In recent years, MU is attracting growing interest from students in India especially for data and computer science and business analytics. Over the past two years it has fielded 800-1,000 admission applications annually, writes Reshma Ravishanker One of four constituent institutions of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth University (MU, estb.1997) is moving up the league tables of international varsity rating agencies. Times Higher Education ranks MU among the world’s Top 500 universities in its latest World University Rankings 2023 and among the Top 250 worldwide and #1 in Ireland in its THE Best Young University Rankings 2022. Sited on a typically Irish lush green 100-acre campus half-an-hour’s drive from Dublin, the national capital, MU offers over 150 study programmes in its faculties of humanities, science and engineering, and social sciences, including business, law, and education. Currently it hosts 15,180 students mentored by 643 faculty. Although awarded autonomous status 25 years ago, MU traces its origins to the Royal College of St. Patrick, founded in 1795 as a seminary for the education of clergy. In 1871, it transformed into Maynooth College and in 1910 into an affiliated college of the National University of Ireland (NUI). Nine decades later, the Universities Act, 1997, restructured NUI and Maynooth College was designated an autonomous institution of NUI — National University of Ireland Maynooth, aka Maynooth University. In recent years, MU is attracting growing interest from students in India especially for study programmes in data science and analytics, business and computer science. Over the past two years it has fielded 800-1,000 admission applications annually from the subcontinent. “With Ireland being the only English-speaking country in the European Union post Brexit, Eire has become a popular higher studies destination for Indian students to whom we guarantee excellent Irish hospitality. Our academic reputation is impressive. Maynooth is among the top 5 percent universities worldwide in terms of research output and academic impact,” says Dr. Emmanuel Kypraios, Director (Undergraduate Teaching and Learning). Maynooth. Sited a mere 25 km from Dublin, Maynooth (pop.15,000) is a varsity town with a charming historical heritage. MU apart, it also hosts St. Patrick’s College, a pontifical university and Ireland’s sole Roman Catholic seminary, Maynooth Castle and Carton House. The town’s other historical buildings are on the university’s South Campus, built in Georgian and neo-Gothic revival style. Unspoiled Irish countryside and spectacular scenery are within easy driving distance. With Dublin a short train/bus ride away, students are never short of entertainment and shopping options. The capital of Ireland, Dublin offers all the amenities of a national administrative capital while retaining its engaging small town flavor renowned for its highbrow art galleries, museums, theatres, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and zoological gardens. Maynooth enjoys a mild oceanic climate. Winters are cold and windy, with an average temperature of 8oC while summers are cool, averaging 18oC. Campus facilities. MU hosts two campuses — North and South, connected by a pedestrian crossing on Kilcock Road. Set within sparkling green parklands, South Campus houses vintage 19th century heritage buildings…
