Overview

A visiting student is a student currently registered at another university and applying to undertake a programme of study at undergraduate level for one semester or one year. A visiting student is not being admitted to a programme leading to a Degree, Diploma or any other award of the university.

An exchange student will also be considered as a visiting student. An exchange student is a student nominated under an exchange agreement that is in place between UCC and their home university. 

We have over 3,300 international students studying at the University during a typical academic year. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures and do much to enhance and enrich life at the University.   Many of you will be some distance from home and we will do our best to ensure that your stay with us will be academically rewarding and socially enjoyable.

We hope you will find the information in this website informative and helpful. We are confident that your stay with us will be a fruitful one and that you will leave Ireland with fond memories of your time spent in University College Cork.

Karen McSweeney
Visiting Student Coordinator

What Can I Study?

Book of Modules for Visiting Students

Click on the following link to view the Book of Modules for Visiting Students

• Please note that modules may be altered, cancelled, replaced, augmented or otherwise amended at any time during the semester.
• The 2022/2023 Book of Modules for Visiting Students will be available in August 2022.

Please note the correct semester when choosing your modules.

• Semester 1- Autumn Semester- September to December
  
• Semester 2- Spring Semester- January to May
• Year Long- Full Academic Year-  September- May (Semester only students cannot take Year Long modules) 

Programmes Available to Visiting US and Non-EU Students

Information on each of these programmes is available by clicking on the relevant link in the menu below:  

Autumn Semester

• Autumn Semester Programme
• Early Start Semester in Irish Archaeology 
• Early Start Semester in Irish History and Modern Ireland 
• Early Start Semester in Literature in Ireland and Creative Writing

Full Academic Year

• Full Academic Year Programme
• Early Start and Full Academic Year 
• Certificate in Irish Studies

Spring Semester

• Spring Semester Programme

Summer Programmes

• Intensive Greek and Latin Summer School Intensive Greek and Latin Summer School 
• International Summer School in Irish Studies

How Do I Apply?

‌Definition of a Visiting Student or Exchange Student

A visiting student or exchange student is a student currently registered at a Non-European university and applying to undertake a programme of study for one semester or one year.

A visiting or exchange student is not being admitted to a programme leading to a Degree, Diploma or any other award of the university.

An exchange student will also be considered as a visiting student. An exchange student is a student nominated under an exchange agreement that is in place between UCC and their home university. 

What happens after I submit my application?

1. Confirmation of Acceptance

Once your application has been approved you will receive a letter confirming your acceptance at UCC via email. You must bring a printed version of your letter of acceptance with you when you enter to Ireland to commence your studies.

If, for some reason, you are unable to accept your place at UCC please advise the International Office as soon as possible.

2. Preparing for Ireland

We will send you registration details via email before you arrive. 

An information guide will be sent to you with your letter of acceptance (registation, housing, immigration, living in Ireland, semester dates etc)

For further information, please contact one of the following: 

Entry Requirements

G.P.A. Requirement

The minimum GPA. required is normally 3.0 or above. However, applications between 2.8 and 3.0 will be considered in exceptional circumstances. Thus, if a student who wishes to study History at UCC has good grades in history or a related topic but an overall GPA. of less than 3.0 because of lower grades in an unrelated subject, his/her application will be treated sympathetically. We regret that applications with a GPA of less than 2.8 cannot be accepted.

English Language Proficiency

• IELTS: 6.0 (with no individual section lower than 5.5)
• TOEFL iBT: 79-80
• Duolingo: DET score of 120 or better (Please note: Applicants scoring DET 110 or 115 will be required to undergo a UCC Language Centre Skills Check (LCSC) and in some circumstances, a 6- or 12-week pre-sessional programme. duolingo.com/applicants)

You must submit an official certificate with your application form. We do not accept 'Test Taker' certificates. 

The certificate can be email to mb.murphy@ucc.ie or mailed to International Office, University College Cork, Roseleigh House, Western Road, Cork, Ireland.  

Please contact mb.murphy@ucc.ie with any questions. 

What Will It Cost?

For academic year 2020/2021 and previous, please email k.mcsweeney@ucc.ie for Fee schedule.

Exchange students: If your home universty nominated you under an exchange agreement that is in place between UCC and your home university, please contact them in relation to your tuition fees.  

The Tuition Fee Schedule for the 2022/2023 academic year is as follows:

Paying Tuition

For direct enroll students, you will receive your tuition bill and payment instructions with your letter of acceptance. 

For further information, please contact:

Karen McSweeney,

International Office, UCC.

• Phone: + 353-21-4904727
• Fax: + 353-21-4904735
• Email: k.mcsweeney@ucc.ie

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

Accommodation and Community Life

The UCC Accommodation & Community Life office runs a centralised placement service for incoming international & Erasmus students. We will send you the housing application form with your letter of acceptance. 

