Welcome to DCU
Welcome to Dublin City University (DCU), where international education meets new opportunities. Situated in Ireland’s vibrant capital, DCU offers US students the opportunity to study in Ireland and earn a globally recognised master's degree while experiencing life in one of Europe’s most lively and friendly cities.
Dublin is a hub for innovation, often called Europe's Silicon Valley, and hosts major multinational corporations like Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Intel and Pfizer. Its location also grants students easy access to Dublin’s cultural scene and nearby natural sites such as Dublin Bay and the Dublin Mountains, creating a perfect mix of academics, career possibilities, and lifestyle.
Dublin City overhead
Why Study in Ireland?
Ireland offers US students a unique opportunity to study in an English-speaking country within the European Union. Renowned for its high-quality education and globally recognised degrees, Ireland provides programmes designed to develop practical skills and enhance career prospects. As a safe, welcoming country with a vibrant student community, Ireland also serves as an ideal gateway to explore and experience the rest of Europe.
Working in Ireland
US students in Ireland can work while studying, up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and 40 hours during summer holidays. After graduation, eligible students can stay in Ireland through the Graduate Route (Stamp 1G), allowing them to gain valuable work experience for up to two years at one of the many leading global companies in tech, pharma, finance, and more.
Main Entrance Glasnevin campus showing polaris building
About DCU
Dublin City University (DCU) is a young and innovative university with a mission to “transform lives and societies.” Located in Ireland’s vibrant capital, the university is ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings and welcomes over 23,000 students from more than 130 countries, creating a diverse and global learning environment.
What You Can Study
DCU offers a wide range of master’s programmes across Engineering and Computing, Business, Science and Health, and Humanities and Social Sciences. The university combines academic excellence with strong industry engagement, ensuring that graduates are well prepared for the workforce. As a result, 93% of DCU graduates are employed or in further study within nine months of graduation.
Hear from DCU Students
Inaya, a US student pursuing an MSc in Digital Marketing, shares her experience of studying in Ireland at DCU and playing rugby.
US vs Ireland Grading Equivalent
To apply for postgraduate study, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a well-regarded, accredited university and have achieved strong academic results. Applicants are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Please note that many programmes may require higher minimum grades and/or specific subject prerequisites. Depending on the programme, applicants may also be asked to submit writing samples, attend an interview, or meet additional requirements. For full programme-specific entry requirements, browse our available courses.
Funding and Scholarships for US Postgraduates
- DCU International Merit Scholarship (up to €5,000)
- DCU Sports Scholarship (up to €2,000)
- IDEA Postgraduate Scholarship (15% reduction for one year full-time postgraduate programmes for five students)
- Government of Ireland Scholarship (full tuition and €10,000 for living expenses)
- Fulbright Scholarship (full tuition and €19,000 for living expenses)
- Naughton Fellowships (Notre Dame Students Only) (full tuition)
- Victory Scholarship Programme (Full tuition)
DCU is eligible for US Federal Aid and US Veteran Aid.
Information on Fees and Scholarships can be found at: dcu.ie/scholarships
Useful Information
US citizens planning to study in Ireland for more than 90 days do not need to apply for a visa before travelling. However, you must present at clearance the university offer letter, proof of tuition payment, evidence of sufficient funds, a valid passport, and health insurance to immigration upon arrival in Ireland.
After arriving in Ireland, students must register with Irish Immigration for the first time and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP). This permission allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during holiday periods.
Postgraduate students may be eligible to remain in Ireland through the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G). This permission allows eligible postgraduates to stay and work in Ireland for up to two years, providing valuable international work experience and potential pathways to longer-term employment.
DCU on-campus accommodations is available for international postgraduate students. On-campus accommodation is a short distance from Dublin City Centre and is close to nearby shops, pharmacies, GP (PCP) offices and restaurants. Accommodation is awarded to students on a lottery basis, applications typically open in April of each year. Information on Accommodations can be found at: dcuaccommodation.ie.