Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Trinity College Dublin (TCD), officially known as The University of Dublin, is Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Located in the heart of Dublin, TCD is renowned for its historic architecture, world-class research, and distinguished alumni. The university follows the collegiate model, similar to Oxford and Cambridge, and is the only constituent college of the University of Dublin. With over 430 years of academic excellence, TCD has played a central role in shaping Irish intellectual, cultural, and political life.

Academic Structure

Trinity College is divided into three faculties:

• Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

  : Includes schools such as Business, Law, Education, English, and Political Science.

• Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics and Science

  : Encompasses disciplines such as Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences.

• Faculty of Health Sciences

  : Includes Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Pharmacy, and Dental Science.

Each faculty comprises various schools and departments, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. TCD offers over 600 academic programs across disciplines, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, research, and global engagement.

Research Excellence

Trinity College Dublin is a research-intensive university and a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU). Its research strengths include:

• Immunology and Neuroscience

  – Trinity has leading institutes like the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI) and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience (TCIN).

• Nanotechnology and Materials Science

  – CRANN Institute is one of Europe’s top nanoscience research centers.

• Digital Humanities and Creative Arts

  – The Long Room Hub fosters interdisciplinary research in arts and culture.

TCD is also a partner in numerous EU Horizon Europe projects and global collaborative networks, emphasizing innovation and sustainable development.

International Rankings

Trinity College Dublin consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide:

• QS World University Rankings 2025: 81st globally
• Times Higher Education (THE) 2024: 134th
• QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2024: Top 100 globally

It is ranked #1 in Ireland across most metrics, including academic reputation, employer reputation, and international faculty ratio.

Campus Life

The TCD campus is a blend of historic grandeur and modern innovation, featuring the iconic Long Room Library and the Book of Kells. Students benefit from over 120 student societies and 50 sports clubs. Facilities include the state-of-the-art Sports Centre, Science Gallery Dublin, and the Global Room for international student engagement.

Annual events such as Trinity Ball and the Hist Debates (from one of the world’s oldest debating societies) enrich student life. On-campus accommodation is available, and the college provides support services like counseling, career development, and intercultural events.

Notable Alumni

• Samuel Beckett – Nobel Laureate in Literature
• Oscar Wilde – Playwright and Poet
• Mary Robinson – Former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Douglas Hyde – First President of Ireland
• Ernest Walton – Nobel Laureate in Physics
• Jonathan Swift – Author of "Gulliver’s Travels"
• David Norris – Irish Senator and civil rights activist

Future Goals

Trinity College aims to expand its global presence and impact through initiatives such as the Trinity East campus, a new innovation district in Dublin focused on entrepreneurship, technology, and sustainability. The university’s strategic plan includes enhancing interdisciplinary research, digital learning platforms, and climate action frameworks.

Contact Information

Website:

https://www.tcd.ie

General Enquiries:

[email protected]

Undergraduate Admissions:

[email protected]

Postgraduate Admissions:

[email protected]

International Office:

[email protected]

Phone:

+353 1 896 1000

Admission Requirements & Application Procedures

Undergraduate Admissions

EU Applicants:

Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Requirements include Irish Leaving Certificate or EU equivalent with appropriate grades in required subjects.

Non-EU Applicants:

Apply directly via the Trinity online application portal. Required documents include:

• High school diploma and transcript
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 90+)
• Personal statement
• Reference letter
• Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, IB, or A-levels)

Deadlines:

February 1 for most courses. Early application is encouraged for competitive programs.

Postgraduate Admissions

Application Process:

• Choose a program via the Trinity Postgraduate Course Finder
• Submit an online application with relevant documents: transcripts, CV, references, English language scores, and a statement of purpose
• Application fee may apply depending on the program

Language Requirements

IELTS:

6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)

TOEFL iBT:

90+

PTE Academic:

Minimum 63

Tuition and Fees

Undergraduate:

€18,000 – €26,000 per year for non-EU students

Postgraduate:

€12,000 – €35,000 per year, depending on the program

Scholarships:

Trinity offers merit-based scholarships for international students, including the Global Excellence Scholarships and Foundation Scholarships.

Detailed and up-to-date admission guidelines are available at https://www.tcd.ie/study/.