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University College Dublin Rankings 2026

Q: Where does the University College Dublin rank globally?

As per U.S. News & World Report, the University College Dublin ranks at #245 under the category of Best Global Universities 2025. In 2024, UCD was ranked at a worse position that was #253, under the same criteria. The ranking body check many factors while assessing the ranking such as Global Research Reputation, Global Score, Books, Conferences, Total Citations, and more. Check the table listed below for UCD rankings by U.S. News & World Report: Ranking Body 2023 2024 2025 US News & World Report 236 253 245

Q: What is the ranking of University College Dublin globally?

University College Dublin is among the top universities in Ireland. UCD is ranked by top ranking authorities all over the world. UCD rankings attract international students the most. The university is ranked by major ranking agencies that are as follows, take a look - Ranking Bodies Rank U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025 #245 QS World University Rankings 2026 #118 THE World University Rankings 2026 #201 Shanghai Rankings 2025 #301 Financial Times 2025 #73

Dublin, Ireland

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109 Student Q&A

Shiksha popularity ranking

#124 in World

#2 in Ireland

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113 Scholarships for studying in Ireland

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330 acre campus
Estd. 1854

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Last updated on 5 Jan '26

UCD dublin Ranking

Table of contents

University College Dublin Ranking
University College Dublin Course Ranking
University College Dublin US News & World Report Rankings 2025
UCD dublin FT (Financial Times) Ranking 2025
University College Dublin QS Rankings 2026
University College Dublin THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2026
University College Dublin ARWU (Shanghai Rankings) 2026
UCD dublin Student Reviews

UCD dublin
University College Dublin Ranking

University College Dublin located in Ireland. The university has been ranked by various ranking bodies globally for its academic excellence, student diversity, job outcomes, and teaching pedagogy.

The university is recognized by Shiksha Popularity Ranking in 2025, listing it at #127, among the top universities in the world. The Shiksha Popularity Ranking also ranks University College Dublin at #2 for the same year among universities in Ireland.

The global ranking of the university has showcased improved trend from 2025, moving from its previous rank of #138. In 2026, the University College Dublin also secured a rank of #118 from QS and a rank of #201 from THE (Times Higher Education).

Here are the three-year trends for University College Dublin rankings from many ranking bodies, take a look -

Ranking Body	2023	2024	2025	2026
QS	Not Ranked	171	126	118
THE	201	201	201	201
US News	236	253	245	Not Ranked

Country level

Shiksha Popularity Rank

World rank by different ranking providers

Shiksha

#124

QS Ranking

#38

THE Ranking

#201

US News Ranking

#245

ARWU Ranking

#301

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Commonly asked questions
On University Evaluation

Q: What is the ranking of University College Dublin globally?

University College Dublin is among the top universities in Ireland. UCD is ranked by top ranking authorities all over the world. UCD rankings attract international students the most.

The university is ranked by major ranking agencies that are as follows, take a look -

Ranking Bodies	Rank
U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025	#245
QS World University Rankings 2026	#118
THE World University Rankings 2026	#201
Shanghai Rankings 2025	#301
Financial Times 2025	#73

Q: What is the ranking of University College Dublin in comparison to the Dublin City University?

University College Dublin and Dublin City University both are some of the most esteemed universities in Ireland. The University College Dublin is ranked #125 under “QS World University Rankings 2025”. Dublin City University ranks at #421 under the “QS World University Rankings 2025”. Check the table listed below for University College Dublin and Dublin City University rankings by QS over 5 years:

Year	University College Dublin	Dublin City University
2025	126	421
2024	171	436
2023	181	471
2022	173	490
2021	171	439

Q: What is the ranking of University College Dublin in comparison to the Maynooth University?

University College Dublin and Maynooth University both are some of the most prominent universities in Ireland for continuing higher education. The University College Dublin is ranked #118 under “QS World University Rankings 2026”. Maynooth University is ranked at #771 under the category of “QS World University Rankings 2026”.

