Maynooth University has said it is very disturbed following the attack of one of its students last night.
The 18-year-old woman suffered a broken jaw, a fractured eyesocket and lost several teeth in the attack which happened off campus.
Maynooth University said its thoughts are with the student and her family, and it is working closely with gardaí.
The young woman, who is understood to be from Monaghan, was found on the pavement outside the Moyglare Abbey Estate at 8.30pm suffering from serious injuries.
Her phone and bag, which contained her laptop, were not taken so robbery is thought to be unlikely as a motive.
Gardaí are still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, and are appealing for witnesses to contact them.