What Can I Study?

Undergraduate Programmes

For a full list of the undergraduate programmes that are on offer in UCC, please visit: https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/courses/

Undergraduate Academic Calendar

For more detailed information on the undergraduate programmes, please visit: http://www.ucc.ie/academic/calendar/

Book of Modules

The Book of Modules contains information on modularisation along with descriptions for all modules offered in the University's modularised courses. Please visit the following link: http://www.ucc.ie/academic/modules/

Fitness to Practice

Some students are required to undertake placement and training that involve dealing directly with patients, clients or service users. Since it is of over-riding importance to protect members of the public from harm and to maintain the trust and confidence of the general public in the professions and the University, it is vital that students are deemed fit to practise while on placement. To describe an individual as ‘Fit to Practise’ in the context of certain professions is to say that he/she possesses the attributes considered necessary in an individual to allow on-going practice as an independent practitioner in the relevant profession. 

For further information on Fitness to Practise policies and procedures click here: http://www.ucc.ie/en/academicsecretariat/fitnesstopractise/

How Do I Apply?

Application Procedure for Undergraduate Programmes (except Medicine and Dentistry)

An application for up to 2 programmes should be made directly to the International Office using our online application system. Applicants must provide required supporting documents as outlined in the Supporting Documents Checklist below.  

Transfer Applications: Applicants who wish to transfer into a year other than first year of a degree programme* should apply through the 'Undergraduate Degree' route on the online application system and indicate that they wish to apply for a transfer, as well as the preferred transfer year, within the application form in the section entitled Transfer Application. Transfer applications should include an up-to-date university/higher institute transcript and official descriptions of all modules listed on the transcript. * Note: Transfers into Medicine, Dentistry or Applied Psychology are not permitted.

Applications for the academic year 2025/2026 open on 2nd December 2024: 

When applications are open, click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to go to UCC's online application system UCCApply.  You can make up to 2 programme applications. The application fee is €50 and the closing date is 31^st May 2025 (except for Medicine and Dentistry). Some competitive programmes may close earlier when places have been filled.

Application Procedure for Medicine 

Applications for Medicine can only be made through designated UCC agents. Each agent has a specific closing date. Please contact the relevant agent for information on the application procedure and closing dates. For a list of country specific agents specific, please go to: Country Specific Agents

Application Procedure for Dentistry

Applications for Dentistry can only be made through designated UCC agents. Each agent has a specific closing date. Please contact the relevant agent for information on the application procedure and closing dates: 

• US and Canada: Apply through The Atlantic Bridge Program. Contact through: www.atlanticbridge.com

• Singapore: Apply through Region Development. Telephone +65 63392866

• Malaysia and Brunei: Apply through the IUMC Malaysia Office www.iumcireland.com or Email office@iumcireland.com or Telephone +60 10 406 2302

• Thailand: Apply through IUMC Thailand Office- Email info@iumcireland.com or Telephone +66 933 138 590

• Countries not specified: Apply through IUMC Thailand Office - Email info@iumcireland.com or Telephone +66 933 138 590

Supporting Documents Checklist

Supporting Documents Checklist

Below is a checklist of documents that must be provided at minimum with your application: 

Opening and Closing Dates

Applications opening date is 2nd December 2024. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is 31st May 2025 (except for Medicine and Dentistry* and Applied Psychology**). Some competitive programmes may close earlier when places have been filled.

* Applications for Medicine and Dentistry can only be made through designated UCC agents. Each agent has their own specific closing date.

** The closing date for Applied Psychology is 21st March 2025. Shortlisted candiates will be interviewed on week of 7th April 2025.

Am I an EU or Non-EU Student?

For admission purposes all applicants are categorised into two categories: EU or Non-EU. Please check our "Am I an EU or Non-EU Student" page to determine your category: 

How is my application processed?

• Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and places are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Applications are reviewed by the International Office and are then sent to the relevant academic department for consideration.
• A decision is made on individual assessment of each application. The International Office will send a Letter of Acceptance or Conditional Letter of Acceptance to successful applicants.
• This process takes approximately 3-5 weeks from the date of receipt of your completed application.
• Below is a sample timeline from the application stage to the registration for successful candidates:

Availability of Places

University College Cork reserves the right to limit the number of admissions to any programme in the light of the availability of places for that programme.

Allocation / Acceptance of Place

The International Office will inform all applicants as soon as possible, following receipt of completed application forms and all other required documentation, of the outcome of their application.

List of Agents and Partners

Approved International Agents

Entry Requirements

Applications will be considered from applicants whose qualifications are equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis. For the minimum subject requirements for each undergraduate programme, please refer to the Undergraduate Prospectus at the following link: What can I study? 

For Non-EU admission to undergraduate studies, programmes in UCC are categorised into 3 bands of competitiveness. To check what Band each programme is in, click Bands of Competiveness

Select Your Region

• Africa, Middle East, India
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• USA & Canada

For applicants presenting Cambridge GCE A Levels, please see what the minimum Cambridge GCE A Levels entry requirements are for your selected programme. 

