Overview

The International Office assists students in preparing for the study period abroad.  Students will be provided with information regarding all aspects of studying abroad:

• Choosing host university
• Applying to host university
• Travel and Health insurance
• Visa requirements
• Registration
• Approval of courses/examinations

Study abroad is open to students during the third year of a four-year degree programme.  Students may study abroad for a semester or for an academic year.  Students are advised to consult with their academic department/coordinator. 

The International Office will be your point of contact during your studies at UCC but most importantly during your period abroad.

Where can I Study

UCC has many non-EU exchange partner universities.  Please click on the following link for list of List of UCC's non-EU partner universities

University of California Exchange Programme

Under the terms of the agreement UCC undergraduate students spend a full academic year at one of nine University of California campuses.  Students receive a tuition fee waiver from the University of California.  Only students of high honours standard (usually first class honours) are selected to participate in the programme.  Please note that first year students are not eligible to apply.

To apply, please see 'How do I apply?' below. 

Visiting Scholar Programme at the University of California

Post-first year PhD students may spend a term, semester or year at the University of California. Visiting scholars do not enrol in courses (although they can audit), but rather engage in research. The programme can be a good option for PhD students or junior faculty who primarily need access to archives and libraries etc., or who want to work with a particular scholar or research group. The visiting scholar must secure an invitation from a willing University of California professor and department. Students may apply to participate in the Visiting Scholar Programme at any time during the academic year. Please note that a 4-month lead-in is required for the application process to be completed.  Interested applicants should contact the International Office.

George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship

UCC students have the opportunity to spend an academic year at an institution in the University of Maine System.  Students must have completed at least one full year; have a record of high academic achievement and demonstrated leadership abilities and a commitment to community service in order to be eligible to apply.  Students who are immediate graduates of UCC are also eligible to apply for the scholarship.  

The successful candidates will receive remission of tuition and academic fees and free room and board.  

To apply, please see 'How do I apply?' below. 

How Do I Apply?

Students who are interested in studying abroad as part of their studies at UCC should follow the following steps:

• Look at the list of UCC's partner universities
• Check what courses are offered by the university
• Speak with the relevant Academic Coordinator who will help you to determine if the university you are interested in is suited to your own studies.

To access the application form, please click on the application link relevant to you below. 

When you are emailing your application form to mb.murphy@ucc.ie, please include your name, degree and UCC student number.  Blank emails will not be accepted. 

If you are experiencing issues opening the application form, please email mb.murphy@ucc.ie 

Estimated Cost of Living

Living abroad as an exchange student does not come free, and the costs vary from country to country, and according to the period of time you spend abroad.  While you are not charged for tuition at the host university, you will need to budget for flights, accommodation, food and other general expenses. 

Some countries are more expensive than others, as are some cities, and the extra expenditure involved will also depend on whether you are currently living at home.  If you are, you will find that accommodation will become a major cost. 

Calculate how much money you will need and plan for higher costs at the beginning. 

The International Office has provided an Estimated Cost of Living Guide. Information provided is based on information received from partner universities.

The International Office is currently updating the Estimated Cost of Living Guide to include cost information for each partner university.  This will be available in November.  In the meantime, students can search the information on the partner university website.

Health and Travel Insurance

All students going abroad are advised to have comprehensive health and travel insurance policy for the duration of the study period abroad.  Students must be covered for hospitalisation and repatriation.   Students should check the information received from the host university as many universities require students to sign up for the university insurance policy.   

Visa Requirements

Students travelling to countries outside the EU will require a study visa or study permit. 

The International Office will provide an information session regarding requirements. 

You cannot apply for your visa until you have received a letter of admission and visa documents from your host university. 

Academic Requirements

Please keep in close contact with your departmental coordinator regarding your courses when you are abroad. If you encounter any problems, it is important that you contact UCC immediately. 

Return of Examination Results from Host Institution 

Examination results from your study period abroad should be submitted to the International Office as soon as they are available.   

Important: Some institutions forward transcripts to UCC, others do not.  Please ensure that you are clear about the procedure at your host institution before you return to Ireland.  It is the responsibility of the student to prove that they have successfully achieved the required number of credits at their host institution.

Important Forms for Students

All students are required to return a number of forms to UCC during the semester/year abroad.  Email reminders will be sent to students during the academic year.

Contact Details Form 

We would appreciate if you would send us your contact details at your host city as soon as possible after arrival. You can either complete the Contact Details Form  or email Mary-Brid Murphy at mb.murphy@ucc.ie

Statement of Responsibility Form

Please email the completed Statement of Responsibility to Mary-Brid Murphy at mb.murphy@ucc.ie

UCC study abroad student stories

James Roche, Semester 1, 2019 at North Carolina State University 

https://studyabroad.ncsu.edu/2020/01/21/meet-james-roche/

Contact Us

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact UCC:

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