How to Apply for a Research Programme in UCC
Research application process at University College Cork
1. Explore Research & find a Supervisor
- Use our Research Programmes page to explore all the programmes available in your subject area, visit each School or Research Centre's page to explore the research being undertaken and the academics working in different research areas.
- You can also use our Find a Supervisor page to discover academics that are aligned to your research area
- After identifying potential supervisors - email them to discuss your proposal, their availability to supervise and any funding opportunities that may be available. Once you have informally secured a UCC supervisor you can begin the Application process.
Entry Requirements
- PhD applicants must have an honours primary degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum of a 2H1 (second class honours, grade 1) to apply.
- Master by Research applicants need an honours primary degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum of a 2H2 (second class honours, grade 2) to apply.
- View UCC's Postgraduate qualification comparison by country here.
2. Funding & Fees
Before applying, you should discuss funding with your potential supervisor. They can help you understand:
-
Whether you’ll be a funded or self-funded student.
- What funding opportunities may be available.
- What costs you will be responsible for.
Knowing your funding status early is crucial because it determines whether you will need to pay tuition fees and other study-related costs yourself.
Funded Student
You are considered funded if you have secured a scholarship, studentship, research grant, or other funding award that cover some or all of the following:
- Tuition fees
-
A student stipend
- Research and training costs (where applicable)
Funding can come from:
- National funding agencies (e.g. Research Ireland, HRB, Teagasc,etc.)
-
European funding (e.g. European Research Council (ERC), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, etc)
-
International funding programmes
- UCC scholarships
- Industry partners
- Other external organisations
You can find funded research opportunities through:
- Project-specific or discipline-specific funding calls
If your funding includes tuition support, fees may be paid directly by the project. You should confirm the details of your fee funding arrangement with your supervisor before applying.
Self-Funded Student
You do not have a scholarship or other funding award, you will be responsible for:
- Paying your tuition fees
- Paying any associated charges related to your programme
Fee information is available in the UCC
Postgraduate and International Fees 2026 - 27.
Application Process
Once you have confirmed your funding arrangements:
- The application process through UCC Apply is the same for both funded and self-funded applicants.
- Your funding status does not affect the admissions requirements for your programme.
- All applications are assessed on the same academic criteria, regardless of funding status.
- Research applications at UCC incur a €50 fee.
3. UCC Apply & Supporting Documents
The formal application begins on UCC Apply where you will need to upload the following:
- Your Research Proposal – The format and length of this proposal can vary by college so it's best to check with your Supervisor. You may also need to submit this proposal directly to your school.
- Academic Transcripts and Qualifications – Evidence of all qualifications listed on your application, International Applicants are also required to submit their Graduation Certificates.
- Proof of ID – A Passport, Birth Certificate, or NDLS driver's license.
- English Language Proficiency – Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency – see the various requirements and accepted Exam providers.
- Supplementary Forms - These may be requested by UCC to assist your application.
- Fee Status – You may be asked to provide documents related to your nationality and previous tax residency to determine your fee status (EU or Non-EU) - see more information here.
4. Application Review & Offer
- Your proposal and application will first be reviewed by your supervisory team.
- Then your application is reviewed by the relevant Head of Unit/s or Graduate Studies Committee in your department. They, along with the programme director review your application and determine if you are accepted into the research programme.
- This review process can take three to four weeks on average and may be longer during term time and when there is a significantly higher volume of applications.
- Offer and Registration: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer via email. Once you accept your offer, please allow a few days for your official Offer Letter to become available to download from UCC Apply.
- For Irish and EU students: Registration details and instructions will be shared via email leading up to your anticipated start date. See the link below for more information on incoming research student registration.
- For International (non EU) students: Your Offer Letter (Letter of Acceptance) contains important information which is required for visa application purposes. For more information on visa applications for research students, visit this page.