For applicants presenting the International Baccalaureate, please see what the minimum International Baccalaureate  entry requirements are for your selected programme.

Special Requirements

Arts - Music - BA (Hons) - CK104: Applicants are required to pass a music entrance exam. International applicants are permitted to send a CD/DVD with examples of their musical ability, if unable to attend in person.

Theatre and Performative Practices - BA (Hons) - CK112: Applicants are required to pass a special drama workshop and interview. This can be arranged via Skype where applicants are unable to attend in person.

Youth and Community Work - BSocSc (Hons) - CK114: This programme is only available to those who have reached 23 years of age by 1 January of the year of proposed entry to UCC. Shortlisted International applicants will be invited for interview via Skype.

Social Work - BSW (Hons) - CK115: The BSW Degree Programme is only available to those who have reached 23 years of age by 1 January of the year of proposed entry to UCC. 

Applied Psychology - BA (Hons) - CK120: The intake process for non-EU international prospective students applying for the BA in Applied Psychology involves an online interview with School’s staff members teaching in the programme. The aim of the interview is to ascertain the prospective student’s interest and motivation for studying Applied Psychology in UCC and to assess the fitness of the prospective student to the requirements and demands of the programme. Candidates who meet the academic entry requirements will be shortlisted for interview. All interviews will take place the week of 7th of April, after which offers to successful candidates will be made.

Minimum Age Requirements

For 2025 entry, full-time degree students must normally have reached 17 years of age by 15th January 2026. Where a candidate below that age seeks to enter UCC, a special application must be made to the President of the University.

Undergraduate English Language Requirements

Teaching in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is normally through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard (there may be higher levels for matriculation and/or particular programmes in individual institutions) in a recognised English language test, as specified below.

Certain tests (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL and Pearson PTE) have a two year time limit in their validity and these will be applied. English language tests must be undertaken no more than two years prior to commencement of a programme.

Please note that the Secure English Language Test (SELT) scores must be achieved from one sitting of the relevant qualification (e.g. IELTS and TOEFL). We will not accept a combination of individual component scores from multiple tests.

Recognised English Language Tests for Undergraduate full degree programmes:

Note: Non-EU Applicants to programmes in the College of Medicine and Health: IELTS; TOEFL; Duolingo; University of Cambridge and Pearson PTE Academic are the only English language proficiency tests accepted to satisfy the English language requirement for entry to programmes in the College of Medicine and Health.

UCC English Language Centre Pre-sessional Courses:

Successful completion of either the 6-Week Pre-sessional, 12-Week Pre-sessional or 16-Week Pre-sessional course at UCC Language Centre. https://www.ucc.ie/en/esol/courses/presessional/

IELTS Indicator Test

UCC accepts the IELTS Indicator Test for the 2024 intake. https://www.ieltsindicator.com/ See minimum requirements below under IELTS / IELTS Indicator Test 

TOEFL iBT Home Edition Test

UCC accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition test for the 2024 intake. https://www.ets.org/s/cv/toefl/at-home/ See minimum requirements below under TOEFL / TOEFL iBT Home Edition test

Duolingo English Test (DET):

College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences; College of Business and Law; College of Science Engineering and Food Science:

• Undergraduate Degree Programmes:  DET 120 with a minimum score of 110 in each individual section.

College of Medicine and Health:

• All Programmes (except SLT): DET 120 with a minimum score of 120 in each individual section.
• Speech and Language Therapy: DET 130 with a minimum score of 120 in each individual section.

IELTS - International English Language Testing System/ IELTS Indicator Test:

College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences; College of Business and Law; College of Science Engineering and Food Science:

• Undergraduate Degree Programmes: Minimum overall score of 6.5 and minimum of 6.0 in each band

College of Medicine and Health:

• All Programmes (except SLT): Minimum overall score of 6.5 and minimum of 6.5 in each band
• Speech and Language Therapy: Minimum overall score of 7.0 and minimum of 6.5 in each band

TOEFL - Test Of English as a Foreign Language - TOEFL iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition Test:

College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences; College of Business and Law; College of Science Engineering and Food Science:

• Undergraduate Degree Programmes: Minimum overall score of 90 and minimum of 20 in each section

College of Medicine and Health:

• All Programmes (except SLT): TOEFL 90 (Listening 23; Reading 21; Speaking 22; Writing 23)
• Speech and Language Therapy: TOEFL 100 (Listening 23; Reading 21; 
  Speaking 22; Writing 23)

University of Cambridge:

College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences; College of Business and Law; College of Science Engineering and Food Science:

• Undergraduate Degree Programmes: 176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English i.e.
  • Proficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
  • Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
  • First Certificate, Grade A (CEFR Level C1)

 College of Medicine and Health:

