UCD students have the opportunity to study at one of our partner universities around the world in an EU (Erasmus+) or non-EU (Exchange) country. These partnerships allow you to spend a semester or full academic year abroad while earning credits that count towards your UCD degree (in most cases).
This page is not yet updated with information that is applicable to you. Please use this (opens in a new window)Padlet page instead.
You will be emailed when you are able to check the website. The information currently displayed is for students currently applying for an exchange in Stage 2.
If you’re looking to study abroad as part of your degree, it’s important to think about everything that comes with this decision. You are expected to do your research when completing your exchange application, which includes but is not limited to the following aspects: language [insert language doc], budget, accommodation, classes, academic calendars, etc.
UCD Global are here to help you through the process, and you can find all the information you need on this page and via the DIGIPass module (DIGIPass is a non credit bearing module that will guide students through the different international opportunities available to them at UCD).
If you have questions about any of the information on this page, you can contact the UCD Global Exchanges Team at (opens in a new window)exchanges@ucd.ie.
No. Applying for an exchange is a competitive process, and unfortunately students are not guaranteed a place.
Placement is based on your UCD exchange application, which is assessed on your GPA alongside other factors such as personal statement and destination preference.
It is important to check with your College what their requirements are for you to apply for exchange; these are also available on your UCD College website.
Yes. All students are required to complete Step 1 and 2 of the DIGIPass module before they apply for exchange. More information on this can be found in the ‘DIGIPass’ section of this page.
If successful, you will receive only one offer.
If students reject their offer, UCD Global cannot guarantee that another offer will be made, as this depends on other students declining offers and places becoming available.
Below you will find the process from application to offers for Stage 2 students.
Information sessions take place during September and November. Students must attend sessions or watch the recordings. Recordings will be released after the sessions take place and will be uploaded to this webpage.
Students conduct thorough research into destinations, including teaching language, budget, classes, etc.
Exchange application opens. Students should have completed Steps 1 & 2 of DIGIPass before they submit their application. We also recommend completing this checklist [insert checklist doc] to ensure you have completed all requirements.
UCD Global offers drop-in hours and application clinics. Final information sessions hosted.
The exchange application deadline is final. Late applications will not be considered.
Conditional offers will be made throughout the month of February. Students will have 5 days to accept/reject the offer. A second round of applications takes place for any leftover spaces.
Below you will find times, dates and locations for information sessions running in 2026-2027.
Exchange Information Sessions 2026-27 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Session Title |
Date/Time |
Location |
| Exchange Kick-Off Session |
6pm, 25th September |
Theatre M, Newman Building |
| College-Specific Session |
6pm, 1st October |
Theatre M, Newman Building |
| How To Research & Budget |
6pm, 8th October |
Room 107, Newman Building |
| Exchange Application Process |
6pm, 9th November |
Theatre R, Newman Building |
| Office Drop-In Hours |
Every Tuesday from 1-4pm throughout November |
UCD Global Office, Main Restaurant Building |
| Application Clinics |
Every Friday from 1-4pm throughout December |
UCD Global Office, Main Restaurant Building |
How long, where, and when you can go on exchange, depends on your programme of study. You should also take into consideration other options; cost, language, classes, etc. when doing your research.
Select your college below to see when and where you can go on an Exchange:
DIGIPass is a module that is mandatory for students to complete. The content of the module will help you to discover international opportunities and see whether exchange is right for you, as well as taking you through the application process.
Step 1 & 2
Students need to complete Steps 1 & 2 before they submit their UCD exchange application. Step 1 & 2 should be completed throughout September-November in Stage 2, not anytime before then.
Step 3
Students who are successful in receiving an exchange offer must also complete Step 3.
DIGIPass contains vital information that you need to know before applying for exchange, without this information you will not be prepared for the process.
Any student who has not completed Step 1 & 2 by the application deadline will be deemed ineligible and their exchange application will be cancelled e.g., if you submit it a day after your application is due, this will not be counted. There is no ‘second chance’ to complete it, so make sure it is done on time.
DIGIPass is available in Brightspace, simply search for the module title and enrol.
There are a few funding options available depending on where you study. Please note that students should not rely on funding and scholarships alone to budget for their time abroad, as they are often not enough to cover all costs.
Students going on Erasmus (exchange inside the EU), are eligible for the receipt of the Erasmus Grant. The grant is between €330-385 per calendar month, destination depending. Additional funding may be available for SUSI recipients or HEAR students, if applicable to you, information will be made available approximately 3 months before your departure.
Other EU countries may have additional funding you can apply for e.g. France has the CAF which aids students with accommodation funding, or the SEMP for students studying in Switzerland. These are not managed by UCD.
Please note the UK is no longer part of the EU and Erasmus funding is not available for students going to this destination.
No funding is provided by UCD to students studying outside of the EU.
Some universities may have scholarships or grants you can apply for e.g. JASSO for Japan and DUO for Korea, but these are not managed by UCD and can often only be applied to upon application or acceptance to the host university.
Students who are successful in getting accepted to Villanova University will be in receipt of the McGuinn Scholarship which includes the cover of your travel, accommodation and study costs.
Students who are successful in getting accepted at Beijing-Dublin International College will receive €2,500 per semester.
We recommend reading through the FAQ’s page before contacting any of the below emails to see if your question has already been answered. Please make sure you have read through all of the information thoroughly.
For general exchange enquiries please contact: (opens in a new window)exchanges@ucd.ie
For Law students: (opens in a new window)lawexchanges@ucd.ie
For Business students: (opens in a new window)esther.sanz@ucd.ie
For Food & Agriculture students: (opens in a new window)safs@ucd.ie