How to Apply

Applications for the UCDVO Volunteer Programme are made online through forms on this page, followed by an interview. Applications for our 2026 programme will open on Wednesday 15th October. If you are interested in applying for the UCDVO Volunteer Programme 2026, you can sign up here to stay informed.

Also come along to our Info Session on Tuesday 4th November from 1-1:50pm, in the UCD Global Lounge to learn more!

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Applications are now open for the UCDVO Volunteer Programme 2026! Below is information on how to apply, the positions available, as well as links to the online application form (please note there is one form for general volunteer, elective placement, student leader and Coote Bursary applicants, and another form for Team Coordinator and Clinical Tutor applicants). 

The deadline for all applications is 9am Monday 17 November. We also have an 'Early Bird' Offer for early applicants. Apply before 5pm Friday 7 November to be in with a chance of winning a Selective Travel voucher, and getting €250 off of your UCDVO flights! 

Coote Bursary 2026

UCDVO has a bursary named in honour of UCDVO’s founder, the late Fr. Tony Coote. The Coote Bursary aims to reduce financial barriers to participating in international volunteering. Coote Bursary applicants should apply via the online application form below under general volunteer, and also submit a short statement outlining their suitability to the Bursary and their motivations/interest. First please read carefully the Coote Eligibility Process for the UCDVO programme. 


General Volunteer Role

Volunteers participating in the UCDVO programme come from all disciplines across UCD at very different stages of their university experience. General volunteer roles are open to UCD students, staff, faculty and alumni. Student Leaders will be selected from each group upon project allocation. Please read more on the Student Leader position below. 

General volunteers should submit their application via this online form by Monday 17 November, 9am. Clinical Placement (physio and dietetics) volunteers, Student Leaders, as well as those eligible for the Coote Bursary, should also submit their application via this form, by the same deadline.


Clinical Placements (physiotherapy and dietetics)

In collaboration with the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science we also offer a number of clinical placements. Stage 3 BSc Physiotherapy, Stage 1 and 2 Professional Masters in Physiotherapy students are eligible to apply for the UCDVO Programme and to carry out part of their clinical placements with UCDVO. Eligible physiotherapy students should apply via the online application form above by Monday 17 November, 9am, under general volunteer.


MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics students incoming to Year 1 are eligible to apply for the UCDVO Programme and to carry out part of Module Practice Placement 1 with UCDVO. Incoming students should apply via the online application form above by Monday 17 November, 9am, under general volunteer. An additional information session for dietetic students interested in clinical placements will be held in late October; format, date and time to be confirmed.


Leadership Roles

Student Leaders, Team Coordinators and Clinical Tutors make up the Leadership Team for the volunteer groups. We particularly welcome returned volunteers and members of our alumni to apply for the Student Leader role. If you are interested in the Student Leader position, please apply via the online application form above by Monday 17 November, 9am, under general volunteer, and indicate your interest for the student leader role in the form. 

Please read the Student Leader Role Description here.

Team Coordinator positions are open to UCD staff and faculty members or alumni with relevant experience. As Team Coordinator, you will be part of leading a diverse and vibrant team, and will receive relevant preparation and training for your role. 

Please read the Team Coordinator Role Description here.

For more information on the Clinical Tutor roles, please see below.

Please note that team coordinators and clinical tutors are expected to fundraise for UCDVO. Team coordinators will pay for their own flight costs; clinical tutors' flights are paid for by UCD SPHPSS.

Applicants for the Team Coordinator and Clinical Tutor positions are encouraged to apply early as roles will fill as applications are received. After submission, you will be called for a short interview. For more information, please contact UCDVO Manager Hilary Minch (hilary.minch@ucd.ie). 

Team Coordinators and Clinical Tutors submit their application through this online form. Applications are open from 15 October until Monday 17 of November, 9am. 


Clinical Tutor Roles 

The UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science in partnership with UCDVO, recruit qualified CORU registered physiotherapists and dietitians with a minimum of 3 years of clinical experience for Clinical Tutor roles on UCDVO projects in Tanzania and Uganda. 

Please read the Physiotherapy Clinical Tutor Role Description here.

Please read the Dietetic Clinical Tutor Role Description here. 

Clinical Tutors submit their application through this online form. Applications are open from 15 October until Monday 17 November, 9am.