University College Dublin vs Leiden University: Complete Comparison 2026
Side-by-side look at University College Dublin and Leiden University: QS 2026 ranks 118 vs 119. Acceptance, tuition, language tests, and typical IB/A-Level sig…
→ University College Dublin profile → Leiden University profile
Summary comparison
Figures come from the GlobalAdmit dataset — always confirm on each university’s official admissions site.
| Metric | University College Dublin | Leiden University |
|---|---|---|
| QS rank 2026 | 118 | 119 |
| Location | Dublin, IE 🇮🇪 | Leiden, NL 🇳🇱 |
| Tier | top300 | top300 |
| Acceptance rate | — | — |
| Tuition (intl / yr) | — | — |
| Testing policy (US HS notes) | US high school evaluated with GPA and standardised testing where required; programme pages list prerequisites. | US high school pathway may require AP/IB supplements; English-taught bachelor pages list extra requirements. |
| Standardised test (mid / range) | — | — |
| Language (summary) | — | — |
| IB typical | IB Diploma accepted with HL requirements by programme; English language minima published centrally. | IB Diploma used for numerus fixus and selective programmes; verify faculty-specific lists and Studielink deadlines. |
| A-Level typical | A-levels and equivalent used for Irish and EU applicant pools; non-EU fees and rules published separately. | A-levels mapped to Dutch diploma equivalences; subject deficiencies must be cleared for some tracks. |
| Notable programmes | — | — |
Strengths
University College Dublin
- UK-style undergraduate depth with strong research postgraduate pathways.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
Leiden University
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
Popular majors (overlap)
Where both profiles list the same popular major label (case-insensitive).
No overlapping popular-major labels in our dataset yet — open each profile for subject-level detail.
Which is right for you?
If rankings are your north star
University College Dublin sits higher in QS 2026 (118 vs 119). That often correlates with research intensity and global name recognition — but Leiden University can still win on programme fit, city, or cost.
If you are coming from IB / A-Levels / US high school
Compare the admission tabs on each profile: University College Dublin vs Leiden University can invert depending on whether you are optimising for IB typical offers, A-level expectations, or US-style testing. Use the evaluator after you narrow your list.