Skip to main content

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

General

When will the information sessions take place?

  • Study abroad information sessions begin October of your 2nd year

When do applications open?

  • If you are applying to the International Office, the link to the application form will be available on this website in November each year and close in January
  • A number of degree programmes will apply directly to their academic coordinator and will have different application deadlines.
  • If you have a mandatory year abroad as part of your degree, you will be applying to your academic coordinator and may not be required to apply to the International Office
  • Details will be provided to students at the information sessions

Can all UCC students study abroad?

  • Students can only apply to study abroad during their 3rd year
  • Students registered for a degree with an international pathway are required to study abroad for the full academic year
  • Not all degree programmes permit studying abroad
  • A number of departments have set minimum academic requirements for their students to be eligible to study abroad
  • Students from the college of SEFS are required to speak with their academic coordinator before they apply to study abroad
  • Students can only study at partner universities that offer suitable modules for their UCC degree. It is the responsibility of the student to research the modules at the host university.

Are all students placed?

  • Studying abroad with UCC is not guaranteed and is subject to availability and academic achievements.
  • You must be registered for a four degree at UCC and you are only permitted to study abroad during your 3rd year.

Can I go for a semester instead of a full year?

  • Yes, students are permitted to study abroad for one semester (September-December Semester)
  • There may be an opportunity to study abroad for semester 2, but this is subject to approval by your UCC Academic Coordinator.
  • Not all UCC degrees are permitted to study abroad in semester 2 due to work placement etc.
  • If your UCC degree has a mandatory study abroad year, then you must go abroad for the full year.

Grading

Minimum grade requirements to study abroad

  • A number of UCC departments have set minimum grade requirements for their students to apply to study abroad. Please see details on section ‘How do I apply’

Do I need to meet certain academic requirements to study outside the EU?

  • If applying for non-European Universities, students are required to a minimum of a 2.1 (overall grade of 60%) in 1st year and in 1st semester of 2nd year. 
  • All subjects will be calculated
  • School of Asian Studies students: Your study abroad period is managed by your academic coordinator. Please follow their guide on applications, partner universities and grade requirements.

What are my responsibilities as a student to successfully complete my Erasmus?

Students must submit the following documents- please note, this information will be sent to your UCC email address

  • Contact Details Form
  • Certificate of Arrival Form
  • Learning Agreement (Your modules need to be approved by your UCC Academic Coordinator and your host university)
  • Certificate of Attendance Form
  • Acknowledgement of Erasmus Student Mobility Grant Form        
  • Final Report
  • Erasmus Online Language Assessment
  • Request your transcript of records from the host university after examinations

Do I need health insurance?

  • Yes, as per immigration and UCC policy, all students need to have health/travel insurance.
  • Your host university may require you to take out their own insurance. Many of the US and Canadian Universities will have mandatory health insurance and will not waive your Irish health insurance policy.

 

Funding

Funding

  • European partners=Erasmus
  • non-European partners= study abroad

Do I get a grant to study in Europe (ERASMUS)?

All students participating in the Erasmus+ programme (EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES ONLY) are entitled to apply for an Erasmus grant. The Erasmus grant is intended as a contribution to the overall cost of the year abroad, to cover the cost of living differential associated with living abroad.  The grant will be calculated based on the total number of days at the host university rather than total number of months.  During the academic year students will be required to submit certificates to UCC confirming date of arrival and date of departure.  Students will be eligible to receive a travel grant also.  

Outside the EU

  • There is no funding available for students that decide to study abroad outside of Europe

Please see links below for scholarships (subject to change)

 

Modules abroad

How do I know if a university is suitable for my UCC studies?

  • The university you choose must offer suitable modules for your UCC degree.
  • Students must contact their UCC Academic Coordinator and discuss if their preferred university offers suitable modules.
  • Your UCC Academic Coordinator needs to approve of your host university. 

Where can I get an idea of what modules I need to take while abroad?

  • Please check here for what modules would be taking place for your course in 3rd year

https://www.ucc.ie/admin/registrar/calendar/

  • If your course has a mandatory year abroad, your academic advisor will discuss with you what you are required to take.
  • You must speak with your UCC academic coordinator to discuss suitable modules.

Well-being

The International Office wil provide information sessions on study abroad preparation.

If I need mental or physical health assistance while abroad, who do I contact?

Firstly, contact the host university. They will provide you with relevant information and resources available on campus. They will also provide this information at orientation so it is important to attend that at the start of the semester. If you feel the need to reach out to UCC, please do. We are here to help.

Before going abroad, we recommend bookmarking this great UCC resource https://www.ucc.ie/en/keep-well/

Visa and Immigration

Do I need a visa to study outside the EU?

  • Yes, you will need a visa or study permit.
  • Your host university will provide information and paperwork to assist you with this.
  • As part of your application to the host university, you will be required to show proof of finances. This can range from 10,000-30,000Dollars (USA) and 20,000CAD (Canada). SUBJECT TO CHANGE 
  • Your host university along with the UCC International Office will assist you with your visa/study permit. We will run an information session in April. 

I am going on a J1 to the US for the summer, do I have to come back to Ireland before flying back out?

  • Please consult with your J1 summer provider (USIT etc). We do not provide assistance with the J1 summer visa.
  • We only provide information on the J1 study visa. 

 

 

International Office

Oifig Idirnáisiúnta

Roseleigh, Western Road, Cork, T12 R229

Ask a question

Contact us

Top