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 Wednesday 15th October, from 5-6pm, in the Village Auditorium (in UCD Village) to learn more!

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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. 


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. 


Stage 1 MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics are eligible to apply for the UCDVO Programme and to carry out part of their clinical placements with UCDVO. Elective students apply via the General Volunteer application form. A separate information session for students interested in clinical placements will be held with the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science in mid October.


Leadership Roles

Student Leaders, Team Coordinators and Clinical Tutors make up  the Leadership Team for the volunteer group. We particularly welcome returned volunteers and members of our alumni to apply for the Student Leader role. Team Coordinator positions are open to UCD staff and faculty members or alumni with relevant experience. Being a Team Coordinator you are part of and leading a diverse and vibrant team and will receive relevant preparation and training for your role.  Applicants are encouraged to apply early as roles will be filled as applications are received. Team Coordinators  and Clinical Tutors submit their application though an online form which will be available here in the Autumn. and will be called for a short interview. Contact hilary.minch@ucd.ie for more information. 

Role Descriptions and Application Forms will be available here shortly.

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. 

Team Coordinators and Clinical Tutors submit their application though an online form  - form will be opened on 16 Oct.


Clinical Tutor Roles 

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

UCDVO will also seek applications from a qualified Dietician to provide clinical supervision for the dietetics placement students. 

Role descriptions to follow.

Team Coordinators and Clinical Tutors submit their application though an online form.