UCD dublin Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

The University College Dublin or UCD was founded as an Irish based public research university in Belfield, Dublin in 1854. It has triple accreditation from EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB. When it comes to the UCD ranking, it ranked #118 in QS World University Rankings 2026. It also ranked #245 in Best Global Universities, #95 in Best Global Universities in Europe and #1 in Best Global Universities in Ireland.

The UCD courses consist of 130+ study programmes for UG and several programmes at PG level as well. Check more details on the UCD Ireland acceptance rate below-

University College Dublin Acceptance Rate 2025

In 2024, the University College Dublin was a first choice university among CAO applicants with 23,936 students applying to UCD, which represented 35.7% of all applications submitted. 9,830 students chose UCD's Level 8 courses as their first preference. Moreover, 30.5% of all DARE applicants through CAO were made to UCD. Also, UCD's share of 1st preference amongst students rose from 13.6% in 2023 upto 14% in 2024.

The UCD Dublin acceptance rate stands at around 20% according to various unofficial sources, making the admissions criteria of the university very selective. Check the enrollment stats for the university below-

University College Dublin Acceptance Rate for International Students

Of the total student population of 41,00+ housed at UCD Dublin campus, 5,243 are international students in overseas operations while 12,200+ are housed at the main campus. Moreover, the alumni network of the university represents 184 different nationalities.

The UCD Dublin acceptance rate for international students of around 20% suggests that securing a seat at this university is very difficult for local and foreign students alike. Check the enrollment stats for international students below- 

University College Dublin Requirements for International Students

All Indian students must adhere to certain guidelines and fulfil the basic UCD Dublin admission requirements mentioned below-

UG

• School leaving certificate (CBSE/CISCE)
• Intermediate Exam (Some State Boards)
• English Proficiency Proof (80% in English language in CBSE/AISSCE/CUSCE/ISC or IELTS/TOEFL)
• Application fee EUR 70 or INR 6.4k
• Course specific requirements (Refer to the official website)

PG:

• UG Degree (Equivalent to 2:1) or a year long qualifying course such as Higher or Graduate Diploma
• English Proficiency Proof (IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band)
• Application fee EUR 60 or INR 5.4k
• Academic Reference
• Personal Statement
• Academic Transcripts
• CV/Resume

Also check UCD Dublin fees for Indian students

University College Dublin Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores

UCD Dublin will accept the average of best 5 recognized subjects achieved in Standard XII. The cumulative GPA requirement specified by the university is 3.2 on a scale of 4 (unweighted). SAT and ACT score requirements are course specific and only required if you don't hold a proof of completion of Standard XII in the Indian curriculum. Also standardized scores are not required for all programs. Refer to the official uni website for more details. 

Also check out UCD Dublin Placements

Tips to get selected at University College Dublin

Students can refer to the tips given below to maximise their chances of selection at UCD Dublin:

• Start building your English language skills early on since students from non-English speaking countries are all required to submit the proof of proficiency. Also these requirements may differ from the requirements of embassy or visa requirements so prepare accordingly.
• If you're still in high school, work on improving your academic profile according to the grade requirements of your course of choice. If not, ensure that you meet the grade prerequisite specified for your preferred program, as these will vary.
• Lastly, adhere to the university deadlines and make sure to apply timely. Try to apply as early to allow yourself time to gather necessary documents and make room for any required corrections of documentation process.

Also read UCD Dublin Scholarships

University College Dublin Acceptance Rate vs Trinity College Dublin Acceptance Rate

The Trinity College Dublin acceptance rate stands at around 34% making the admission criteria relatively strict. Whereas the University College Dublin acceptance rate stands at around 20% as per various unofficial sources, suggesting that the its very hard to get into UCD. Hence, it can be concluded that its much harder to secure a seat at the latter than the former. However, note that both are prestigious universities that take their admission process seriously and only choose candidates who are best of the best so prepare seriously for both.