Exchange Opportunities

Do you want to learn more about the global sports industry? Does the idea of spending a few months in another country appeal to you? If you answered yes to these questions, then a study abroad or exchange programme may be ideal for you.

Students registered to the BSc in Sport & Exercise Management or the BSc Health & Performance Science (/BSc Sport, Health & Exercise Science from September 2025) are encouraged to study abroad at one of our partner institutions. We have agreements with a number of universities around the world and can structure an academic programme to complement your current degree programme.

Benefits of Studying Abroad

Studying overseas is a fantastic opportunity to live in another country for an extended period of time, allowing you to experience another educational system whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of your new surrounds. You will mix with local students, integrate into a new culture and broaden your horizons, all while earning credit towards your UCD degree.

Studying abroad also has very valuable outcomes for your future careers. A CV that includes international experience demonstrates to employers that not only have you a degree, but you have a global outlook and experience of living overseas.

Exchange Partners

UCD has a number of institutional partnerships around the world, including in the USA, Australia and New Zealand, with new agreements being added all the time.

• United States
  
  • (opens in a new window)University of Michigan- Ann Arbor, Michigan   
  • (opens in a new window)University of Maryland- College Park, Maryland
  • (opens in a new window)Baldwin Wallace University - Berea, Ohio
  • (opens in a new window)Purdue University - West Lafayette, Indiana

• Australia
  • (opens in a new window)The University of Queensland - Brisbane

• New Zealand
  • (opens in a new window)University of Otago - Dunedin

Gain Credit for Overseas Studies

Students studying on exchange for a semester typically gain credit towards their UCD degree if their modules have been preapproved by the Programme Director in advance. Credit achieved is GPA-neutral.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the UCD Sport and Performance Exchange Programme, students must be registered full-time in either BSc programme and will normally have:

• completed Stage 1 at UCD (60 credits)
• achieved an academic average GPA of at least 3.0 (C+ average)

The approval process relies on additional criteria, including the number of applications received, the number of places available, your personal statement and letters of support from your personal referees.

Fees and Costs

Students studying on exchange at one of UCD's partner institutions do not pay tuition fees at the host institution. You simply register at UCD and pay your Student Contribution Fee and Student Levy to UCD as normal. Before applying to study abroad, you need to consider whether you have sufficient funds to support yourself whilst you are away. The cost of living varies considerably for different countries and you will be responsible for your travel costs, accommodation, meals, living costs, health insurance (compulsory), academic materials (such as textbooks) and spending money. Living costs can range from €4,000 to €6,000 per semester.

Application

For more information about incorporating a semester abroad as part of your UCD undergraduate studies, contact us on +353 1 716 3478/3271 or(opens in a new window)sport.management@ucd.ie / (opens in a new window)performance.science@ucd.ie.For more information about UCD exchanges in general, please visit the UCD Global Website.