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Entry requirements
Visiting/Exchange non-EU students Factsheet
- Students must be currently registered at a non-European university and
- applying to undertake a programme of study at undergraduate level for one semester or one year as part of their degree.
GPA Requirement
- The minimum GPA required is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- 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, the application will be treated sympathetically.
- We regret that applications with a GPA of less than 2.8 cannot be accepted.
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language (country or home university) is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Accepted tests and minimum scores:
- IELTS: 6.0 (no individual band lower than 5.5)
- TOEFL iBT: 79–80
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 110 overall (no individual section lower than 100)
- English language tests must have been taken within two years prior to the start of the programme.
- You must upload an official certificate with your application. ‘Test Taker’ copies are not accepted.
Application process
Students must have approval from their home university to apply to study at UCC in advance of submitting the application form.
Step 1
Nomination Process- to be completed by home university or study abroad provider
- Universities may submit nominations on this link: Nomination form for academic year 2026/2027
- Alternatively, universities/study abroad provider can email their nominations to mb.murphy@ucc.ie
Step 2
Application Process- to be completed by student
- The link to apply and submit a the Visiting Student application will be published here in mid-March.
- Due to a current upgrade of the application system, the exact release date will be announced shortly.
- Online application guidelines: Published here soon
Supporting documents to be uploaded with the application:
- Official Academic Transcript (unofficial, screenshots or advising transcripts will not be accepted).
- Letter of Permission – Letter of Permission- Sample- Issued by your home university or study abroad provider confirming approval to study at University College Cork (UCC)
- Copy of Passport, State Identification, or Other Government-Issued Identification
- Official English Language Proficiency Test Certificate-For students at non-english speaking countries/universities only
Please upload one of the following when submitting your application:
- IELTS Test Score: 6.0 (with no individual score lower than a 5.5)
- TOEFL iBT: 79-80 or more
- Duolingo: DET score of 110 or better (with no individual section lower than 100)
Email mb.murphy@ucc.ie if you have any issues.
Deadlines
2026/2027 applications will open in mid-March 2026
Nomination deadline:
- Autumn/Full year 2026: May 1st 2026
- Spring semester 2026: September 10th 2026
Application deadlines
- Autumn/Full year 2026: June 1st 2026
- Spring semester 2026: October 10th 2026
Courses at UCC
- Click below to learn more about the available courses (modules) at UCC for visiting students
- What can I study as a visiting student at UCC
Syllabus:
The International Office does not have access to the syllabus for each module.
- You will need to contact the lecturer directly or wait until they release it at the start of classes.
- Please note, the module description in the Book of modules may have to be sufficient.
Accepted students
- Once your application to UCC has been confirmed by the International Office, you will receive an email with a link to the online accommodation (housing) application form.
- Click here Visiting Student Information Guide- Accepted students
- A pre-arrival webinar will be provided. Details will be provided via email however it typically takes place 2 months before arrival
Enroling at UCC and registering for classes
Autumn/Full Year:
- Accepted students will receive instructions for the above in mid-August.
Spring Semester:
- Accepted students will receive instructions for the above in mid-November.