It is not possible to apply for this service until you have accepted an offer to study at UCC. 

For more details, please click here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/accommodation/accomadvice/internationals/

Orientation and Semester Dates

Orientation Programme- In order to introduce you to life at University College, Cork and to help you to settle in, the University runs a series of orientation programmes designed to tell you about life on campus. In addition, incoming visiting students have the opportunity to attend an informal reception, where you can meet other students and academic and administrative staff responsible for your welfare while here.

All students are required to attend the Orientation Programme. Full information on the orientation programmes will be available online nearer the relevant dates.

Orientation Dates for 2023/2022 

• Early Start Programme Orientation: Friday 19th August 2022
• Autumn Semester only students: Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th, and Friday 9th September 2022
• Full Academic Year Students: Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th, and Friday 9th September 2022
• Spring Semester only Students: Thursday 12th and Friday 13th January 2023

Semester Dates 2022/2023

Early Start Programme ONLY (Not all students are participating in this- please check your letter of acceptance)

If you are participating in the Early Start Programme, please see dates below:

Information on the Early Start Programme can be found under 'What can I Study?' 

• Early Start Programme Orientation: Friday 19th August 2022
• Early Start Programme Dates: Monday 22nd August – Friday 9th September 2022

Autumn Semester Dates 2022 (Semester 1)

Spring Semester Dates (Semester 2)

Welcome Programme

The International Office organises a two week Welcome Programme for all International students.  The Welcome Programme will take place from the end of August. Dates for 2022 are yet to be confirmed.

A number of events will be organised during the two week period such as information meetings, walking tours of the city centre, cinema nights, table quizzes, Irish music and dance night, and trips at the weekend

(This is a seperate event to orientation- orientation is mandatory)

Semester Dates 2021/2022

Autumn Semester 2021 (Semester 1)

Orientation may take place online. Please see orientation dates below.

Spring Semester 2022 (Semester 2)

Travelling to Ireland- Visa and Immigration

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:

1. Visas and Immigration

Students flying into Ireland with a passport from the US, Canada, Japan, Singapore and Mexico are currently not required to apply for a study visa to enter Ireland but do need to register with immigration (€300) after arrival to Ireland. https://www.ucc.ie/en/international/studentinfohub/

Check here on page 19 if you need/not need a visa to enter Ireland- Do I need a Visa?

If you have a valid passport from a European Union country, you may fly into Ireland with this passport.
You will not have to register with immigration after arrival.   

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

2. Irish Bank Account

Please click on Opening an Irish Bank Account

3. Accommodation

Details will be sent to you with your letter of acceptance- Please see Accommodation and Community Life

4. Orientation and Registration

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

5. Covid 19 

• Keep up to date on the requirements for travelling to Ireland on our government website: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/75d92-covid-19-travel-advice/
• For information on Ireland's Covid-19 restrictions: https://www.gov.ie/en/
• Immigration information: https://www.ucc.ie/en/international/studentinfohub/

Module Selection and Registration

‌Online Enrolment

• Instructions for Online Enrolment: Autumn/Full Year:

Accepted students will receive instructions for the above in mid-August.   

• Instructions for Online Enrolment: Spring Semester: 

Accepted students will receive instructions for the above in mid-November.   

Timetables

Instructions on completing your timetable will be issued with the above information.

Module selection and confirmation of Modules

Accepted students will receive instructions for the above in mid-August for the Autumn Semester and mid-November for Spring Semester. 

Online enrolment must be completed in order to select your modules. 

Examinations and Transcripts

It should be noted that as students are permitted to choose modules across faculties and years there is a possibility of exam timetable conflicts occurring. In the event of such conflicts arising alternative arrangements are made through the International Office. Please contact Karen McSweeney, International Office: k.mcsweeney@ucc.ie

Grading Scale

The marking scale used in UCC ranges from 0-100%. The following marking system is used:

1H - First Class Honours: > 70%

2H1 - Second Class Hons, Grade 1: 60% - 69%

2H2 - Second Class Hons, grade 2: 50% - 59%

3H - Third Class Honours: 45% - 49%

Pass: > 40% - 44%

Final Examination Results

Autumn Semester Results

Results for the Autumn Semester will be available to view online (My Student Admin) in February. 

Full Year and Spring Semester Results

Results for the Full Academic Year and Spring Semester will be available to view online (My Student Admin) at the end of June (date to be confirmed).

Examinations Appeal

Students may formally seek a check of their examination results or appeal their examination results. For further information please contact Karen McSweeney, International Office - k.mcsweeney@ucc.ie

Transcripts for Current Visiting Students:

Autumn Semester Students: 

Offical transcripts for Autumn Students who have completed their studies at UCC will be issued directly to providers/home universities in late February. 

