Maynooth University
Ireland
Maynooth University
Maynooth, Ireland
Founded
1997 (origins 1795)
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
17,000+
Acceptance Rate
~73%
Discover Maynooth University: Ireland's Fastest-Growing University
Discover Maynooth University: Ireland's Fastest-Growing University
Maynooth University is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland, located in the historic town of Maynooth, County Kildare, just 25 kilometres from Dublin. Formally established as an autonomous university in 1997 under the Universities Act, it traces its origins to the foundation of the Royal College of St. Patrick in 1795, making it simultaneously one of Ireland's youngest universities and one of its oldest educational institutions.
The university is home to over 17,000 students from more than 100 countries and employs over 1,000 staff from more than 20 nations. Its academic and intellectual core is built around the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, complemented by strong programmes in teacher education, computer science, electronic engineering, business, and law.
Maynooth University is internationally recognised for research excellence in areas including humanities, social and spatial sciences, mathematics, communication and computation, and human health. The university has been ranked in the top 90 in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings and is recognised among the top 600 universities in the world.
Key Milestones
- 1795: Royal College of St. Patrick founded as a seminary for the education of priests, later becoming the largest seminary in the world.
- 1910: Maynooth became a Recognised College of the National University of Ireland, offering arts and science degrees.
- 1997: The Universities Act established Maynooth as an autonomous university, independent of St Patrick's College.
- 2021: Professor Eeva Leinonen became the first woman president of the institution.
Academic Structure and Faculties at Maynooth University
Academic Structure and Faculties at Maynooth University
Maynooth University is organised into three faculties encompassing over 26 academic departments and more than 60 subject areas. The university offers a flexible learning framework that allows students to combine subjects across departments, with over 150 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes available.
Faculty of Arts, Celtic Studies and Philosophy
This faculty is home to departments covering English, history, media studies, philosophy, music, and the School of Celtic Studies and the School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures. It offers a rich interdisciplinary approach to the humanities and cultural traditions.
- BA in English and History
- BA in Music
- MA in Philosophy
Faculty of Social Sciences
Comprising departments of Economics, Education, Geography, Law and Criminology, Sociology, the School of Business, and the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education. This faculty addresses society's most pressing challenges through teaching and research.
- BA in Business and Management
- BCL in Law
- MSc in Economics
Faculty of Science and Engineering
This faculty encompasses departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, Psychology, Sport Science and Nutrition, and the School of Nursing. It is at the forefront of STEM education and research in Ireland.
- BSc in Computer Science
- BSc in Psychology
- MSc in Data Science and Analytics
School of Business
Part of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the School of Business offers programmes in accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and international business. It features work placements with leading employers and access to a Bloomberg trading suite.
- BBS in Business Studies
- MSc in Business Analytics
- MBA
School of Law and Criminology
Established in 2009, the School of Law and Criminology provides undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in law, criminology, and related fields. It combines theoretical foundations with practical legal training.
- BCL in Law and Criminology
- LLM in International Justice
- MA in Criminology
School of Education
The School of Education, including the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, prepares future educators through innovative teaching methods and research-led programmes. It is one of the leading teacher education centres in Ireland.
- Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching)
- Professional Master of Education (Secondary Teaching)
- MEd in School Guidance Counselling
Admission Requirements for Maynooth University
Admission Requirements for Maynooth University
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationIrish Leaving Certificate or international equivalent (e.g., A-Levels, IB Diploma, or secondary school certificate with minimum scores depending on programme)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0-6.5 overall (depending on programme) or TOEFL iBT 80-90 or equivalent
- Application MethodEU students apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO); non-EU students apply directly through the Maynooth University online portal
- Supporting DocumentsAcademic transcripts, personal statement, passport copy, and English language test results
- Minimum AgeApplicants should be at least 18 years old at the start of the programme
Postgraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationBachelor's degree equivalent to an Irish honours degree (NFQ Level 8), typically with a minimum 2.1 or equivalent
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 92 or equivalent
- Application MethodApply directly through the Maynooth University online application portal
- Supporting DocumentsAcademic transcripts, two academic references, personal statement, CV, and English language test results
- Additional RequirementsSome programmes may require relevant work experience, a portfolio, or additional tests. GMAT is not required for MBA admission.
Standard deadline for undergraduate applications through the Central Applications Office for EU applicants.
Recommended deadline for non-EU international undergraduate applicants for September entry.
Deadlines vary by programme; early application is strongly recommended as many programmes fill quickly.
Deadline for international applicants applying for the Spring semester (January start) for select programmes.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Maynooth University
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Maynooth University
Maynooth University offers competitive tuition fees compared to many European universities. EU/EEA students may qualify for free tuition under the Irish government's Free Fees Initiative, while non-EU international students pay programme-specific fees. All figures are approximate and subject to annual revision.
| Fee Category | EU Students (per year) | Non-EU Students (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | Free Fees (eligible) or EUR 6,490 | EUR 16,500 - EUR 18,000 |
| Postgraduate Taught (Arts/Social Sciences) | EUR 5,180 - EUR 7,500 | EUR 14,000 - EUR 16,000 |
| Postgraduate Taught (Science/Engineering) | EUR 6,500 - EUR 8,000 | EUR 16,000 - EUR 18,000 |
| Student Levy / Registration Fee | EUR 150 | Included in tuition |
| Total | Contact the university for exact programme fees | EUR 14,000 - EUR 18,000 per year (typical range) |
Maynooth University International Student Scholarship
Merit-based scholarships available to high-achieving international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, helping to reduce tuition costs for outstanding applicants.
