Study in Northern Ireland

We are Ireland's 2nd Largest university with over 30,000 students and over 200 programmes across our three campuses. Discover why so many from the Republic of Ireland are choosing Ulster University.

Apply Now for 2026

Choose the UK and Ireland University of the Year

Ulster University has been awarded ‘University of the Year 2024’, the most prestigious title of all by Times Higher Education. For the first time in the University’s history, Ulster University is recognised as the top higher education institution in the UK and Ireland.

Our campus locations offer a unique study and social experience.

Derry~Londonderry

Our Derry~Londonderry campus gives you a city experience while retaining an intimate, relaxed vibe..

Coleraine

The feeling of community in Coleraine makes for a warm and welcoming student experience.

Belfast

Ulster University Belfast is in the heart of the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.

An increasing amount of students from the Republic of Ireland are choosing to study in Northern Ireland, and for good reason....well, five to be exact:

Guaranteed Accommodation

Forget the annual scramble for accommodation! We are the only large-scale university in Ireland to guarantee you on-campus accommodation* with us if you make Ulster your Firm Choice on your UCAS application and apply for accommodation by 7 July.

^{*On some campuses based on demand for accommodation students whose home address is within 20 miles of the campus may not qualify for accommodation.}

Save €10,000 in Accommodation Fees

Save a whopping €3,438* per year at Ulster University accommodation versus the lowest cost of student accommodation available in Dublin. That's more than €10,000 across a three-year degree programme!

_{*Cost difference between UU Duncreggan Student Village vs UCD Glenomena Residence across a three-year degree programme for a 37 week contract.}

Save €4,500 in Living Costs

Northern Ireland is the most affordable region in the UK¹ and Ireland and you can save €1,500 per year in living costs in comparison with typical student costs in Dublin². That's 4,500 across a three-year degree programme!

^{1 Save the Student National Student Money Survey 2024}
^{2 Numbeo, October 2025. Calculated using Numbeo's “Cost of Living Comparison Between Belfast and Dublin” (utilities, mobile, internet, transport, grocery price differentials) as of the latest data. Caclulated for an academic term of 9-months. £1 = €1.15 at time of conversion.}

Pay Nothing While You Study

Forget about fees by availing of non-means tested student finance. A tuition fee loan covers 100% of fees, and is only repayable once you have graduated and are earning in excess of £26,065 per year.

No CAO Points Race

If you meet the entry requirements outlined on our individual programme pages on our website then you are guaranteed a place on the progamme, regardless of how many people apply and how many people achieve higher results than you. If you get the grades/points we're asking for, you're on the course.

What do our Republic of Ireland students say?

Hear the stories of just some of our students from every corner of Ireland.

Before applying to Ulster University, read our essential articles on our entry requirements for Leaving Cert and Post-Leaving Cert (PLC) students, fees and finance and submmitting your UCAS application.