Irish/NZ citizen deciding between UCD, UniMelb, and UoA for breaking into IB—best option?
Finishing secondary school with top grades and eligible for domestic fees in Ireland, NZ, and Australia. I'm deciding between:
- Economics & Finance at UCD (cheapest, access to EU/UK finance jobs),
- University of Melbourne (best rankings, but ~€30k more),
- or University of Auckland (affordable, but limited finance presence).
Long-term goal is investment banking or high finance, ideally with strong early-career wages and global mobility. Is Melbourne worth the premium? Or does UCD offer the best shot at breaking into IB via London
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how your options stack up:
University College Dublin (UCD): UCD offers a strong advantage for breaking into investment banking in London and other EU financial hubs due to its proximity and access to the European market. Being eligible for domestic fees makes it the most cost-effective option, and the EU/UK finance job market is robust. If your goal is to work in London or Europe, UCD is a strategic choice.
University of Melbourne: While Melbourne has a higher global ranking and a strong reputation, the additional €30k cost may not justify the premium unless you are specifically targeting the Australian market. Breaking into IB from Australia is possible, but the market is smaller and more competitive compared to London. Additionally, global mobility from Australia to other financial hubs like London or New York can be more challenging.
University of Auckland (UoA): UoA is affordable but has limited presence in the global finance scene. While it may provide opportunities in New Zealand or Australia, it is not as competitive for breaking into IB or high finance roles globally. If global mobility and strong early-career wages are your priorities, UoA may not be the best fit.
Recommendation:
If your long-term goal is investment banking or high finance with global mobility, UCD is the best option. It provides direct access to the EU/UK job market, which is larger and offers more opportunities for IB roles. The cost-effectiveness and strategic location make it a clear winner for your aspirations. Melbourne could be considered if you are set on working in Australia, but the premium cost may not be worth it given your goals.
Sources: Australian Non Finance Pathways?, One day to decide: US or UK?, LBS vs UCL vs Imperial for IB, Mobility options from Australia, The future of Hong Kong high finance
I don't know anything about the AU/NZ courses, but I can confidently say economics and finance at UCD is a top course for London, sending several students each year to BBs/EBs. The 12 month internship options in your third year are really good.
For what it's worth, you can go on an exchange to University of Melbourne in your second year at UCD!
I agree with the commentor above - Ec&Fi is the move for LDN IB.
Also, I would change your username to something a bit more anonymised than your own name...
In dolor amet dolorum sed quidem. Id soluta velit qui eligendi ab qui voluptas. Quam quam id libero voluptatem quis.
Praesentium sunt earum vero veritatis. Ea nihil repudiandae maxime dicta assumenda corporis recusandae. Occaecati sed at nobis quam voluptatem. Iure veniam recusandae ex similique.
Earum est odio sit quaerat provident voluptas aut. Quam tempore reiciendis quibusdam inventore ut voluptatum veniam. Optio et doloremque reprehenderit voluptas minima minus.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...