- Eligibility: International (non-EU) students with strong academic records
- Value: Contact the university for current award amounts
- Application: Automatically considered upon admission application
Sports Scholarships
Maynooth University offers sport scholarships to talented athletes in Gaelic games, rugby, golf, swimming, soccer, and snooker. Maynooth is the only university in Ireland to offer scholarships in swimming.
- Eligibility: Students demonstrating high-level sporting ability
- Sports Covered: Gaelic games, rugby, golf, swimming, soccer, snooker
- Obligations: Recipients must participate in university sports teams and training programmes
Campus and Facilities at Maynooth University
Campus and Facilities at Maynooth University
Maynooth University's campus is divided into two connected areas: the historic South Campus featuring beautiful 19th-century buildings shared with St Patrick's College, and the modern North Campus spanning approximately 40 hectares with contemporary academic and residential facilities. The campus is located in Ireland's only university town, offering a safe, compact, and walkable environment.
The South Campus features stunning 19th-century architecture, the college chapel, the National Science Museum, and the ruins of Maynooth Castle.
The North Campus houses the sports centre, student residences, the Students' Union building, and modern academic facilities including the John Hume Building.
The library provides extensive academic resources, digital collections, study spaces, and research support for all students and staff.
Housing and Dining
On-Campus Accommodation
Maynooth University offers on-campus student residences on the North Campus in apartment-style complexes. Each apartment typically houses five to six students with individual bedrooms, shared kitchen and living areas, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
- River Apartments
- Courtyard Apartments
- Rye Hall and Village Residences
Dining and Campus Services
The campus offers a variety of dining options, a bookshop in the John Hume Building, photocopying and postal services, and student lockers. The town of Maynooth also provides restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets within walking distance.
- Campus dining halls and cafes
- Maynooth University Bookshop
- Sports centre and recreation facilities
Student Life at Maynooth University
Student Life at Maynooth University
Maynooth University is known as one of the friendliest campuses in Ireland, with a close-knit community atmosphere in a compact university town setting. With over 100 clubs and societies, a vibrant Students' Union, and a wide range of cultural and sporting activities, students enjoy a rich and fulfilling campus experience.
Maynooth: Ireland's University Town
Maynooth: Ireland's University Town
Living in Maynooth, Ireland
Maynooth is a charming and historic town in County Kildare, recognised as Ireland's only university town. Located just 25 kilometres west of Dublin, it offers the perfect balance of a safe, friendly small-town atmosphere with easy access to Ireland's capital city via regular bus and train services.
Proximity to Dublin
Just 25 km from Dublin city centre, Maynooth is well connected by rail and bus, giving students easy access to Ireland's vibrant capital for culture, entertainment, and employment opportunities.
Historic Heritage
The town is home to Maynooth Castle, a 13th-century Norman fortress, and the stunning grounds of St Patrick's College, offering a rich historical backdrop for student life.
Safe and Welcoming Community
Maynooth offers a compact, walkable town centre with a friendly community atmosphere, restaurants, pubs, shops, and all essential amenities within easy reach of the campus.
Gateway to Ireland
From Maynooth, students can easily explore Ireland's stunning coastlines, countryside, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal base for weekend adventures.
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Career Outcomes and Notable Alumni
Top Employers of Maynooth Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The MU International Office is the first point of contact for international students applying for full-degree, Erasmus, Study Abroad, and Summer School programmes. They provide guidance on visas, accommodation, and settling in.
Non-EU students must apply for an Irish Student Visa (D Visa) for courses longer than 3 months. The university provides guidance on documentation including financial proof, health insurance, and medical reports.
After graduation, international students can apply for a job seeker visa allowing them to live and work in Ireland for up to 2 years, providing excellent opportunities to launch a career in Europe.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Maynooth University World Rankings
Maynooth University World Rankings
Maynooth University is recognised among the top universities globally, with particularly strong performance in young university rankings. As one of four constituent universities of the National University of Ireland, it continues to rise in international esteem for its research output and teaching quality.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Geography | QS World Rankings | #201-250 |
| Psychology | THE World Rankings | #176-200 |
| Social Sciences | THE World Rankings | #201-250 |
| Business and Economics | THE World Rankings | #251-300 |
Features
Maynooth University is a historic yet dynamic public research university offering a vibrant campus environment just outside Dublin. It hosts a diverse student body from over 120 countries, maintains strong academic programs across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and demonstrates excellent graduate employability with a ~93% placement rate. Its compact size fosters a strong sense of community, and it's recognized among the top 90 young universities globally, reflecting its excellence in teaching, research, and international outlook.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - January
Location
Maynooth University\nMaynooth,\nCounty Kildare,\nW23 F2H6,\nIreland
Map not found.
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
