Maynooth University

Maynooth University traces its origins back to 1795. It is one of the top ranked universities in Ireland and was the first institution outside the United States to be ranked in the Princeton Review. 
 

MU welcomes over 8,400 students from more than 50 countries. Building on a tradition of scholarship and excellence in all aspects of its teaching and research, over 90% of Maynooth University faculty hold PhDs. Its vibrant and beautiful campus offers a friendly and personal atmosphere, as well as a first-class center of learning and research. At Maynooth University, you can have a true Irish university experience by studying amongst primarily Irish students.

 

Maynooth is Ireland’s only university town and has a population of about 12,500. Located only a 45-minute train ride from Dublin city – with inexpensive trains and buses running every half hour – Maynooth gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll enjoy a safe, charming, small-town atmosphere plus easy access to Ireland’s modern capital city of 1.5 million. That said, being a university town, Maynooth has plenty of its own student-centered nightlife, and there’s always something going on!

 

Maynooth University is home to several world renowned research institutes, including: NCG (National Centre for Geocomputation), NIRSA (National Institute for Research and Spatial Analysis), and An Foras Feasa, the Institute for Research in Irish Historical and Cultural Traditions.

Maynooth University guarantees on-campus housing for all international students. The Halls of Residence consist of cluster flats, each with 4-8 single occupancy bedrooms, kitchen, and Internet access.

 

Maynooth University has over 100 student clubs and societies, catering to all interests. Just a few of the societies you could join include gospel choir, jazz, comedy, gaming, business, and Amnesty International. Joining the Gaelic Football club, in particular, is strongly recommended because you are virtually guaranteed to make Irish friends!  Maynooth University also has excellent sports facilities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, gymnasium, and 4 playing fields. Make new Irish friends by joining one of the university’s over 30 sports clubs, such as rugby, skiing, volleyball, basketball, hockey, kickboxing, equestrian, archery, soccer, or even ladies’ or men’s football. The nearby River Liffey plays host to the canoe and kayak club, and you can walk, golf, or ride horses at Carton Estate. Check out the MU Live webpage to see some of the virtual and live events that take place throughout the semesters!

National University of Ireland, Maynooth - South Campus panorama
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Academics & Eligibility

Learn about the academic opportunities and requirements for this program.

At Maynooth University, a class or course is called a “module.” An undergraduate degree program is called a “course.”

 

Semester Course & Credit Information

  • Maynooth University has a wide range of module offerings. Modules are offered in the following SUBJECT AREAS:
    • Business
    • Humanities
    • Languages
    • Natural Sciences
    • Social Sciences
  • Most modules are worth 5 ECTS or approximately 3 semester credits. Students can enroll in anywhere between 24 and 35 ECTS per semester – or, between 12 and 18 U.S. semester credits.
  • Students generally take 4-5 modules per semester.
Language Requirement: None. Classes are taught in English.
Possible U.S. Credits: 12-18 semester credits (24-35 ECTS). ECTS = European Credit Transfer System.  2 ECTS = approximately 1 U.S. semester credit. Students will take 4-5 modules (courses).
Final Transcript: Issued by Maynooth University.

January Term Course & Credit Information
  • Maynooth University offers a choice of 2 module offerings during January Term:
    • Cultural Heritage of Medieval Society (7.5 ECTS)
    • Art & Architecture in Ireland, 1600-1900 (5 ECTS)
  • Each module is worth 5-7.5 ECTS or approximately 3-4 semester credits. 
  • Students may only take 1 module.

    NOTE: Module availability based on enrollment space. Please ensure you get approval for BOTH modules in the event that a module is full or does not meet minimum enrollment.
Language Requirement: None. Classes are taught in English.
Possible U.S. Credits: 3-4 semester credits (5-7.5 ECTS). ECTS = European Credit Transfer System. 2 ECTS = approximately 1 U.S. semester credit. 
Final Transcript: Issued by Maynooth University.

