Volunteering with UCDVO
The UCDVO Volunteer Programme has facilitated transformative education and responsible volunteering opportunities for the UCD community for over 20 years. In 2026, our programme begins in January and ends in October. The programme includes a number of mandatory workshops and training days before and after the overseas volunteering projects with our partners in Cambodia, Tanzania and Uganda.
Applications for our 2026 Volunteer Programme are now closed, as the programme has commenced. However, if you are interested to learn more about the programme and apply next year, you can read more information below, and keep an eye on our website for when applications to our 2027 programme open in October 2026.
Who Can Participate?
The UCDVO Programme is open to all students, staff, faculty and alumni. Check out UCD's Employee Volunteering Policy. People external to UCD are eligible to apply for a leadership position.
Clinical Placements
In collaboration with the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, we also offer a number of elective clinical placements. Stage 3 BSc Physiotherapy, Stages 1 and 2 Professional Masters in Physiotherapy, and Stage 1 MSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics students are eligible to apply for a clinical placement via the UCDVO Programme.
Where do we work?
UCDVO works in partnership with a number of charities, non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations. Currently, partners are in Cambodia, Tanzania and Uganda. UCDVO has built strong relationships in each of the communities and partners over a number of years.
What kind of volunteering activities?
Types of volunteering include supporting partner programmes in the areas of health, education, sustainable livelihoods and sports development. Volunteering with partners takes place over 4 weeks in June (except for the Cambodia education project which is 5 weeks in duration). Find out more about how to apply to the programme and review our programme dates.
Please note that the overseas volunteer projects may be subject to change at short notice for reasons beyond our control, such as COVID-19 restrictions or for security reasons.
