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University College Cork in Ireland is a Hidden Gem for Higher Education
UCC is ranked highly among the universities globally and boasts a robust reputation for academic excellence
- PUBLISHED: Fri 18 Apr 2025, 10:02 AM
When Dr Tauseef Abdul Ghaffar, a long-time UAE resident and finance professional, decided to relocate his family from Dubai to Cork, Ireland, it wasn’t just a career move - it was a commitment to education, family, and opportunity. Today, as the Head of Internal Audit at University College Cork (UCC), he walks to work with his daughter Armeen Tauseef, who is studying medicine at the same institution.
“My father moved to the UAE in the 1970s, and I’ve spent all my life in the UAE,” says Dr Tauseef. “But when Armeen got accepted into medical school at UCC, I saw it as a chance for the family to come together in a new chapter.”
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For many UAE-based families, Ireland may not be the first country that comes to mind for further studies - but perhaps it should be. University College Cork, nestled in one of Europe’s friendliest and most vibrant university towns, is fast emerging as a compelling choice for international students seeking top-tier education, cultural inclusivity, and real-world readiness.
Why UCC?
UCC is ranked highly among the universities globally and boasts a robust reputation for academic excellence and cutting-edge research. “What struck me was the university’s dual focus on teaching and research,” Dr Tauseef explains.
“A number of universities often focus just on the teaching. But here, students can dive deep into innovation from the start.”
UCC’s research is recognised as world-leading in many areas including sustainability and climate action, food, microbiome and health, digital humanities and artificial intelligence and photonics. Several of Ireland’s leading research centres are embedded in UCC institutes and the university is building 10 specialist areas of interdisciplinary research excellence through UCC Futures.
The university offers a five-year undergraduate medicine programme - shorter than many North American alternatives - and its curriculum emphasises early patient contact, clinical exposure, and a hands-on approach.
“We explored Canada, the UK, and Australia,” adds Dr Tauseef. “But Ireland struck the perfect balance between quality, proximity to home in the UAE, and a safe environment.”
UCC’s international footprint is significant: over 5,000 students from more than 130 countries study on its green, riverside campus. The School of Medicine alone includes students from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, China, India, and beyond.
Life in Cork
For Armeen, a second-year medical student and graduate of GEMS Wellington in Dubai Silicon Oasis, moving to Cork has been a revelation. “At first, I was surprised by the weather,” she laughs. “But now I carry my jacket and raincoat everywhere - and I love it! The campus is stunning, there’s a river running through it, and it’s incredibly green and peaceful.”
The student lifestyle in Cork offers both vibrancy and tranquillity. “It’s like comparing Dubai to Abu Dhabi,” says Dr Tauseef. “Dublin is fast-paced, but Cork is calm, walkable, and student-focused-perfect for concentration and community.”
Armeen agrees: “There’s always something happening. I’m part of the GP and Paediatrics societies, and we’ve done amazing events like the Teddy Bear Hospital, where we engage with young children and teach them about health through play.”
UCC’s extracurricular life is rich, with over 100 societies and 50 sporting clubs. From archery to Zumba and rock climbing, students are encouraged to strike a healthy study-life balance. “I even ran for a student leadership position representing international students,” says Armeen. “The opportunities to grow here - academically and personally - are phenomenal.”
Cultural Inclusivity and Support
One of the key concerns for Middle Eastern families is how easily students can transition into a new environment. Armeen, who wears a hijab, says she felt immediately at home. “There’s a strong Muslim community here, and halal food is easy to find - even on campus.”
Her father echoes the sentiment. “Thirty years ago, when I was in university in the US, I had to travel miles to get halal food. Now it’s accessible and normalised. And the Irish are incredibly friendly and welcoming.”
UCC also provides extensive student support through its beautiful Student Hub, dedicated wellbeing services, and academic mentoring. “Whether it’s lectures, societies or pastoral care, the system is geared to help you succeed,” says Armeen.
Ready for the Real World
With its five-year medical degree followed by a one-year internship, UCC ensures that students are prepared for the workforce from day one. “We have several hospitals around campus,” notes Dr Tauseef. “So placements and internships are well integrated into the programme.” UCC graduates are in high demand: 96 per cent are employed or in further studies within nine months of graduating. “For me,” says Armeen, “having UCC and Irish medical experience on my CV will be a real asset - especially for when I return to the UAE for further specialisation.”
A Bridge Between Ireland and UAE
Gearóid McCarthy, International Manager for UCC’s College of Medicine and Health, has been visiting schools across Dubai and Abu Dhabi every year since 2020 to connect with prospective students. “Irish teachers are widespread in the Gulf,” he says. “They’ve become mini-ambassadors for Ireland in the classroom. It’s no surprise that more and more UAE students are joining UCC each year.”
As Cork prepares to celebrate UCC’s 180th anniversary in 2025, the university is also doubling down on its commitment to global engagement - with partnerships across 300 universities, a growing alumni network of 220,000, and leadership in sustainability and research.
For UAE students seeking world-class education, cultural belonging, and a future built on strong foundations, UCC might just be the perfect place to begin.