Also, check the QS ranking for both universities over the past 3 years:

Year	University College Dublin	Maynooth University
2026	118	771
2025	126	801
2024	171	801

UCD dublin
University College Dublin Course Ranking

Now, let’s take a look at University College Dublin course rankings. Some of its courses in the field of Engineering, Business and Management Studies, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences and Science are ranked in 2025 by top ranking bodies such as Shiksha Popularity World Ranking and QS, exemplifying University College Dublin and its strengths.

The university’s ranking for Engineering courses are ranked at #147 in 2025 as per Shiksha Popularity Ranking. This ranking has declined from its 2024 rank of #132. Also, these courses are also ranked by QS. The 2025 QS Engineering and Technology rank stood at #207 in comparison to 2024 rank of #216.

Apart from these courses, Shiksha Popularity Ranking also ranks its Business & Management Studies courses globally. Holding firm, this course was positioned at #49 in 2025. Overall, most of the courses offered by this university are notably appealing to international students.

According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings for the year 2025, here’s a quick look at how Some popular courses rank, take a look -

Course Category	2023	2024	2025
Engineering	#112	#132	#147
Business & Management Studies	#45	#52	#49
Law	#112	#99	#122
Medicine & Health Sciences	#109	#128	#146
Science	#198	#251	#265

Search for courses/specializations

Showing 3 Courses

Shiksha popularity ranking

Shiksha

THE

#126

#201

ARWU

#201

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Specializations in MS Program

Physics

Shiksha

ARWU

#201

#251

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Computer Science Engineering

Shiksha

THE

#126

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Shiksha popularity ranking

MBA/PGDM

Shiksha

#73

#141

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Shiksha popularity ranking

M.Arch

Shiksha

#151

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University College Dublin US News & World Report Rankings 2025

US News and World Report is among the world's most esteemed publications. It is renowned for offering university rankings to persuade students to enrol in schools in the Ireland. Subject-based, national, regional, and global rankings are available. Standardized tests, first-year retention rates, graduate rates, peer evaluation, and the student-faculty ratio are among the other variables that US News and World Report considers.

According to the US News Rankings 2025, UCD has earned top positions

According to the US News Rankings 2025, UCD has earned top positions under various categories such as Best Global Universities, Best Global Universities in Europe, Best Global Universities in Ireland, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Economics and Business, etc. If we compare ‘Global Universities Rankings’, UCD ranks #245 in 2025. There is an improvement in UCD rankings from the year 2024 as it stood at #253 that year.

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
Global Universities	236	253	245

University College Dublin Vs Other Universities: US News & World Report Comparison

University College Dublin US News & World Report 2025: Ranking Criteria

Commonly asked questions
On UCD dublin US News & World Report Ranking

Q: Where does the University College Dublin rank globally?

As per U.S. News & World Report, the University College Dublin ranks at #245 under the category of Best Global Universities 2025.

In 2024, UCD was ranked at a worse position that was #253, under the same criteria. The ranking body check many factors while assessing the ranking such as Global Research Reputation, Global Score, Books, Conferences, Total Citations, and more.

Check the table listed below for UCD rankings by U.S. News & World Report:

Ranking Body	2023	2024	2025
US News & World Report	236	253	245

Q: Does University College Dublin rank better than the Dublin City University?

The University College Dublin and Dublin City University are some of the best universities in Ireland. According to U.S. News & World Report 2025, UCD ranks at #245 and DCU ranks at #856 under the Best Global Universities. So, University College Dublin ranks better the Dublin City University.

Check the ranking comparison listed below between UCD and DCU:

University	2025	2024	2023
University College Dublin	245	253	236
Dublin City University	856	861	917

UCD dublin
FT (Financial Times) Ranking 2025

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
MBA	94	91	73
Master in Finance	– / –	53	59
Master in Management	17	28	33

University College Dublin QS Rankings 2026

QS World University Ranking 2025QS is among the top ranking authorities all over the world. QS is highly renowned for its “World University Rankings” and its annual report that demonstrate 1,418 institutions in 100 places. QS World University Rankings, are based on various parameters such as internationalization, academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact and more.