Summer Course & Credit Information

  • Students must take 2 modules during the summer session - one from Stream A and one from Stream B. You may not enroll in 2 modules from the same stream.
  • Please note that the running of all classes are subject to sufficient student enrollment. We ask that you select alternate modules in the event of changes.

  • Classes are held between 9:30 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Thursday. Stream A class days meet Mondays and Wednesdays. Stream B class days are Tuesdays and Thursdays.

  • The number of credits per module is listed below, next to the module title.

Students choose from Stream A or B:

Stream A:

  • Introduction to the Anthropology of Ireland (AN 303) (5 ECTS / 3 U.S. semester credits)

  • International Marketing (MN 313) (5 ECTS / 3 U.S. semester credits)

  • Public Speaking and Communication (EN 010) (7.5 ECTS / 4 U.S. semester credits) 

  • Creative Writing (EN 272) (5 ECTS / 3 U.S. semester credits)

  • Ireland and the Great Famine (HY 273) (5 ECTS / 3 U.S. semester credits)

  • Climate Change (GY31SS) (5 ECTS / 3 U.S. semester credits)

  • The Cultural Heritage of Medieval Society (ID 202) (7.5 ECTS / 4 U.S. semester credits)

    • Cannot be combined with ID 201

Stream B:

  • Global Development Issues & Responses (KD 310) - (5 ECTS / 3 U.S. semester credits)
  • Modern Irish Literature (EN 254) (5 ECTS / 3 U.S. semester credits)
  • Early Medieval Ireland - Society & Politics (HY) (5 ECTS / 3 U.S. semester credits)
  • Art and Architecture in Ireland 1600-1900 (LS 20) (5 ECTS / 3 U.S. semester credits)
  • Social Media (MN329SS) (5 ECTS / 3 U.S. semester credits)
  • International Business (MN215SS) (5 ECTS / 3 U.S. semester credits)  
  • Introducing the Cultural Heritage of Early Ireland (ID 201) (7.5 ECTS / 4 U.S. semester credits)
    • Cannot be combined with ID 202
Language Requirement: None. Classes are taught in English.
Possible U.S. Credits: Choose 2 courses worth 5 or 7.5 ECTS credits (typically 3 or 4 U.S. credits per course) for a total of 6-8 credits. ECTS = European Credit Transfer System.  2 ECTS = approximately 1 U.S. semester credit. 
Final Transcript: Issued by Maynooth University

Eligibility Criteria

Semester:

  • Minimum GPA 3.0 (Students with a GPA between 2.75-2.99 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students with a 2.74 or lower will not be considered.)
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Completed at least 2 semesters at a U.S. or Canadian college/university before applying.
  • Official Transcript from your college or university. If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Official Transcript from each institution. Official Transcript from current institution should also show courses currently in progress.
  • ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
  • Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. You will need to provide ASA with a scan of your valid passport immediately after being accepted into the program if you did not upload it to your ASA application. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.

Summer & January Term:

  • Minimum GPA 2.50 (Students with a GPA of 2.49 or lower will not be considered).
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Completed at least 2 semesters at a U.S. or Canadian college or university before applying.
  • Official Transcript from your college or university. If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Official Transcript from each institution. Official Transcript from current institution should also show courses currently in progress.
  • ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
  • Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. You will need to provide ASA with a scan of your valid passport immediately after being accepted into the program if you did not upload it to your ASA application. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.

Course Finder

Semester: You MUST have a total of 8 modules approved by your home institution. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in module availability. When you pre-register for modules (this happens after you’re accepted), you will have to list a total of 8 possible modules on your registration form, in order of preference. Maynooth University will not process your registration unless you list a total of 8 modules.

Summer:  Students must take 2 modules per summer session - one from Stream A and one from Stream B. You may not enroll in 2 modules from the same stream.

January Term:  Students may select 1 module from the 2 on offer. It is not possible to take both modules. 

COURSE OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 

Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.

Costs & Dates

Program pricing and important dates.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

When can I book my flight? Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and you receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure date.

