Our newly created “Admission Insights” articles aim to bring greater attention to international universities as viable options for students. While we’ve traditionally focused on US colleges, it’s also become clear that tremendous opportunities exist beyond our own borders that are worth a closer look. Here, through a series of interviews with admission officers, we provide key details about their schools and links where you may find more information.
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1. Please share a brief overview of Trinity College Dublin.
Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, founded in 1592, is one of the world’s leading universities and is consistently ranked in the top of institutions worldwide.
For over 425 years, this historic university has been a world leader in high-quality, internationally-recognized education. The university brings together a vibrant international community of almost 17,000 students and 2,860 members of staff. The university’s stunning campus of historic buildings and cobblestoned walkways is juxtaposed with its state-of-the-art facilities and world-renowned centers of excellence where cutting-edge research takes place. With 24 academic schools, Trinity offers courses in disciplines ranging from languages and literature to nanoscience and biomedical engineering.
Trinity’s bustling 47-acre campus is an oasis in the very heart of Dublin, a vibrant and safe European capital city. The university’s city-center location offers students a unique opportunity to blend a rigorous academic programme with an unparalleled array of cultural, social and professional experiences.
2. What is typically your percentage of enrolled international students?
28%
3. Are there any special requirements for international students versus domestic? If yes, please share them. e.g. In the US, we require a TOEFL score or equivalent.
All Trinity students must meet the following requirements: pass in English, math and a foreign language proficiency (this can be first language if not native English speakers). A pass in English can be achieved with GCSE, A-Levels, IB, US curriculum, IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English test.
Trinity recognizes many curricula for direct entry into bachelor’s degrees such as US, Canadian, IB, A Levels, Gaokao… Students who complete a non-recognized curriculum need to complete a Foundation Year. For Chinese students who opt out of taking the Gaokao for example, this is a requirement.
4. What resources are available at your school to help support international students?
- Airport Meet and Greet Service
- Student Orientation (including dedicated orientation for international students)
- English for Academic Purposes
- Trinity Global Room (Immigration advice, Dedicated support for international students, Student life activities)
- The Trinity tutor system
- S2S – student led support
- Career Guidance
- Students’ Union
- Disability Service
- Health Service
- Academic Registry
- An Ghaeilge/The Irish Language
- Sports Facilities
5. Do you offer financial assistance or scholarships for international students?
Small scholarships are available: https://www.tcd.ie/study/international/scholarships/Undergraduate/index.php
Trinity’s most prestigious scholarship is called the Foundation Scholarship and is based on an exam in year two of university. Students who achieve an overall A on the four elective exams are awarded: discounted tuition fees, free housing on campus, one free meal per day for five years.
6. For US universities, there is great emphasis on Extracurricular Activities as part of an applicant’s overall credentials. Of what relevance are these in your admission requirements, and are these encouraged for student participation once enrolled?
These are not taken into account for admission to Trinity, with the exception of our Dual BA with Columbia University.
Students are highly encouraged to engage in extra-curricular activities once enrolled. We have 120 societies and 50 sports clubs and the two oldest student societies in the world, the Phil and the Hist.
The Philosophical Society or “Phil” was established in 1683 and is the oldest student society in the world, while the Historical Society or “Hist” was established in 1747 and is the oldest undergraduate debating society in the world. Both societies are debating societies and it’s a great honor for students to be able to debate in one of them. You can see some of their activities via the links provided. Both societies have invited and welcomed amazing guests over the years such as Joe Biden (also holder of an honorary degree from Trinity), Martin Scorsese, Angela Merkel, Al Pacino, and others.
7. What would you say is unique or stands out about your university among others?
A beautiful campus, steeped in history and fully enclosed, in the heart of a European capital city with the EU HQ of world giants just next door (Google, Facebook, Airbnb).
8. Have you found that graduates are well prepared for the international workplace upon completing their degree?
Trinity is a research-intensive university but we are also very hands on: our students do group projects, case studies, lab work and internships as part of their degrees to make sure that they are ready for the workplace. Our Careers Services help students from initial planning discussions for first year students all the way to career support for fresh graduates. We are very proud that 95% of our students are in employment or further studies within 6 months of graduation.
*For more information, be sure to visit our Trinity College Dublin Profile