“To offer the best characteristics of Irish and American higher education in an intimate environment underpinned by the holistic applied liberal and fine arts model of learning, enabling domestic and international students to realize their creative potential and participate successfully in the world.”
– American College Dublin mission statement
Table of Contents
Overview
American College Dublin (ACD) is a globally recognised higher education institution located in the heart of Dublin on Merrion Square. Founded in 1993, the College has grown from a small study-abroad programme into a diverse international institution representing over 35 nationalities and thousands of alumni worldwide.
ACD is built on the American liberal arts tradition and enriched by Irish higher education values, offering a dynamic and internationally focused learning experience. The College emphasises academic excellence, innovation, ethical integrity, and multiculturalism, ensuring students are prepared for both further study and professional success.
Over the years, ACD has achieved significant growth and impact, with graduates progressing to some of the world’s leading universities including Princeton University, King’s College London, London School of Economics, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and many more. Alumni have also built successful careers across global organisations such as Google, Microsoft, JP Morgan, Facebook, Deloitte, and others.
With small class sizes, personalised teaching, and a strong emphasis on practical learning and internships, ACD provides an environment where students are actively engaged in their education. The College is committed to fostering lifelong learning and helping students develop the skills, confidence, and creativity needed to succeed in a global society.
Semester starts
January or September
Application period
Direct Application Deadlines:
- Fall Intake: May 25, 2026
- Spring Intake: October 25, 2026
Pathway to Ireland program:
- Online studies: 26.07.2026 (August 2026 intake)
Tuition fee
Bachelor’s Degree
• €9,500 per academic year
Master’s Degree
• €10,000 per academic year
In addition to tuition fees, a one-time QQI fee of €200 applies in the first year only.
American College Dublin, a constituent college of Irish American University, is a not-for-profit higher education institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and licensed in both the Republic of Ireland and the State of Delaware.
The College was founded in 1993 by Lynn University in Florida as a study-abroad campus for American students. Since then, it has developed into a fully international institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in liberal arts, international business, performing arts, hospitality management, event management, and creative writing.
ACD also offers accredited programmes through Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), ensuring internationally recognised qualifications at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. The institution combines Irish and American academic traditions, creating a learning environment that is both rigorous and globally relevant.
MSCHE accreditation confirms that ACD meets established international standards of quality, while QQI accreditation ensures national recognition within Ireland’s higher education framework.
American College Dublin maintains strong academic, professional, and international connections that enhance student learning and career opportunities.
Through its historical link with Lynn University and its position within Irish American University, ACD benefits from a strong transatlantic educational foundation that blends Irish and American higher education traditions.
The College’s accreditation with MSCHE and QQI ensures recognition across global academic systems, enabling graduates to progress seamlessly into postgraduate education worldwide. ACD alumni have been accepted into leading institutions including Princeton University, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, King’s College London, and the London School of Economics.
In addition, ACD maintains strong industry connections across sectors such as finance, technology, media, consulting, and the arts. Graduates have gone on to work with organisations including Google, Microsoft, JP Morgan, Facebook, Deloitte, and many more, reflecting the strength of the College’s academic and professional network.
Student life at American College Dublin is vibrant, diverse, and deeply connected to the city of Dublin itself. With students from around the world, the College fosters a welcoming international community where cultural exchange and collaboration are part of everyday life.
The Student Union plays a central role in representing students and shaping campus life through events, activities, and student-led initiatives. Students are encouraged to become class representatives, join societies, or even create new clubs based on their interests.
A wide variety of societies and activities—including literary, LGBTQ+, gaming, arts, and cultural groups—allow students to explore their passions beyond the classroom. Regular events such as themed nights, workshops, social gatherings, and creative activities help build strong community connections.
Located in Dublin city centre, students also benefit from direct access to museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants, music venues, and historical landmarks. The city itself becomes part of the learning experience, offering both cultural enrichment and social life.
ACD also provides strong student support services, including academic assistance, wellbeing support, counselling, and career guidance, ensuring that students are supported throughout their academic journey.
STUDY PROGRAMS
ACD offers ILEP-approved bachelor’s and master’s programmes in International Business, combining academic excellence with practical, career-focused learning in a global environment.
Admission criteria
The application process is fast and simple. Students are pre-screened by Edunation on a first-come, first-served basis. If you fulfill the eligibility requirements, the university will invite you for an online interview.
Tuition Fees & Scholarship
Bachelor’s Degree
- Tuition fee: Tuition fee: €9,500 per academic year
- One-time QQI fee: €200
- Total fees for first year: €9,700
Master’s Degree
- Tuition fee: €10,000 per academic year
- One-time QQI fee: €200
- Total fees for first year: €10,200
There are internal and external scholarships available at the college which include: ACD Musical Theatre and Performing Arts first-year scholarship ACD/AIMS Musical Theatre two-year scholarship and the ACD Charity/Service Scholarship.
The details of the scholarships are as follows:
ACD Musical Theatre and Performing Arts first-year scholarship
This scholarship is run in tandem with the auditions for the Musical Theatre and Performing Arts auditions each year. The top five students, based on their audition performance, will be asked to attend an interview to select a recipient. The equivalent of 1 full-year tuition fee is awarded, please note that this can be divided among more than one recipient as partial scholarships.
ACD/AIMS Musical Theatre two-year scholarship
This scholarship is run in tandem with the auditions for the Musical Theatre auditions each year. To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must be a member of The Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS). As part of the audition process, the applicants must provide a letter from their musical society to prove AIMS membership. A short list of applicants is drawn up during the audition process and they will be asked to attend an interview to select a recipient. The equivalent of 2 full years tuition fees is awarded, please note that this can be divided among more than one recipient as partial scholarships.
ACD Charity/Service Scholarship
This is a partial, one-time scholarship awarded to incoming students to reward them for charity or service work completed with a registered charity. To be considered for this scholarship, students are required to upload to their application a 1-page statement about the charity or service work that they have completed and a reference letter from the registered charity that they have worked with. A panel will then review the documentation in the application and award a scholarship as appropriate, up to an amount covering the tuition fee for the first year.
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