Ireland: University of College Cork

UCC offers an early start program for incoming students that begins about 3 weeks earlier than the semester. Students are not required to attend the program but it is recommended. This is only an option for the fall semester. Students will pre-register for classes prior to studying in Cork. There are courses available in the following areas listed below. The ones listed are not the only courses offered. Refer to the catalog for a complete list. UCC Course Catalog

• Business
• Economics
• Biology/Chemistry
• Psychology
• Criminology
• English
• History
• Mathematics
• Geography

At the University College Cork (UCC) students will take 4-5 classes that will earn 12-18 U.S. credits or 30-35 Cork credits. Classes are a mix of foreign and Irish students and are generally small to facilitate participation. Courses typically consist of 2 lectures a week, 12 weeks total, with 2 exams or essays, and are worth 5-10 credit classes each. Currently offer a pre-sessional 4-week course in subjects of Irish Archeology, English, History, Folklore, and Marketing.

Students studying at UCC in the fall semester also have the option to join the Early Start Program, a three‑week academic and cultural immersion designed specifically for visiting students. Participants arrive on campus early to settle into life in Ireland before the regular semester begins. During the program, students take a 10‑credit UCC course (equivalent to 5 UNI credits), connect with other international students, and explore Ireland through hands‑on learning and guided excursions. Once the Early Start Programme wraps up, students transition directly into UCC’s regular fall semester.

Credit Equivalent/Grade Conversion:

Credits                                                  Grades

20 UCC credits  = 10 sem hrs          70+          = A
15 UCC credits  = 7.5 sem hrs          65 – 69   = A-
10 UCC credits  = 5 sem hrs             60 – 64   = B+
5 UCC credits  = 3 sem hrs              55 – 59    = B
2.5 UCC credits = 1.5 sem hrs          50 – 54    = B-
                                                            45 – 49    = C+
                                                            40 – 44    = C
                                                            35 – 39    = C-
“Early Start” = 5 sem hrs            Less than 35 = no transfer credit

Housing:

• ​On Campus Apartment/ Dormitory
• Off Campus Apartments 

UCC campus accommodation includes a variety of housing styles, including apartment/dormitory style living or off-campus accommodation. Three to six students live with each other in each apartment; single rooms with sink and mirror in each room. Postal service exists in the DOR office along the housing grounds 8AM-8PM, bus stop is right in front of entrance, smoke alarms included, laundry is available, trash is taken once a week, and there is a fob/key opening for apartment security. Students are responsible for securing their own accommodation and paying the deposit. 

Meals:

Apartments are equipped with pots, pans; bedding and cleaning supplies available for purchase upon arrival. Students may sign up for a weekly grocery delivery, complete with a recipe with ingredients for 10 EUR/week. This is for students that are not used to living away from home and cooking for themselves; the recipes give them balanced cooking ideas. Most international students stay in Castlewhite Apartments, Victoria Lodge or University Hall.

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Early
At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

• Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
• Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
• Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

2. Schedule a Travel Health Consultation (6–8 Weeks Before Departure)
A separate travel health consultation is essential and should be held at least 6–8 weeks before your departure. During this appointment, a travel medicine specialist can:

• Review your destination-specific health risks
• Recommend or administer necessary vaccines
• Provide guidance on food and water safety
• Prescribe medications for travel-related illnesses (e.g., malaria, traveler’s diarrhea)
• Offer tips for managing jet lag, altitude, and other travel-related challenges

These appointments can be held at the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility and Study Abroad: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern—whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs—we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Ireland, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more.  From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance.

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Ireland.

International Summer School in Irish Studies

The 44th International Summer School in Irish Studies will run from the end of June - the end of July.

For the month of July, students explore key turning-points in Ireland’s history that shaped its destiny and identity and examine how modern Irish writers of international significance sought to define a sense of cultural identity. These themes are approached in interactive lectures, seminars, and in a series of field trips, delivered by leading experts.

The Summer School aims to provide a unique learning experience by combining a rigorous introduction to major academic themes in the development of Irish identity with an opportunity to encounter Ireland’s rich cultural landscape through expert tuition, optional courses in Irish language and a lively social program.

Please note that more information about the upcoming summer school, such as its cost, structure and content, will be available soon.

Summer 2026 Estimated Budget Sheet (PDF)