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Worcester State expands global reach with University of Limerick partnership

January 15, 2026
By: Nancy Sheehan

Worcester State University and the University of Limerick (UL) in Ireland have officially entered into a five-year Memorandum of Agreement, establishing a formal partnership designed to provide WSU students with a direct bridge to advanced graduate degrees in Europe.

This strategic partnership creates a streamlined pathway for Worcester State students to transition into prestigious master’s degree programs at the University of Limerick. The agreement specifically targets high-achieving students in the humanities and social sciences, allowing those who meet a 3.0 GPA threshold to pursue specialized postgraduate study in Ireland.

Under the new terms, Worcester State students completing a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Translation are eligible for direct entry into UL’s Master of Arts in Translation. Additionally, students across eleven different disciplines—including criminal justice, sociology, history, and political science—can now transition into UL’s Master of Arts in Migration Studies.

“This agreement represents a significant step forward in our commitment to global education,” Worcester State President Barry Maloney said. “By partnering with the University of Limerick, we are providing our students with a clear, supported route to add a global dimension to their studies and gain a competitive advantage in an increasingly interconnected workforce.”

As a leading institution consistently ranked in the top 3% of universities globally, the University of Limerick continues to set international benchmarks for academic excellence and research impact and is renowned for its high graduate employability and industry connections. Located on a beautiful riverside campus, the university also offers top-tier sports facilities and a vibrant student life.

The partnership is designed to be highly collaborative. Worcester State will lead recruitment and promotional efforts on its campus, while the University of Limerick will provide dedicated admissions support and guidance through the Irish student visa process. Once enrolled at UL, Worcester State graduates will be eligible for merit-based scholarships and will have full access to UL’s world-class facilities and career services.

The agreement, which is governed by Irish law, is set to run through 2030. Both institutions have committed to annual reviews to ensure the programs remain aligned with student needs and academic standards.

This new agreement adds to Worcester State’s growing global network, which includes a long-standing partnership with Ireland’s Atlantic Technological University – Letterkenny Campus. It also builds on existing ties with Ulster University in Northern Ireland, including a pathway for undergraduate students to transition into graduate programs and a developing collaboration focused on STEM fields.

Prospective students interested in these programs are encouraged to contact the Worcester State University International Programs Office for application timelines and scholarship information.

 

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