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UCD Smurfit School is one of Ireland’s top business schools, located in Dublin. It is known for its world-class MBA program that prepares students for leadership roles in global companies. The school is part of University College Dublin and is ranked among the best business schools in Europe.
The UCD Smurfit MBA is a one-year, full-time program designed for professionals who want to grow in their careers, switch industries, or take on leadership positions. The program focuses on real-world business learning, global networking, and practical skills that are valued by employers worldwide.
| Program length | 12 months |
| Tuition Fees MBA 2024 |
€36,990 |
| Program deadline MBA 2025 |
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis. |
| Intakes | NA |
| Application fees | NA |
The UCD Smurfit MBA class includes students from different backgrounds and work experiences. The gender ratio is nearly equal, with 47% women and 53% men, creating a balanced and inclusive environment. Most students are around 30 years old and have about seven years of work experience. This helps bring real-world knowledge in the students of every class at UCD Smurfit discussions.
| Average GMAT | 646 |
| Average GRE | NA |
| Average GPA | NA |
| Average work experience | 7 Years |
| Average age | 31 |
| Pre-MBA industry MBA 2024 |
NA |
| Pre-MBA location MBA 2024 |
NA |
| Class size MBA 2024 |
NA |
| Women MBA 2024 |
49% |
| Country Represented MBA 2024 |
78% |
The UCD MBA program has an acceptance rate of 20%, which means it is quite competitive. The school looks for students who have strong potential and are serious about growing in their careers. If you get accepted, you’ll join a group of motivated classmates who are ready to learn and take on new challenges together.
The ranking of UCD Smurfit MBA program among the top MBA programs globally, reflecting its excellence in education, diverse student body, and outstanding career outcomes. According to the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2023, UCD Smurfit is ranked 70th worldwide and 23rd in Europe.
| Rankings | Position |
| FT Ranking Business school MBA 2024 | #91 |
| Economist Full-Time MBA global rankings 2024 |
The full-time UCD Smurfit MBA program spans over 12 months, comprising several in-depth courses that ensure a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Recognized among the top MBA programs globally, the UCD Smurfit MBA curriculum is designed to offer mastery of the essential disciplines and functional areas vital to every business leader's success.
1. Autumn Trimester: Financial Reporting, Corporate Finance, Marketing Management, Leadership & Organisational Behaviour , Competitive Strategy, Business Economics.
2. Spring Trimester: Operations, Innovation & Management, Management Accounting, Doing Business in International Markets, Digital Strategy and Transformation, Entrepreneurship.
3. Summer Trimester: Strategies for Human Resources, Global & Corporate Strategy, MBA Consulting Project (Capstone),International Consulting Project.
The MBA International Study Tour takes place over one week in March and is part of the ‘Doing Business in International Markets’ module. The tour combines high-level company visits, presentations and panel discussions from leading executives, government officials and entrepreneurs, all relevant to core management disciplines.
Key themes are developed from which to learn about the country's business and cultural landscape. It also provides an opportunity for participants to spend time together. The cost of the Study Tour is included in the MBA Programme fee. Previous destinations have included Argentina, Scandinavia, Germany, Italy and Singapore.
UCD research addresses the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Ireland and the world at large. College have devised a number of focused research groupings which interlink the interests of our subject areas and which are underpinned by high-quality, impactful research and scholarship.
The tuition fee for the UCD Smurfit MBA program is €34,500. To help students with costs, the school offers several scholarships based on good academics and leadership skills. Students can also look into education loans or support from their employers. These options make it easier for deserving students to afford the UCD Smurfit MBA.
| Tuition fee for the class 2024 | €36,990 |
| Application Fees | NA |
Note: Full-time MBA tuition fees can be paid in three instalments: September, January and May- Admission & fees
Graduates of the UCD Smurfit MBA program enjoy excellent employment prospects, with 90% securing job offers within three months of graduation. The program’s strong reputation and robust career services team attract top recruiters from leading firms in consulting, finance, and technology.
| Average salary MBA2024 |
€92,000 |
| Offer accepted upon three months of graduation | NA |
| Offer received after six months of graduation | 86% |
| Reporting rate | NA |
| Post-program job locations | NA |
| Post MBA industries MBA2022 |
NA |
Know more at: UCD Career Opportunities
To apply for the UCD Smurfit MBA, you need to submit essays that show your unique qualities and experiences. These essays help the admission team understand your career goals, leadership potential, and how well you'd fit with the UCD Smurfit community.
You also need to provide two recommendation forms from your current or past employers (or clients if you're self-employed). These forms should be signed by hand, scanned, and uploaded with your application.
The interview process for the UCD Smurfit MBA Interview questions is a crucial component of the admissions journey, designed to assess a candidate’s fit and potential for success in the program. Typical interview questions aim to delve deeper into the applicant’s professional background, leadership experiences, and career aspirations.
All eligible candidates deemed suitable to be considered for the MBA or EMBA programme will be interviewed. Candidates are interviewed by one or in some cases more of the following:
The UCD Smurfit MBA offers a high-quality business education with a challenging curriculum taught by experienced international faculty in small classroom settings. Located in Dublin, a major hub for business, finance, and innovation, the school provides a great environment to learn and connect with people from different cultures.
Useful Links
| Eligibility & admission process | Admission process |
| Costs & finance | Application fees |
| Alumni | Our Alumni Network |
| Contact | smurfitschool@ucd.ie +353 1 716 8934 |
Conclusion
The UCD Smurfit MBA program is a remarkable offering among business schools. Nestled in Dublin, a vibrant European hub, Smurfit provides a unique blend of global insights and a deep understanding of Best MBA Colleges in Ireland. With its rigorous curriculum and focus on leadership and innovation, it offers a transformative journey for those aspiring to lead in the world of business.
The UCD Smurfit MBA includes international study trips, company projects, and guest lectures from business leaders across Europe. You also get to work with classmates from more than 20 nationalities, giving you daily exposure to European and global business approaches.
The school’s student support team guides you through the Irish student visa process and provides relocation advice. They help with practical steps such as finding housing, setting up banking, and adjusting to life in Dublin, making the move smoother for international students.
Yes. UCD Smurfit offers a wide range of merit-based and regional scholarships, and Indian students are eligible for several of them. Awards can cover a significant portion of tuition fees, depending on academic excellence, leadership potential, and professional achievements.
The Smurfit MBA Careers Office provides one-to-one coaching, CV workshops, and interview practice. They also connect students with top recruiters in Ireland and Europe. Many international students secure roles with companies like Google, Microsoft, and Deloitte after graduation.