According to the University College Dublin QS Rankings, there has been a rise in the world university ranking of Dubl

According to the University College Dublin QS Rankings, there has been a rise in the world university ranking of Dublin. In 2024, it was ranked at #171, which improved to #126 in 2025. And further improved and ranked at #118 in the year 2026.

This shows that the university has climbed 8 positions compared to last year’s ranking. Additionally, the university achieved top positions in a wide variety of subjects such as Business and Management, Engineering and Technology, MEng in Electronic and Computer Engineering, etc.

Check the table listed below for University College Dublin QS Rankings over the years under various parameters:

Ranked by	2024	2025	2026
Europe	71	51	38
World University	171	126	118
Accounting and Finance	101	101	– / –
Architecture and Built Environment	101	151	– / –
Biological Sciences	201	201	– / –
Communication and Media Studies	101	101	– / –
Engineering and Technology	216	207	– / –
Global MBA	111	121	141
Law and Legal Studies	92	101	– / –
Masters in Business Analytics	35	44	51
Masters in Supply Chain Management	12	14	19
Mathematics	251	251	– / –
Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering	151	201	– / –
Medicine	167	172	– / –
Nursing	51	44	– / –
Performing Arts	51	51	– / –
Pharmacy and Pharmacology	151	201	– / –
Physics and Astronomy	251	251	– / –
Politics	51	101	– / –
Sociology	101	101	– / –

University College Dublin Vs Other Universities: QS Comparison

University College Dublin QS 2025: Ranking Criteria

Commonly asked questions
On UCD dublin QS Ranking

Q: What is the QS ranking of University College Dublin?

The University College Dublin offers a lot of academic programs at UG and PG levels for its students.

When it comes to UCD rankings, it is one of the highest ranked universities all over the world. The University College Dublin ranking has improved from #126 in 2026 to #118 in 2026.

Also, as compared to last year's ranking, UCD has improved #46 positions. The University is constantly ranked among top 200 universities in the world.

Q: Which university ranks better in the QS rankings between the University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin?

According to QS rankings, Trinity College Dublin ranks better than University College Dublin. UCD is ranked #118 under the “World University Rankings 2026”.

Both universities have their own merits and demerits. Trinity College Dublin is constantly ranked among top 100 universities in the world. Whereas, University College Dublin comes under top 200 universities in the world. Check the ranking table listed below:

University Name	QS World University Ranking 2024	QS World University Ranking 2025	QS World University Ranking 2026
University College Dublin	#171	#126	#118
Trinity College Dublin	#81	#87	#75

University College Dublin THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2026

THE (Times Higher Education is one of the most well known ranking bodies all over the world. Also, the world rankings, Asia university rankings, emerging economies university rankings, and more.

According to the University College Dublin THE world rankings, the position of the university is constantly standing at #201 for all three years.

University College Dublin also ranked top in categories such as Life Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, Computer Science, Clinical Health,

THE (Times Higher Education is one of the most well known ranking bodies all over the world. Also, the world rankings, Asia university rankings, emerging economies university rankings, and more.

According to the University College Dublin THE world rankings, the position of the university is constantly standing at #201 for all three years.

University College Dublin also ranked top in categories such as Life Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, Computer Science, Clinical Health, Engineering, Social Services, Physical Sciences, and more. Students can refer the table given below for University College Dublin THE rankings over the years:

Ranked by	2024	2025	2026
University	201	201	201
Arts and Humanities	176	176	151
Engineering	151	176	176
Law	101	126	101
Life Sciences	201	201	201
Medicine and Health	176	176	201
PG Business and Economics	126	176	201
PG Computer Science	126	101	126
Psychology	201	176	176

University College Dublin Vs Other Universities: THE (Times Higher Education) Comparison

University College Dublin THE (Times Higher Education) 2026: Ranking Criteria

Commonly asked questions
On UCD dublin THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking

Q: What is the Times Higher Education rankings of University College Dublin?

