The Student Perspective
Check out our Student Blogs Below!
Explore our International Student Stories below, click on the circles to dive into the latest blogs and testimonials from students from around the world. Discover first hand insights into what life at Dublin City University is really like.
Each story offers a unique perspective on the DCU experience and could inspire you to start your journey to DCU today.
Pavan Kumar Desai, MEng in Electronic and Computer Engineering - India
Pavan, a current international student at DCU shared his journey, from settling into campus life and feeling safe, to finding his community and truly feeling at home in Ireland.
“Compared to the constant traffic, noise, and rush of Bengaluru, Dublin felt calmer and far less crowded. People here genuinely value personal time and work–life balance, which was refreshing and something I slowly learned to appreciate.”
In his blog, Yaotong reflects on the unexpected moments that have shaped his life in Dublin, from broken umbrellas to small acts of kindness.
“I remember meeting DCU President Daire Keogh on campus. He asked how I was doing, whether I had any difficulties, and where I came from. We talked about DCU’s connection with China, and about his plans to visit China in 2026. What surprised me was that when we met again later on campus, he still clearly remembered where I was from.” “It was only then that I slowly realised this scholarship meant more to me than a title or financial support. In a large university with so many students, being remembered - my hometown, a real conversation - felt very concrete and very rare. It made me feel that I wasn’t just someone passing through, but someone who had been genuinely noticed.”
In her blog, Inaya Madyun shares how her passion for rugby took her from Philadelphia to Dublin.
“After graduating, I decided to spend a year abroad pursuing a postgraduate degree, and DCU offered the perfect combination: a strong academic program, an excellent location in Dublin, and the chance to continue playing rugby at a high level.”
Anna Balletbó, MSc in Psychology (Conversion) - Spain
In her blog, Anna reflects on the moment she chose DCU and how that decision transformed a dream of studying abroad into a reality.
“When I finally decided what I wanted to study, I started researching countries and universities. I compared everything: programmes, costs, lifestyle, future opportunities. DCU stood out immediately. The variety of courses, the strong academic reputation, the career opportunities, the campus life, the sports, the clubs, the community - it wasn’t just a university, it was a full experience. It felt like a place where I wouldn’t just get a degree, but also grow as a person.”
Ana Clara Oliveira Martins, MA in Social Media Communications - Brazil
In her Blog, Ana Clara reflects on her journey to DCU as a Government of Ireland International Education Scholar and the global community she discovered in her programme.
“Through the Goin’ app, I was also able to make my first MSMC friend Yufan, from China. In one of my first conversations with Yufan, we both supposed we would be the only international students in our programme. How wrong we were—thankfully. As soon as classes started, we found out that our four other classmates were from Canada, Germany, India, and the Czech Republic.” “During my research on DCU and the MSMC programme, I was told about this diversity, and that was one of the main reasons why I chose to come, but you only know the dimension of it when you are here. It is so refreshing and interesting and ground-breaking.”
Nant Yin Min Aye, an international student from Myanmar who graduated in 2025, reflects on her academic and personal journey during her time at DCU.
"My time as a DCU student has been both academically and personally life changing. As a mathematics graduate, I was eager yet challenged by the chance to expand my studies into financial mathematics. DCU offered outstanding instruction and resources, as well as an environment that allowed me to build confidence and explore new areas.
Beyond academics, being part of the diverse and welcoming DCU community has been one of the most memorable aspects of my experience. Connecting with individuals from various cultures and exchanging stories has created a sense of belonging for me, despite being far from home.
Reflecting on my journey, I take pride in the knowledge and growth I have achieved at DCU, and I look forward to applying these skills, relationships, and experiences in the next chapter of my life."
Lukman Khiruddin, an international student from Malaysia who graduated from the MSc in Management (Business), reflects on how DCU supported his transition from finance into a career in the tech industry.
"I chose DCU for its renowned academic excellence and strong industry connections, particularly in the tech sector. With a background in Finance, I wanted to pivot into technology, and DCU's programmes made that shift achievable. The supportive academic environment from the faculty gave me the skills and confidence to successfully transition into the Project Manager role at a leading US-based tech company. For Malaysians aspiring to switch careers or enter the tech sector, DCU offers strong opportunities for growth on a global stage."
Hathaikarn Sornkaew, MSc in Management (Business) - Thailand
Hathaikarn Sornkaew is an international student from Thailand who recently completed her MSc in Management (Business) at Dublin City University.
She recently wrote a blog, where she shares her journey from a background in pharmacy to exploring new career paths, alongside her personal growth and cross-cultural experiences.
"Although challenging, it pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me grow academically and personally."
