The NUI is the largest segment of Ireland’s higher education landscape. Rather than a single physical campus, it operates as a federal network where member institutions function with significant autonomy. The core functions of the NUI include:
The National University of Ireland (NUI) is Ireland's oldest federal university system, established in 1908 under the Irish Universities Act. Rather than operating as a single teaching university, NUI is a confederal institution comprising constituent universities and recognized colleges across Ireland. It oversees the awarding of degrees, upholds academic quality, supports research and scholarship, and promotes Irish higher education globally. Through its member institutions, NUI serves thousands of students across a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes in disciplines including arts, science, engineering, business, medicine, law, and the humanities. It also administers scholarships, academic awards, and international educational initiatives.
| Acronym | NUI |
| Motto / Slogan | Veritati (Latin) Fír Fer (Old Irish) To Truth; Men's Truth |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Location | Dublin, Leinster, Ireland |
| Address | National University of Ireland 49 Merrion Square Dublin 2 D02 V583 Ireland |
NUI connects and promotes its member institutions and their strategic priorities
NUI is here to help, support and benefit constituent universities and recognised colleges as they deliver in their missions to educate, research and develop.
NUI is dedicated to its students and graduates
NUI supports students throughout their higher education journey, including matriculation, graduation, postgraduation record maintenance and validation of qualifications. It supports students in claiming their vote on the Seanad Éireann electoral register. NUI Awards support and celebrate student achievement.
NUI promotes quality processes throughout the federation.
NUI advances the civic good.
NUI celebrates and promotes the Irish language, culture, society, education and civil discourse through its own work and in conjunction with academic colleagues from our member institutions.
NUI advances Ireland as a European country with a global reach and home to quality education providers
Education & Research
People & Culture
Engagement & Partnership
Develop a comprehensive communications strategy. Aim to improve internal and external reputation, improve knowledge of what NUI does and increase its impact
Sustainability
NUI member universities are renowned for research that addresses global challenges in areas such as healthcare, sustainability, technology, engineering, business, and the humanities. Students have opportunities to participate in impactful research projects while learning from internationally respected academics and researchers.
NUI comprises leading Irish universities that provide high-quality teaching, modern learning environments, and internationally recognized research. Students benefit from expert faculty, innovative teaching methods, and access to state-of-the-art facilities that support academic and personal success.
Comprehensive career services are available to support students in achieving their professional goals. Career guidance, employability workshops, CV reviews, interview preparation, entrepreneurship programmes, employer networking events, and alumni connections help graduates transition successfully into the workforce.
Students from across the world choose NUI universities for their welcoming, inclusive, and multicultural learning environments. Dedicated international student services, orientation programmes, academic support, and cultural activities help students settle in and thrive throughout their studies.
Applicants must meet basic entry (matriculation) requirements to enter a degree course at a National University of Ireland (NUI) Constituent University or Recognised College. Each university can also set additional requirements for individual courses.
To enter a degree course, you must have:
Additional subject rules:
Third language is required for most degrees in:
Arts, Human Sciences, Law, Social Science, Commerce, Medicine, and Health Sciences
(See Matriculation Regulations, Section 4.1, page 13 for exceptions)
Mathematics is required for:
Commerce and Science-related courses
A Science subject is also required for:
Science, Agriculture, Engineering, Food Science & Technology, Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. (Please note that some courses require a laboratory science subject, whereas some will accept a broader science subject. If you intend to present a non-laboratory science subject, please ensure this will be accepted with the admissions office of your chosen institution)
The National University of Ireland (NUI) sets the general entry requirements for its member institutions, but it is not involved with applications or admissions. All questions about courses, degrees, diplomas, or general admission should be directed to the admissions office of the university you are applying to. More information.
Visit the online application portal to apply.
Email: [email protected]
Phone : +353 (1) 439 2424
Professor Murphy was born in Co. Cork and educated at St Finbarr’s College, Farranferris, Cork. He went on to receive his medical degree from University College Cork. He held roles at St Finbarr’s Hospital, UCC, and St Vincent’s University Hospital, UCD, and then conducted postg... read more
Professor Murphy was previously President of the European University Association, President of University College Cork, Dean of Medicine, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and a physician. He held research/faculty positions at the University of London and The University of Chicago for 12 years.
During his time in University of Galway, Patrick served on Academic Council and had extensive safety roles along with his lecturing and research in the areas of Asymmetric Catalysis and Green Chemistry. He also served as Head of School of Chemistry for three years.
Patrick began his role as Registrar in January 2022.
In 1845, the Queen’s College Act established three colleges: Cork, Galway, and Belfast, designed to provide non-denominational higher education. These colleges opened to students in 1849, and in 1850 they were united under the newly created Queen’s University of Ireland by Royal Charter.
The Catholic University of Ireland (1851–1854)
Concerns from the Catholic hierarchy about the non-religious nature of the Queen’s Colleges led to the creation of the Catholic University of Ireland. Under the leadership of John Henry Newman, who became its first Rector in 185... read more
The Royal University of Ireland (1880–1909)
The University Education (Ireland) Act 1879 created the Royal University of Ireland, which began operations in 1880. Unlike its predecessors, the Royal University was purely an examining and degree-awarding body, open to graduates of a range of institutions. In 1882, the original Queen’s University of Ireland was dissolved, but the Queen’s Colleges in Cork, Galway, and Belfast continued to operate under the new system.
The Universities Act 1908, which came into effect on 1 August 1908, transformed the higher education landscape in Ireland. It established two new universities: National University of Ireland (NUI) and Queen’s University of Belfast.
On 2 December 1908, NUI received its Charter. By 31 October 1909, the new university had fully replaced the Royal University, with a governing Senate in place.
At its inception, NUI comprised three constituent colleges:
In 1910, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Ireland’s national seminary, joined NUI as a recognised college, allowing its lay and clerical students to earn NUI degrees in arts, philosophy, and science.
From the mid-1970s onwards, NUI began to expand its network of recognised colleges:
The Universities Act 1997 marked a major turning point.
In 2012, the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act designated NUI as a statutory awarding body for its linked providers, subject to oversight by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
Today, NUI is a vibrant federation with:
With links to our member institutions, the following are also part of the federation:
