Queen’s and DkIT announce partnership to establish University College in Dundalk

Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) have today announced a major new partnership that will establish Dundalk Institute of Technology as a University College of Queen’s University Belfast. It is hoped the collaboration will help economic and social development within the Dublin-Belfast corridor and enhance higher education, research and innovation provision for the region.

The Governing Body of DkIT and the Senate of Queen’s University Belfast have formally approved the development of the strategic partnership. It is anticipated a formal agreement will be signed in December 2025, with the aim of having the new University College fully operational for the start of the 2026 academic year. Students enrolling from September 2026 would graduate with a Queen’s University Belfast Degree or Postgraduate qualification.

The partnership will see DkIT embedded within Queen’s academic and quality assurance frameworks, ensuring students in Dundalk receive the same standard of education and award as those studying in Belfast. The Institute will retain its financial, staffing and governance autonomy, consistent with the collegiate model through which St. Mary’s University College and Stranmillis University College operate in partnership with Queen’s. The Institute will continue to play a vital role as part of the Technological Sector in Ireland, to include the delivery of essential educational provisions such as apprenticeships. 

Officials say the partnership will:

• Expand high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate provision in the North-East region.
• Integrate DkIT’s academic programmes within Queen’s academic framework, with shared quality assurance and programme approval.
• Work to establish a Joint Research and Innovation Centre (Hub) on the Dundalk campus, with yet to be agreed lead projects in areas such as health and life sciences, energy and sustainability.
• Create new opportunities for student mobility, skills development, and shared learning across the island.
• Support enhanced research collaboration, industry partnerships, and access to new funding opportunities.
• Contribute to the competitiveness and strategic development of the Dublin–Belfast Corridor.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless T.D. said: 

"I welcome the proposed partnership between Dundalk Institute of Technology and Queen’s University Belfast as a landmark initiative with the potential to strengthen and advance higher education across the island. This proposal builds on the strong tradition of North–South collaboration fostered through the Shared Island initiative.

"As the first all-island initiative of its kind, the proposed partnership reflects the pivotal role higher education has in driving collaboration in research, innovation, teaching and learning, delivering benefits for students, educators and wider society. My Department will work closely with DKIT as this strategic partnership develops, and I extend my best wishes to both institutions as they explore this important opportunity.”

Dr. Diarmuid O’Callaghan, President of Dundalk Institute of Technology commented: 

“We are delighted to collaborate with our counterparts at Queen’s to establish Dundalk Institute of Technology as a University College of Queen’s University Belfast. The Vision of our Strategic Plan at DkIT is to be a sustainable, accessible and impactful University Campus. This collegiate partnership with Queen’s will serve to help that vision become a reality. Our students are at the centre of our strategy, and we are committed to delivering on our promise that they graduate with a university award.

"This partnership presents the real opportunity for our students to graduate with a Queen’s University award. Our collaboration with Queen’s University has spanned decades and together we have the potential to have a profound impact in the region. The combined strengths of this relationship will enhance educational opportunities and research and innovation in our communities from Dundalk to Belfast and far beyond.”

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Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA added: 

“I warmly welcome this partnership between Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology which marks a major step in north–south collaboration. Strengthening academic links across the island will expand opportunities for student and researcher mobility, foster innovation, and further support delivery of regional balance. By investing in shared knowledge and talent, both institutions are shaping a future where excellence thrives through co-operation.”

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast said:

“This is a hugely significant and exciting development for both institutions. Queen’s and Dundalk Institute of Technology share a strong commitment to widening access, enhancing research, and supporting regional growth. Dundalk University College will allow us to deliver high-quality education to more people and strengthen our shared ambition for the wider region. We look forward to signing the Heads of Agreement in December and to welcoming the first cohort of students in 2026.”