Full Academic Year and Spring Semester Students:

Transcripts will be issued in early July. 

*Please note examination results will available on the student portal prior to release of transcripts.

Study Abroad Students:   

Transcripts will automatically be issued directly to Study Abroad Provider or Home University e.g. Arcadia, IFSA Butler, API, USAC, Quinnipiac University.

Direct Enrol Students:

Transcripts will be issued to your permanent home address.

Students may also request a transcript be issued to their home university by emailing  Karen McSweeney, Email: k.mcsweeney@ucc.ie  

Transcript Requests for Past Visiting Students

Past Visiting Students can request their transcript by completing the Online Transcript Request Form

Please contact Karen McSweeney, Email: k.mcsweeney@ucc.ie with any queries.

Contact Us

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the International Office. 

 I love Cork because . . .

As the world turns its attention to Ireland for St Patrick’s Day, we take a look at what attracts thousands of students from around the globe to live in Cork and study at University College Cork.

In this article, UCC’s students from China, Honduras, India, Ireland, Kenya and the United States share why Cork was their first choice as a place to learn, live and thrive.

The quality of life is excellent

Racheal was born in Kenya and moved to America when she was 12 years old. She’s studying a Master in Public Health. What really set Cork apart for her was the excellent quality of life and her ability to travel:

“Cork is small and laid back. You have time to enjoy fun activities as well as study and achieve your goals. Cork is a well-connected city that is a gateway to Europe and beyond. I have had some great opportunities to travel from my base in Cork.”

You have access to world-ranked courses and leading academics in an international environment

Ambika comes from India. She is studying a Master of Science in Information Systems for Business Performance. UCC’s international reputation and word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family led her to Cork:

“UCC has access to world-ranked courses and top academics. It’s great to be part of an international community. My experience of studying and living in Cork has been invaluable.”

Cork feels like home

Juliet is half Colombian and half Lebanese.  She recently graduated with a Master of Arts in International Relations.  Juliet has lived in numerous cities, but what she loves about Cork is its warmth and friendliness:

“Cork is well known for its culinary delights. I love the variety of spices on offer at the English Market in Cork City. I have made really good friends here and what I really love most about Cork is that it feels like home.”

You will have access to a vibrant job market and excellent links with industry

Ashwini has relocated to Cork from India and is currently studying a Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics. For Ashwini, the main advantage of being located in Cork is having access to a diverse range of industries and a vibrant job market:

“I love Cork for its ease of access to employers and the job market. It’s the perfect way to start your career and enjoy a great quality of life.”

Cork is beautiful, the vibrant colours and diverse landscapes awaken your senses

Wanlin Li was born in China and is currently studying a PhD in Chinese Studies. Wanlin Li really appreciates Cork’s clean, green environment and being close to nature:

“Cork is beautiful. I love the vibrant colours and diverse landscapes. You feel close to nature here and it really awakens your senses.”

Cork is a hub of culture, history and adventure 

Jieyuan Xue comes from China and is currently studying a Master of Science in Finance (Corporate Finance). For Jieyuan Xue, Cork offers something for everyone – culture, history, entertainment and, of course, an excellent academic environment.

“I love the diverse range of things you can do in Cork - from arts and entertainment, to restaurants, beaches and outdoor activities - and studying of course!”

You will encounter a wide variety of people from different countries and learn from everyone

David was born in Honduras and is studying a Master of Science in Biology (Molecular Cell Biology and Bioinnovation). Cork’s green credentials and cultural diversity made David choose UCC:

“What I like most about Cork ifs that you enjoy fresh air surrounded by diverse landscapes in one of the world’s safest cities. I also appreciate the diversity - you can encounter different people from different countries and learn from everyone.”

Cork’s warmth, charm and friendliness is legendary

John was born in the USA and is currently studying a Master of Science in International Public Policy and Diplomacy. John was won over by Cork’s friendliness:

‘Cork’s friendliness is legendary. If you ever want to meet new people, you can head downtown and instantly find yourself among friends. I love that Cork is a historic and cosmopolitan city, with the warmth and charm of a small town.’

Corkonians have a good sense of humour

A Cork native, Tiarnán is a second year Undergraduate student studying a Bachelor Degree of Science in Biosciences. Tiarnán studied through the medium of Irish all through his secondary education at Colaiste na Phiarsaigh Cork. He loves Cork because it’s home.

‘The social scene here is great. Cork is full of great restaurants, bars and is home to plenty of festivals and events annually, the Jazz festival being my favourite. The people also play a part in why I enjoy living here. We don’t take things too seriously and have a good sense of humour.’