 

Academic Year Participant Notes: An automatic $1,000 discount is applied to your second-semester program fee. For your ASA application, enter your academic year program code as the Fall program code and then add AY- in front of that code. 



<p style="font-weight: bold;">Cost of Attendance &amp; Budget Sheet</p>

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

Explore your accommodation options for this program.

On-Campus Residence Hall

Maynooth University students live on campus in one of the halls of residence. Meals are not included, except during the summer program, which includes breakfast and lunch Monday - Thursday and the January Term, which includes meals on class days.  Flats are typically composed of 4-8 single occupancy bedrooms and are shared with other ASA students, international students, or degree-seeking students at Maynooth University. Each flat has a kitchen and common area shared by all flatmates, as well as Internet. In some cases, each bedroom has its own bathroom "pod," and in other cases, bathrooms are shared. Flats are usually all gender.

Housing FAQs

You may request to live with a friend by emailing ASA at hello@academicstudies.com. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back. It can't always be guaranteed because the university is responsible for hall allocations. We will be sure to pass your roommate request to your host university if you let us know your preference shortly after being accepted! You will meet your flatmates upon arrival; they could be from the U.S., Ireland, or other countries.
Rooms are single occupancy, but you will share a flat with additional students.
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program.
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins.
No, meals are not included during the semester, but your flat will have a kitchen, and grocery stores are within walking distance. The summer program includes breakfast and lunch in the on-campus Student Union restaurant Monday to Thursday.
The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.
You will live on campus. Classroom buildings are within a 5-15 minute walk.

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.

Semester programs include 1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions. Summer programs include 1 day excursion. The January Term program includes cultural field trips and activities. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to:

 

Celtic Heritage Tour

Celtic Heritage Tour

Day Trip

Experience 5,000 years of Ireland’s incredible history, legend, and folklore. We’ll visit prehistoric tombs, Celtic high crosses, ancient abbeys, and the Hill of Tara.
Galway

Galway

Overnight

The ASA Galway trip is jam-packed with Irish culture! You’ll see Connemara and its megalithic tombs, the Cliffs of Moher (the most magnificent vista in all of Ireland), Burren National Park, Limerick, and even traditional sheep shearing demonstrations.
Kilkenny and Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny and Kilkenny Castle

Day Trip

Kilkenny is a medieval walled city, and there’s no better place to wander, enjoying its ancient cobbled streets and old-world charm. Students will have a guided walking tour of Kilkenny City, including St. Canice’s Cathedral and Jerpoint Abbey. You’ll also tour the amazing Kilkenny Castle, built in 1195.
Wicklow and Glendalough

Wicklow and Glendalough

Day Trip

See hidden Guinness Lake, breathtaking waterfalls, famous film locations, such as Braveheart and P.S. I Love You, Wicklow National Park, and, finally, Glendalough, dating back to the 6th century.

Experiences

Unique cultural and educational experiences included in your program.

Did you go abroad with ASA and have a memorable experience we should add to this list? Contact us! We'd love to hear from you!

 
Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

Explore the incredible Cliffs of Moher
St. Stephens Green

St. Stephens Green

Have a picnic lunch and relax on St. Stephens green
Irish Dance

Irish Dance

Take a traditional Irish dance class
Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle

Take a guided tour of the Dublin Castle
Traditional Irish Breakfast

Traditional Irish Breakfast

Go out for a traditional Irish breakfast - it’s a feast of bacon or rashers, sausages, black and white puddings (which are a type of sausage) eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and Irish soda bread - all cooked in fresh Irish creamery butter
Trinity College

Trinity College

Visit the amazing Old Library at Trinity College
Colorful Doors of Dublin

Colorful Doors of Dublin

Find and photograph all of Dublin’s famous colorful doorways
Butlers Chocolate Cafe

Butlers Chocolate Cafe

The best, most decadent hot chocolate in Ireland can be found at Butlers Chocolate Cafe. They’ll never share their secret recipe, but you should make a point to try all the different flavors, like Mocha, Dark, White, Praline, Peppermint, Cookie, or even Chili. Butlers is also known for their luxurious truffles and other chocolate candies
Molly Malone

Molly Malone

Say hello to the Molly Malone Statue and learn the commemorative song
Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral

Check out the beautiful Christ Church Cathedral

Program Inclusions

What's included in your program fee.