The University College Dublin is among the top universities for higher education in Ireland. According to THE, University College Dublin is constantly ranked at #201 from past 3 years.

Check the ranking comparison between University College Dublin and Maynooth University by Times Higher Education:

University Name	THE University Ranking 2024	THE University Ranking 2025	THE University Ranking 2026
University College Dublin	#201	#201	#201

Q: What are the criteria used by Times Higher Education for ranking the universities in the world?

Times Higher Education is among the top ranking publishers all over the world. They consider a large variety of factors when issuing rankings to top universities. Some important parameters are teaching, research environment, quality industry, international outlook and more.

According to THE, University College Dublin is ranked between #201 under the category of THE World University Rankings 2026.

University College Dublin ARWU (Shanghai Rankings) 2026

Academic Ranking of World University or Shanghai Ranking is one of the top publishers of world university rankings. It provides various rankings, such as world rankings, broad subject field rankings, and specific subject rankings.

As per the University College Dublin ARWU rankings the university is ranked at #201 which has been consistent since the year 2024.

Along with the university rankings, the UCD courses like Law, Mathematics, Physics and Political Sciences are also ranked by ARWU. They ar

As per the University College Dublin ARWU rankings the university is ranked at #201 which has been consistent since the year 2024.

Along with the university rankings, the UCD courses like Law, Mathematics, Physics and Political Sciences are also ranked by ARWU. They are ranked between #101 and #201.

Ranked by	2023	2024	2025
Universities	301	301	301
Law	201	– / –	– / –
Nursing	201	151	101
Physics	151	151	201
Political Sciences	101	151	151
Sociology	– / –	– / –	151

University College Dublin Vs Other Universities: ARWU (Shanghai Rankings) Comparison

University College Dublin ARWU (Shanghai Rankings) 2025: Ranking Criteria

UCD dublin
Students Ratings & Reviews

4/5

141 Verified Reviews Info Icon

Student Views (Based on Reviews)

59% students never faced discrimination in this university

Vibe of Campus

Academically oriented

Friendly

Multi-dimensional

Fun loving

Internships3.5

Part time work3.8

Post study jobs3.9

Quality of faculty4.3

Student Life4.4

Value for money3.9

Public transportation4.3

Safety4.3

Indian Food4

Permanent Immigration3.9

Anonymous

MSc in Project Management - Batch of 2026

4.1

Great opportunities and growth.

Tips: I haven’t availed any scholarship. I'm working part time. It's going to be hard but you've got to keep working plus learning even if your economic condition in India is between average and rich. The university work gets really piled up, too much work in too less time.

Likes (Safety): I dont know about living in the city yet I live at university so I feel safe all the time. The campus is huge and you almost get everything on campus you dont have to go anywhere else. But I've been around and buses and all the hot areas have heavy security.

Dislikes (Indian Food): There are more Pakistani restaurants than Indian restaurants; moreover, the prices are skyrocketing. Food doesn’t taste as it used to in India. Some places like Andra Bhavan are really good for the taste but the prices aren’t for students its too high.

Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1225

Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryEuro 46650

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026Read more

Anonymous

MSc Data & Computational Science - Batch of 2026

3.9

It’s a very good experience to learn and grow, meeting people from different origins and cultures.

Tips: I did not get any scholarship. It was quite hard at first because of the weather conditions and the food but after a few months, you start to enjoy it. I'm very satisfied. It has been an amazing experience as you get to explore new areas and new people. Feel free to reach out to faculty. They are supportive and understanding.

Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1125

Prepping time for classes7 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryEuro 44325

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026Read more

Anonymous

MSc Finance - Batch of 2026

3.5

A demanding but valuable masters at UCD.

Tips: Before joining UCD, students should be prepared for a rigorous and fast-paced academic environment, especially in my course, which involves heavy coursework in quantitative subjects and coding. While scholarships are competitive and based on academic merit. I am very happy with UCD and the quality of education, and the exposure Ireland offers in terms of career opportunities and a welcoming international student culture.

