Get to Know Your University

Established in 1972, the University of Limerick (UL) is an independent, internationally focused university with over 16,500 students and approximately 1,700 staff. Ranked as one of the top 100 Young Universities of the World according to Times Higher Education, UL is a young, energetic, and enterprising university with a proud record of innovation in education and excellence in research and scholarship.

• Wide Range of Disciplines: UL offers programmes across a wide range of disciplines, including arts, business, engineering and construction, health and medicine, information and communication technology, law, mathematics, and natural sciences.
• A University of ‘Firsts’: UL prides itself on being ahead of many of Ireland’s third-level institutions in securing unique education and training facilities for all students.
• Top 2% Globally: University of Limerick has achieved the highest possible standard in the new QS Stars Rating System, placing UL globally in the top two per cent of all universities. UL is the only university in Ireland to achieve this in 2021.
• Environmental Friendly: University of Limerick has improved its position in the 2020 UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UL has climbed to 17th out of over 900 universities worldwide in the rankings, which measure each participating university’s commitment to an environmentally friendly future. 
• Top 100 Young Universities: in the Times Higher Education World Ranking 2024.
• Irish University of the Year 2019: UL ranked the top Irish university of the year in 2019.
• Overall Excellence Award: in the National Education Awards 2024.
• Best Student Accommodation: in the National Education Awards 2024.
• Highest Employability in Ireland: Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
• #1 in Ireland: Ranked for Student-Employer Connections, QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020

We have more reasons to Study at UL here.

Limerick, the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, is a vibrant and historical gem with a population of over 100,000. Founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, it boasts a rich heritage, making it one of Ireland's oldest cities.

• Culture: Nestled alongside the picturesque River Shannon, Limerick offers a captivating blend of culture and charm. Whether you're delving into its ancient history or savouring the lively atmosphere of its pubs, cafes, and restaurants, Limerick has something for everyone.
• Exploration: Visitors are in for a treat, as County Limerick boasts breathtaking landscapes and scenic villages that beckon exploration. Additionally, the iconic Wild Atlantic Way offers an exciting day trip option for adventure-seekers.
• Location: Conveniently located in the Mid-West, Limerick serves as an excellent gateway for further exploration of both Ireland and Europe, with regular transport services to major cities like Cork, Galway, and Dublin. Shannon Airport, just 20km from Limerick city, offers direct flights to various European destinations, the USA, and the UK.
• Innovation: Beyond its natural beauty and historic significance, Limerick holds a prominent position in the world of technology and innovation. It houses the National Technology Park and hosts numerous international electronics and technology companies, including Vistakon, Cook Medical, and O2.
• Art: For art enthusiasts, Limerick has a number of attractions, museums, and art galleries to explore.
• Sport: Sports enthusiasts will find their passions catered to, with Gaelic games like hurling and football as well as the city's favourite sport, rugby, with the University of Limerick being a prominent hub for Coaching Ireland and housing Ireland's first 50-meter Olympic swimming pool at the University Arena.

As a cosmopolitan city with a unique rural charm, Limerick has become a favoured destination for both Irish and international students. The city is known for its multiculturalism, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to safety, making it a welcoming place for all.

We also have more information about Life in Limerick here. 

Looking for an inspiring, confidence-boosting and life-changing experience? Our long-established Study Abroad Programme has many exciting opportunities for you, our students, who choose UL as their study abroad destination!

• Extensive Choice of Modules: You can choose modules from across all faculties to fulfil major, minor and/or general education requirements.
• Two-week Trial Period: You have a two-week trial period on your initial module choice. This ensures that the modules you select are at an appropriate level and that you are comfortable with your choices.
• Excellent Support Services: We encourage you to keep in touch with the Study Abroad office while on campus. We offer information and advice on immigration, accommodation, and culture. Our cultural advisor will help you to acclimatise to Irish culture. The Cultural Advisor will hold meetings each week for our Study Abroad Students. These meetings are to ensure that the groups are settling in well and to address any problems that may be encountered. We also provide specific pre-examination and pre-departure meetings at the end of each semester.
• Tailored Orientation Programme: We offer a specific Study Abroad Orientation each semester. The programme includes daytime and evening events and takes place prior to the first week of classes. It is an ideal way to settle in, meet other students and familiarise yourself with the campus before lectures start!
• Airport Pick-up: Students are collected from Shannon International Airport each semester prior to orientation.
• UL Buddy Programme: All international students matched with a UL student.
• Campus Based University: All housing and academic facilities are located on a beautiful 300-acre campus. UL campus has many facilities including 8 restaurants, several bars, a Spar shop and 10 cafes including Starbucks and Costa Coffee.
• Integrated Living: Guaranteed on-campus accommodation living with Irish and other international students in one of the eight purpose-built student villages.
• Field Trips and Student Events: The International Office organises a number of off-campus activities each semester. These include a special Thanksgiving dinner in the Fall and organised trips to Dublin and West of Ireland tourist attractions. We also work with student life at UL to promote other trips and activities, which are offered at discount prices to students.
• Clubs and Societies: Over 70 dedicated clubs and societies are run and managed by students for students, and are a fantastic way to make new friends, we even have a Good deeds society.
• Sporting Campus: World-class sporting facilities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, riverside running paths, gym, outdoor playing pitches- all study abroad students living on-campus have free gym membership!
• Volunteering: The opportunity to volunteer in the local community, the best way to get to know real Irish/Limerick people.
• Engaged Learning: Accredited Service-Learning opportunities in the community.