What's Included

  • Exclusive "A World of Care" Student Support Suite.

  • Housing in a residence hall with kitchen facilities. Meals not included (except for the Summer & January programs, which include breakfast and lunch on class days).

  • Tuition for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.

  • Academic Credits: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.

  • Official Transcript: Final transcript is issued by your host institution. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.

  • Excursions: Semester programs include 1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions. Summer programs include 1 day excursion. January programs include cultural field trips. Locations to be decided.

  • Cultural Activities in Dublin (museum visits, walking tours, etc.).

  • Internet Access: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.

  • Airport Pick-Up: Group ground transportation is provided from Dublin (DUB) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.

  • Site Director: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.

  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.

  • Visa Advising: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to "Student Visa Information" to find out if a visa is required for your program.

  • Pre-Departure Handbook & On-Site Orientation.

  • Subscription to Safeture Safety-Enhancing Mobile App.

  • Subscription to Mindhamok: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs.

  • $150 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Summer program! (Up to 2 Summer programs).
  • $350 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Semester program! (Up to 2 Semester programs).

Not Included

  • Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location

  • Books, materials, lab fees

  • Local transportation

  • Personal expenses

  • Meals (except for the Summer program, which includes breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday)

  • Laundry

  • Meals on excursions

  • Visa, if required

  • Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time

  • Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program

For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students, medical insurance during winter break can be purchased for an additional fee, if it is required to get your visa.

Program Calendar

Key dates and milestones for your program.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure dates.

  1. January 4, 2027

    Arrival and Housing

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Dublin (DUB) airport on Jan. 4th between 9 am-12 pm
  2. January 15, 2027

    Classes End

  3. January 16, 2027

    Housing move-out; students depart.

  1. January 27, 2027

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Dublin (DUB) airport on Jan. 27 between 9 am-12 pm

  2. ASA Orientation

    TBA
  3. January 27-29, 2027

    Maynooth University Orientation

  4. Feb. 2, 2027

    Classes begin

  5. TBA

    Excursions - locations TBA

  6. Mar. 13-19, 2027

    Study Week. No classes are held. This week is meant to be a study period, during which you prepare for your exams/assignments.

  7. Mar. 22 - 26, 2027

    Semester Break

  8. May 7, 2027

    Classes End

  9. May 10-13, 2027

    Study Week (no classes)

  10. May 14-29 (specific exam dates released in April 2027)

    Final exams

  11. TBA

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. June 26, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Dublin (DUB) airport on June 26th before 4 pm.
  2. June 27, 2026

    Orientation

  3. June 29, 2026

    Classes begin

  4. July 10 & 17, 2026

    Galway & Kilkenny Excursions

  5. July 23, 2026

    Classes End

  6. July 24, 2026

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. September 13, 2026

    Arrival and Housing

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Dublin (DUB) airport on Sep. 13 between 9 am - 12 pm
  2. September 13, 2026

    ASA Orientation

  3. September 14-18, 2026

    Maynooth University Orientation

  4. September 21, 2026

    Classes begin

  5. TBA

    Excursions

  6. Oct. 26-30

    Study Week. No classes.

  7. Dec. 18

    Classes End

    Exams will be completed before Dec. 18
  8. Dec. 19

    Housing move-out; students depart

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students.

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Please check out Diversity Abroad’s Ireland Travel Guide. If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.

 

  • Culture & Ethnicity

  • Disability Accommodation

  • Food & Diet

  • Financial Aid & Money Matters

  • First Generation

  • Gender Identity & Sexuality

  • Mental Health

  • Non-traditional Students

  • Religion

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

Apply Now