Dieu Linh Chu, MSc in Human Resource Management - Vietnam
Linh is an international student from Vietnam, currently studying a MSc in Human Resource Management at Dublin City University.
She recently gave a testimonial on her experience at DCU.
"Choosing DCU is one of my best decisions I have ever made. I've gained a lot of practical knowledge and one of the key highlights for the programme was our studying trip in Belgium, where we can learn about the cross-cultural exchange, AI and future work. We also visited many famous companies like Nike, DHL and also EU's institutions".
Giovanna Galvani, MSc in Climate Change: Policy, Media and Society - Brazil
From journalism in Brazil to studying climate change in Ireland.
Giovanna shares her journey into the MSc in Climate Change: Policy, Media and Society, as a recipient of a Government of Ireland Scholarship.
She reflects on moving abroad, returning to academia, studying in English, and how DCU provided a welcoming and supportive environment.
She also shares her hopes for life after university.
Elijah Wuntimah Mbawini, MA in International Security and Conflict Studies - Ghana
In his blog, Elijah shares how his passion for peacebuilding and conflict resolution led him from Ghana to Ireland, where he completed an MA in International Security and Conflict Studies at DCU.
"My journey at DCU has been transformative, giving me valuable knowledge, lifelong friendships, and a stronger commitment to promoting peace and security. I will always be proud to be part of the DCU community."
Yufan Zhang, MA in Social Media Communications - China
Yufan, an international student from China studying the MA in Social Media Communications at DCU, reflects on her journey of personal and academic growth in Ireland. From embracing new perspectives in the classroom to building friendships, she shares how learning to appreciate the journey, not just the destination, has shaped her experience.
“People came here with different beliefs, experiences, and ways of understanding the world, yet there was still space for listening, respect, and connection. As a Chinese student, I once worried whether my background and perspectives could be truly understood. But in DCU classrooms, assignments, and conversations with lecturers and classmates, I found a safe and open space to share the China I know, introduce where I come from, and listen to the world through other people’s eyes.”
Moroti Olabimtan, MSc in Data Protection and Privacy - Nigeria
Moroti Olabimtan, an alumna of Dublin City University, reflects on her journey from Nigeria to DCU to pursue an MSc in Data Protection and Privacy.
“DCU gave me more than a qualification, it provided the confidence, expertise and global perspective that enabled me to build a successful career in one of Europe's most dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors.”
Dr Olive Maitha, PhD in Change Management, with a focus on managerial transitions - Kenya
Dr. Olive Maitha, an alumna of Dublin City University, reflects on her PhD journey and how it shaped her academic, professional and personal development.
“My experience at DCU was not only academic; it was also deeply personal and community-oriented. Ireland reminded me of Kenya in many ways: people are warm, open to conversation, and often ready for a cup of tea.”
Farhana Mostofa, MSc in Diagnostic and Precision Medicine - Bangladesh
Farhana Mostofa, a graduate of MSc in Diagnostic and Precision Medicine, recently shared how studying at DCU helped turn a passion for biomedical research into a research career.
"The programme provided both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills that prepared me for a career in biomedical research. It allowed me to develop expertise in precision medicine, molecular diagnostics, and computational biology, which are highly relevant to my current research career."
Nelly Oruwari, MSc in Diagnostics and Precision Medicine - Nigeria
Nelly Oruwari, a graduate of MSc in Diagnostics and Precision Medicine, recently shared how studying at DCU helped build on her background in Medical Laboratory Science and develop the skills to pursue a career in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.
"The highlight of my time at DCU was successfully completing my research projects and seeing how the knowledge I gained could be applied to real healthcare challenges. A defining moment was presenting and completing my work in precision medicine, which reinforced my passion for improving patient outcomes through innovation."
Maeve Breathnach, MA in Forced Displacement - USA
Maeve Breathnach, a graduate of DCU’s MA in Forced Displacement, recently shared how her time in Dublin helped her bridge migration policy and advocacy to prepare for U.S law school.
"I was drawn to the Master’s in Refugee Integration, now called MA in Forced Displacement, as a unique interdisciplinary opportunity to explore effective advocacy and policy analysis in forced displacement. Knowing I would attend law school in the U.S. to pursue a career in immigration law, I wanted to complement my legal training with a broader understanding of the forces that drive displacement and the policies that shape responses to it."
Why not chat to some of our international student ambassadors!
To speak to a current student about their experience and studies in DCU, please click here.
For more student testimonials and blogs, please see here.
You can also watch a wide range of insightful videos in our Postgraduate Youtube Playlist here and Undergraduate Youtube Playlist here.