• All Programmes (except SLT): 176 overall with not less than 176 in each element of the test 
• Speech and Language Therapy: 185 overall with not less than 176 in each element of the test 

Pearson PTE Academic:

College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences; College of Business and Law; College of Science Engineering and Food Science:

• Undergraduate Degree Programmes: Minimum of 63 (with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)

College of Medicine and Health:

• All Programmes (except SLT): Minimum of 63 (with at least 63 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)
• Speech and Language Therapy: Minimum of 72 (with at least 63 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)

ETAPP - English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes:

Grade C1 or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)

UK Examining Boards/Bodies:

GCE O Level English Language at Grade C or above
GCSE English Language at Grade C or above
GCSE English Literature at Grade C or above
CSE Grade 1 Pass in English

University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES):
with English at grade C or above (incorporating the Oxford Examining Body’s English as a Foreign Language (Higher Paper)

EU Countries’ Matriculation Examination:

Matriculation Examinations from European Countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved. Where the examination has been taken more than 2 years previously candidates may be required to take a proficiency test. Where an English proficiency test which is scored on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is presented as part of a school-leaving qualification, grade must be C1/C2.

International Baccalaureate:

The minimum acceptable level of English is English A1, A2 or B: 5 at Higher Level (4 @ either Level if presenting IB through English) or equivalent English Language competence. Note applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old should present additional proof of English.

Trinity ISE: Trinity ISE III with at least merit in each skill category

Oxford English Test: A minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.

LanguageCert: B2 Communicator High Pass with no less than 33 in each skill

QQI FET ESL: Merit in the module “English as a Second Language” or “Communications” (level 5)

UCC English Language Centre

The UCC Language Centre can help you to acquire the English language skills you will need in your undergraduate studies. For more information on the English courses which are offered at the Language Centre, please follow the link: http://www.ucc.ie/en/esol/ 

What Will It Cost?

List of Tuition Fees

The 2025-2026 Undergraduate Fees Schedule is available at: www.ucc.ie/en/financeoffice/fees/ 

Payment Methods

Please visit the Fees Office website for details on how to pay as a Non-EU student

US Federal Student Aid

University College Cork (UCC) is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to certify loans under the U.S. William D. Ford Direct Loan programme.

For information, go to: US Federal Student Aid 

Tuition Fees Payment Deadline

All International students are required to pay a non-refundable deposit when accepting a place at University College Cork, details of which will be specified on their individual offer letter. The first half of tuition fees must be paid no later than the 1^st of August, unless stated otherwise on the offer letter. The balance is due by the following 31st of January.

International Students in receipt of Government funding or a loan from a recognised loan institution should supply documentary evidence of same in lieu of paying fees upfront. 

Tuition Fee in Instalments

International students going into Year 1 must pay the first half of tuition fees no later than the 1^st August, unless stated otherwise on the offer letter. The balance is due by the following 31st of January. All students in Year 2 and beyond can pay their tuition fees in two instalments. 

Exemptions

Students may qualify for exemptions from particular modules in their overall degree if they have completed a degree or another recognised qualification. Enquiries regarding exemptions should be made directly to the relevant academic department. If you are granted an exemption, you will be refunded the fee for that particular module. 

Cost of Living

Students will need to budget for accommodation, food, books, transportation, utilities and other personal expenses, and these can be viewed at our cost of living section: Cost of Living 

Receipt Request

Payment by TransferMate

If you have paid using TransferMate, the receipt issued by TransferMate is your official receipt of payment. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website confirms that a TransferMate receipt is sufficient for visa purposes, so UCC does not provide a separate receipt in this case.

Deposit Payment by UCCApply

If you have paid using UCCApply, the receipt issued by UCCApply is your official receipt of payment. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website confirms that a UCCApply receipt is sufficient for visa purposes, so UCC does not provide a separate receipt in this case.

Payment by Credit Transfer/EFT

If you have paid by Credit Transfer/EFT and require a receipt of payment, your receipt request should be submitted here: UCC Fees - Receipt Request

This online form should only be completed for Credit Transfer/EFT payments. Details provided on this form will facilitate expedient generation of a receipt for the funds transferred. These requests are processed on a first come first served basis and are processed as soon as possible. The Fees Office will be in contact with you directly regarding your receipt, please do not submit more than one request per payment. 

Orientation and Semester Dates

To view the orientation and semester dates for undergraduate students, please follow this link: Key Dates and Registration

Plan for Ireland

Student Info Hub

Moving to a new university, new city, and new country is exciting, but not without challenges. Our Student Support Information is designed to give you as much assistance as possible before you arrive in Ireland, after you arrive at UCC and when living in Cork. Some important steps include:

Visas and Immigration

For information on visa and immigration please click on the following link: Visa and Immigration

Accommodation

For information on accommodation please click on the following link: Accommodation

Orientation and Registration

For information on orientation and registration please click on the following link: Orientation and Welcome Programmes