County Dublin VEC Competitors

University College Dublin is one of Europe's leading research-intensive universities; an environment where undergraduate education, masters and PhD training, research, innovation and community engagement form a dynamic spectrum of activity. With over 38,000 students from 152 countries, including over 5,000 students based on overseas campuses, UCD is not only Ireland's largest university but also its most globally engaged. Our 343,000 alumni across 184 nations lead in literature, arts, business, science and sport. The University is ranked 100 in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings UCD is one of Europe's leading research-intensive universities, with an environment where masters and PhD training, research, innovation and community engagement form a dynamic spectrum of activity. No.1 nationally and ranked among the top 20 universities in Europe for Horizon Europe funding, across seven research institutes and a wide range of interdisciplinary centres, UCD drives innovation by bringing together STEM, the arts, humanities and social sciences. The University's main Dublin campus occupies an extensive parkland estate of 133 hectares. It offers world-leading facilities, including the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, UCD Sutherland School of Law, UCD Lochlan Quinn School of Business, and the UCD Student Centre. As Ireland's largest university, with its great strength and diversity of disciplines, UCD embraces its role to contribute to the flourishing of Ireland, Europe and the wider world. Updated - September 2026

Trinity College Dublin is recognised internationally as Ireland's premier university and is ranked joint 75th in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2024). In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Trinity is ranked 134th globally.

Deeply embedded in our region, TU Dublin has five locations across Dublin, including major campuses in Grangegorman, Blanchardstown and Tallaght, and locations on Aungier Street and Bolton Street. Through our major infrastructural development plan, we are currently investing over €500 million in new, state-of-the-art, technology-enabled facilities to enhance our students' experience. While TU Dublin is already a leader in STEM disciplines, the University also supports the largest cohort of students of business, media, culinary arts, and the creative and performing arts. We are passionate about life-long learning, and as the largest provider of part-time education, we make an important contribution to the economic life of Ireland, enabling capacity building for the future. Our distinguished researchers and innovators are pioneers in science and technology discovery; they play active roles in informing policy and standards; and contribute to the creative life of Ireland. Our award-winning technology transfer and business incubation activity have delivered over 400 sustainable news businesses with an economic value of almost €700 million. With an international outlook, we welcome students and staff from around the world, while our strong international partnerships provide plenty of opportunities for student and staff exchange programmes, major cross-collaboration research projects, and employment opportunities. We are immensely proud of our global network of over 100,000 graduates. Joining the ranks of exceptional Technological Universities around the world, TU Dublin is planning an exciting future... Infinite Possibilities.