If you want to study abroad in Ireland or start an MBA program in an accredited business school, this webinar with UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School will help you get started.

The guest speakers — Jessica Dowling, MBA Admissions Manager, and Mark Davies, MBA Careers Manager — share all the essential information about the MBA in Dublin. From school facts and scholarship details to career guidance and job applications, they give you a sneak peek into the authentic study experience. For example, did you know that UCD Smurfit is the only business school in Ireland with triple accreditation?

MBA applicants who are looking for an insider’s perspective about the study experience will be able to hear the stories of current students at the school. Daniel Duignan and Yassine Jelassi are enrolled in the full-time MBA program at UCD Smurfit. During the webinar, they explain what they like best about their studies and why they find the program valuable for their future career.

Listen to their personal and professional journeys in the MBA program first-hand from the full webinar recording.

Admissions process

As soon as you apply to the MBA program at UCD Smurfit, it will take about six weeks to process your online application. 

You need at least three years of professional experience to apply to the full-time MBA program, although the class average is seven years of work experience. Next to your online application, you also need to submit two letters of recommendation and an English language proficiency score such as IELTS or TOEFL.

However, Ms Dowling advises applicants to consult the UCD Smurfit official website for the full and most updated information about admissions.

Executive MBA at UCD Smurfit

According to Ms Dowling, professionals who are already established in their current industry and wish to advance in it will find the Executive MBA at the school more appropriate for their career goals. The Executive MBA program is delivered in a part-time format and is especially suited to applicants with more advanced work experience. The cohort of the Executive program is very different from the full-time one but apart from that, the content taught in class is the same as the full-time modules.

Situation regarding Covid-19

Given the current situation regarding the coronavirus Covid-19 in Europe, potential applicants might be wondering what measures have been taken by the school. Ms Dowling explained that UCD Smurfit has been quick to react and has put all of its courses online until the end of the semester. 

When it comes to admissions for next year’s class, the process is continuing as usual. The admissions interviews will take place online. 

Professionals who are interested in this opportunity to study abroad in Ireland will find it reassuring that UCD Smurfit works in close cooperation with students. Daniel Duignan, MBA student at the school, revealed that his fellow MBA participants recently requested a new web class with a well-known economist in Dublin. The focus of this online class is the impact of the coronavirus on the world as a whole and on MBA graduates in particular.

Costs and scholarships

What is some important information you should keep in mind if you apply to UCD Smurfit? Accepted full-time MBA students first pay a deposit which is deducted from the tuition fee. Then, they pay the rest of their tuition in three instalments. As the full-time MBA features three international study trips, applicants should know that this expense is also included in the tuition.

While living costs in Dublin can vary, the university offers students accommodation which can make your relocation more convenient and manageable.

In addition, the scholarship application process is straightforward and accessible to all MBA candidates. Although there is a good variety of scholarships, most of them do not require a separate application. Candidates simply need to complete an additional field in their overall MBA application.  

Are you interested in more details about the MBA admissions process and scholarship application? Watch the webinar with UCD Smurfit in full.