Ireland has been emerging as a popular destination for overseas education in the recent past. Known for its azure seas, green hills and mild and rainy weather, Ireland is a country that has a rich, conflicted history and a strong cultural identity. Furthermore, it is an affordable place to live, with the cost of living being lower than other study abroad countries. However, that is not all. Ireland is also home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, with global ranking and recognition. Here are the most highly ranked universities of Ireland:
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
Ranking first as the best college in Ireland for quite a few decades, Trinity College Dublin or TCD also has a high rank globally. The college ranks 101st in QS world ranking and is the most internationally renowned college in Ireland. Older than any other university on the list, TCD was established in 1592, has a rich history to it, as it has seen Ireland go through massive transformations. The college has a long standing reputation for its brilliant quality of education as well as its focus on research and innovation. The college consistently pushes its students to achieve their potential, by applying their creativity to whichever of the wide variety of disciplines they choose. The university has produced great minds suchs as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, William Rowan Hamilton, Earnest Walton and Edmund Burke, which is testament to its excellence. Furthermore, Trinity College Dublin is the only Irish university that has a place in the prestigious League of 22 European Research Universities (LERU).
University College Dublin (UCD)
The second best university in Ireland, University College Dublin (UCD) ranks 177th in QS world ranking. Perhaps one of the largest universities in Ireland in terms of student population, UCD teaches approximately 30,000 students from 136 different countries. With special focus on research-led learning and a flexible curriculum, this university offers students the best in terms of both faculty and academic rigour. An internationally recognised university, UCD prepares its students for the professional world in the most comprehensive way possible.
National University of Ireland, Galway
The National University of Ireland, Galway or NUIG ranks third in Ireland and places 238th in QS world ranking. Established in 1845, this prestigious university has been growing ever since, in both population and reputation. It is known for its student to faculty ratio, allowing extra personalised attention to each student and also has a high number of international faculty. Currently home to a student population of about 18,000, NUIG is also reputed for its wide variety of courses, degrees, part-time learning programmes and online as well as flexible learning options.
University College Cork (UCC)
Ranking fourth in Ireland and 286th in QS world ranking, University College Cork is one of the oldest universities of Ireland, having been established in 1849. The college has a large, sprawling campus of 42 acres, that is very close to the city centre, making it one of the most beautiful and convenient campuses throughout Ireland. This college lays extra focus on research and is known as Ireland’s leading research institute. With a large, multicultural student population of approximately 21,000 students, it is also one of the largest colleges in the country. This college is also known for its high number of international faculty.
Dublin City University (DCU)
Established in 1975, Dublin City University or DCU places fifth in Ireland and 439th in QS world ranking. This university has three campuses across Dublin and is known for its high employability. There is extra attention given to building student’s employability and teaching them transferable skills. In fact, DCU was the first university in Ireland that integrated practical workplace internships with their undergraduate courses.