ie.

What are my options for undertaking research?

The School of Medicine has a large and dynamic research portfolio extending from in silo bioinformatics, molecular laboratory investigations of disease to clinical research evaluation new therapeutic strategies. Students are encouraged to undertake research during the summer months and can register for an optional Student Summer Research Awards (SSRA) module. Through UCD’s international links students can also undertake research at one of our partner institutions. For further details of international research opportunities please contact ssra.international@ucd.ie.

How do I apply for an elective at UCD School of Medicine?

Please e-mail international.medicine@ucd.ie.

Please note that students are placed on electives in January/ February or July/August only.