University College Cork in Ireland is a Hidden Gem for Higher Education

When Dr Tauseef Abdul Ghaffar, a long-time UAE resident and finance professional, decided to relocate his family from Dubai to Cork, Ireland, it wasn't just a career move - it was a commitment to education, family, and opportunity.

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Today, as the Head of Internal Audit at University College Cork (UCC), he walks to work with his daughter Armeen Tauseef, who is studying medicine at the same institution.

"My father moved to the UAE in the 1970s, and I've spent all my life in the UAE," says Dr Tauseef. "But when Armeen got accepted into medical school at UCC, I saw it as a chance for the family to come together in a new chapter."

For many UAE-based families, Ireland may not be the first country that comes to mind for further studies but perhaps it should be. University College Cork, nestled in one of Europe's friendliest and most vibrant university towns, is fast emerging as a compelling choice for international students seeking top-tier education, cultural inclusivity, and real-world readiness.

Why UCC?

UCC is ranked highly among the universities globally and boasts a robust reputation for academic excellence and cutting-edge research. "What struck me was the university's dual focus on teaching and research," Dr Tauseef explains.

"A number of universities often focus just on the teaching. But here, students can dive deep into innovation from the start."

UCC's research is recognised as world-leading in many areas including sustainability and climate action, food, microbiome and health, digital humanities and artificial intelligence and photonics.

Several of Ireland's leading research centres are embedded in UCC institutes and the university is building 10 specialist areas of interdisciplinary research excellence through UCC Futures.