Likes (Part time work): I rated part time work as 5 because there are many opportunities both on campus and off campus. The working hours are generally flexible and manageable. On average, part-time jobs pay around 11-13 euros per hour, which is helpful for covering basic living expenses.

Dislikes (Safety): I rated safety as 2 because there are limited patrols and emergency facilities in some areas of the city, and I have experienced situations where public transport and street felt unsafe after dark. Although I have not faced any major incident personally, I believe better lighting and more police visibility would help students feel more secure.

Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 40

Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryEuro 38000

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026Read more

Anonymous

MSc Information Systems - Batch of 2026

1.7

Great academics, but start your housing search early.

Tips: Before joining, be aware that the housing market is very dangerous so secure your accommodation whichever you get. The transition was smooth because people are friendly here though the weather is bad. I received a scholarship which helped reduce my fees. Overall it is not worth coming to Ireland.

Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 2500

Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryEuro 20000

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026Read more

Anonymous

MSc Information Systems - Batch of 2026

2.3

Very uneconomical as it has poor value for money.

Tips: Be prepared to find jobs on your own; university only helps tailor your resume. You may face racism issues from your professors too. The transition was more difficult than expected. It takes time for you to adjust academically. Support services exist but they are often slow.

Likes (Student Life): On campus facilities are bad. One of the biggest issues is the cost of living. Rent is absolutely on the higher side. The following was my personal experience: I went to a restaurant, where they have a student discount. But later I realised that the food which they were offering was less than a normal meal.

Dislikes (Internships): Low exposure as internship opportunities are not facilitated by the university. Career services provide generic advice but there are no direct placements or internships. Students are expected to find a job on their own and hunt for an internship on their own.

Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 2025

Prepping time for classes22 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryEuro 23500

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026Read more

Anonymous

MSc Data & Computational Science - Batch of 2026

3.4

Pretty hectic courses.

Tips: The culture is very different from my home country. The course is pretty hectic to manage alongside part-time and household chores. The course content is good but fast-paced, as it is a one-year course. Jobs and internships are pretty scarce and employers expect some background experience before joining them even as an intern. Recommended to gain some work experience before pursuing a masters here.

Total Monthly ExpenseEuro 1200

Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryEuro

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026Read more

View All 152 Reviews

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UCD dublin

Student Forum

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Does University College Dublin give scholarships for international students?

Answered a week ago

Yes, University College Dublin offers a variety of scholarships for its international students. University College Dublin scholarships attracts international students the most. Some most popular scholarship offered by UCD for international students is listed below-

UCD Global Excellence Scholarship
In

Vipra Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Who are the top employers at University College Dublin?

Answered a week ago

University College Dublin offers high placement rate all over the world. As per Class 2024, University College Dublin placement rate stands at 89%, and the graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation. The top employers employs University College Dublin graduates that are listed below-

EY
Delo

Manashjyoti Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

What is the placement rate at University College Dublin?

Answered a week ago

As of Class 2024, University College Dublin placement rate stands at 89%, and the graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation.

University College Dublin MBA placement rate is around 80%, and the graduates are employed within 3 months of graduation.

Kartik Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Which programs at UCD have seen the fastest growth in enrollment in recent years?

Answered a week ago

At University College London, the STEM courses have shown pretty great enrolment over the years. Some of the the fastest growing courses here are Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability.

Given below are the other courses that receive a lot of applications every year

Mamona Dixit

Contributor-Level 9

What core qualifications and leadership experience does UCD Smurfit look for when selecting candidates for the MBA 2026 intake?

Answered a week ago

The MBA programs at UCD are offered under its business school, named UCD Smurfit School. This school looks for candidates with a minimum of 3 years of quality experience (for full time MBA), a strong degree along with solid GMAT scores.

Look at the key admission requirements for Indian students to g

Piyush Rastogi

Contributor-Level 9

About the author

Loveleen Sharma

Study Abroad Expert

Loveleen is a seasoned content writer with 4+ years of experience, currently writing for Shiksha. When he is not writing and helping students, he can be found at the movies, reading fiction, and learning a new language.