University of Limerick

History, Affiliations, and Rankings

The University of Limerick, formerly known as The National Institute for Higher Education, in Limerick, Ireland, was founded in 1972 and became a university in 1989, according to the University of Limerick Act 1989. It was the first university founded in Ireland after the country's independence in 1922. The institution is also a member of prestigious national and international organisations such as the Atlantic Universities Alliance, the European Universities Association, the Irish Universities Association, and Universities Ireland. Furthermore, According to QS World University Rankings 2022 and THE World University Rankings 2022, the university is ranked between #501-510 and between #601-800, respectively. The university has been ranked in the US News & World Report’s U.S. News Best Global Universities list of 2022 at #861. The Shangai Rankings of 2021 place the University of Limerick between #901-1000.

Infrastructure, Campuses, and Courses

The University of Limerick is situated on Ireland's west coast, along the gorgeous Shannon River, and benefits from an unspoilt natural environment combined with quality education and research facilities. More than 70 undergraduate programmes are available at UL, including Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Education and Health Sciences; Science and Engineering; and the Kemmy Business School. With over 100 taught postgraduate programmes at the doctoral and postdoctoral levels, UL has a strong postgraduate offering. In addition, the institution is home to some of Ireland's most inventive and successful research institutes. The Nexus Innovation Centre is a burgeoning community of international researchers and entrepreneurs dedicated to the establishment of new enterprises and jobs. Cafes, restaurants, student and faculty accommodation options and a range of on-campus facilities provide an outstanding student experience and a stimulating working environment. The University of Limerick has also developed its research distinctiveness by establishing a research ethos that emphasises the collaboration of disparate disciplines to accomplish fundamental discoveries.

Accomplishments and Alumni 

Independent evaluators from QS Stars awarded the University of Limerick exceptional 5-star rankings for graduate employability, innovation and knowledge transfer, teaching, engagement, internationalisation, and infrastructure. In a recent study of Irish students, the University of Limerick was chosen as Ireland's most popular university, with an 85% satisfaction rating. In addition, the University of Limerick pioneered the concept of Cooperative Education in Ireland, placing over 2,000 students in paid and semi-paid work placements each year, with 30% of these being overseas assignments. Because of these significant job experiences, UL graduates are more employable, with a 15% higher employment rate than the national norm. The university is home to Ireland's first altitude training centre, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and the National Strength and Conditioning Centre, dubbed "Ireland's Sporting Campus". The university also has a long list of notable alumni that includes names like Eoin Reddan (Irish rugby union player), Nika Gilauri (Former Prime Minister of Georgia), Alice Maher (Irish artist), and more. 

Student Diversity and Visiting Companies

As a socially responsible organisation, the university is always striving to improve itself and create a welcoming and safe environment for all students and employees. UL is a youthful and entrepreneurial university with a distinguished tradition of innovation in education and scholarship, with almost 16,500 students and more than 2,000 international students each year. A unique feature of the student experience is the co-operative education programme offered by the university which includes an 8-month work placement as part of the academic degree and it is interesting to know that this is Ireland’s first such programme. UL's Student Support Network is outstanding, with a specialised international student assistance officer, a Buddy programme, and free academic support centres among its numerous efforts. There are approximately 70 clubs and organisations to choose from.