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International Projects

Each year, many of our students compete for highly-prized international summer elective opportunities at locations all over the world. 

A long-established feature of our undergraduate programmes, clinical and research electives allow students to develop their knowledge and understanding of issues and themes relevant to their study of medicine, and the opportunity to publish a peer reviewed article.

To see the list of previous international locations UCD students sourced for SSRA projects, see the following (opens in a new window)Project List. You will need to request access, please ensure you are using your @ucdconnect email address to be given access.

Please email (opens in a new window)ssra.international@ucd.ie for further information.

The Medicine International Office offers students a number of Dean’s Scholarships in which students undertake research in world class institutions such as: 

Please email (opens in a new window)ssra.international@ucd.ie for further information

Scholarship Outline:

Are you a UCD Medicine student eager to pursue cutting-edge bench research at an international institution? The Belclare Research Bursary is your opportunity to gain hands-on research experience abroad while shaping your own academic future.

About the Bursary:

  • Supports bench research, ideally student-driven, at an overseas institution of your choice
  • Open to all international destination
  • Aligns with the Student Summer Research Awards (SSRA) Research Elective framework (6 to 8 week project)
  • Two bursaries of €5,000 available 
  • Successful applicants will share their research findings upon return as part of SSRA

Eligibility:

  • Enrolled as Stage 3 & 4 UEM and 1 & 2 GEM student at the UCD School of Medicine
  • Have a strong interest in bench research (lab-based studies)
  • Demonstrated ability to independently secure a research project at an international institution

How to Apply:

  • Secure a research project at an international institution
  • Submit your CV, a letter invitation from host laboratory and personal statement
  • Provide a research proposal outlining your objectives and anticipated outcomes
Length of Project:

6 to 8 weeks - Project available for credit under SSRA Module

Application Process:

Deadline: 31st of March 2026

Please contact (opens in a new window)ssra.international@ucd.ie for further information. 

Number of Places:

Two places

Scholarships: 

€5,000 per student

This scholarship is named in honor of Prof Edward Gaensler, a Thoracic Surgeon at Boston University School of Medicine and a Vienna, Austria native, by Professor Muiris X Fitzgerald and has been generously provided by Professor Muiris X Fitzgerald, former Dean of Medicine at UCD.  The Gaensler Scholarship aims to assist UCD Medicine (UEM/GEM) students in pursuing any SSRA research project in either the United States or Austria.

Who is eligible:

UEM 1-4, GEM 1-2, RUMC 1-3, BHLS 1-2, Physiology 3.

Applicants must have a verified SSRA project that is due to take place in either the US or Austria.

How to Apply:

Candidates must email the following to (opens in a new window)ssra.international@ucd.ie

  1. A statement on why you and your SSRA Project should be chosen for this scholarship (300 maximum). A valid SSRA Project number must be included.
  2. A short CV (1 x A4 page maximum).
Application Process:

Deadline: TBC - please email (opens in a new window)ssra.international@ucd.ie for further information

The selection of the successful student/project for this award is based on an interview process where shortlisted students each present their research projects proposal (5mins) and a 3 minute question and answer session with a panel of UCD academics and clinicians.

UCD School of Medicine

UCD Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 6603 | E: school.medicine@ucd.ie