Ireland stands as one of the places most favored by international students to pursue study abroad. The main factors that attract these learners include top universities in Ireland, good quality education, scholarship programs available for them, and job chances after completing their studies. According to the report from the Ministry of External Affairs of India (2022), about 5,001 Indian students applied for study in Ireland.
Ireland, a country with around 31 best universities, is one of the European countries where international students prefer to study abroad because it’s English-speaking. Studying costs in Ireland are low when compared to the USA studying cost and UK studying cost. So, this shows that Ireland is one of the best options for students from other countries to study at Ireland Universities.
Study in Ireland: Key highlights
| Parameter | Statistics |
| No. of universities in Ireland | 28 |
| Universities in Ireland Tuition fees | Up to INR 11 L: 22 universitiesUp to INR 41 L: 29 universities |
| Top 3 streams in Ireland | BE/BTech, MS, and BBA |
| English language exams required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo |
| Entrance exams required | GMAT, SAT, GRE, and OET |
| Total scholarships available | INR 41.5 L) |
| Best student cities in Ireland | Dublin, Galway, Cork, etc. |
Why Choose Ireland?
Universities in Ireland have top-notch education, improved facilities, a friendly atmosphere for students, and enhanced career prospects. Dublin is a recognized student city in the QS Best Students Cities 2024 ranking, holding position 32 worldwide making it ideal for those who want to study abroad in Ireland (QS World University Rankings: Top Student Cities).
English Mode of Communication
Numerous times European nations and universities are not reachable for Indians and global students since they utilize native languages instead of English. But, this is not the case with Ireland. In Ireland, many well-known universities and colleges use English as their main language of communication in classrooms as well as outside the class making it a language-friendly country that can be understood by most people.
Top-notch Education
In Ireland, you can get a top-notch education without breaking the bank. Education in this country is known globally for its quality. It stands strong on the base of dedication to excellence and inventiveness within a modernly advancing nation with bright professional prospects.
Strong Return on Investments (RoI)
Students who pay money anticipate good returns. And Ireland, it’s a land that gives back to your investment. If you complete your studies in Ireland, the country offers an opportunity for employment with a post-study work visa valid for 12 months (undergraduate students) and 24 months (masters/graduate students).
Safe & Friendly
Ireland is known as one of the friendliest places in Europe. The kindness and welcoming nature of Irish people helps overseas students to fit easily into student life. Parents may worry about how safe their kids will be when they study abroad. On the other hand, Ireland is a very safe and friendly country. In the Global Peace Index of 2019, it was placed 12th, and in the World Happiness Index, it was ranked 22nd.
Budding Business Hub
With Brexit happening, Ireland has become a favourite place for corporations due to its low tax policies. Many big businesses are making a base here and the list keeps getting stronger. Ireland is housing top companies like Apple, Google, Alphabet, Amazon Vodafone Cisco Microsoft Intel Samsung, and many more which offers graduates an opportunity to join research programs that push forward innovation globally while also changing lives worldwide. Being the base for over 1,500 MNCs, the country also provides good career opportunities.
Post Work permits in Ireland
A cause to study at Irish universities is the provision of post-study work permits in Ireland for Indian students. Students who have finished their full-time study at universities in Ireland and possess Visa Stamp 2 could be eligible for Third Level Graduate Scheme.
Part-Time Options in Ireland
Additionally, for international students, another good reason to study in Ireland is the part-time work options. Students who are interested in studying higher education at universities in Ireland need to be aware of the Ireland Study Visa regulations on part-time work for students. As per this rule, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during school time and up to 40 hours a week when there are holidays (summer and winter holidays).
Student Visa Fee in Ireland: Visa Application Option and Cost
For those international students who have an interest in studying in Ireland, they need to make an application for an Irish student visa. Once you get your acceptance letter from the university, then it becomes possible for applying Ireland Students Visa. The cost of the Student Visa Fee in Ireland is €100 or INR 8,749 for a multiple-entry visa. Students can check the Ireland Visa Fee and Charges below:
| Entry Type | Long Stay D visa (for staying more than 90 days to study) | Short Stay C visa (for staying less than 90 days to study) |
| Single Entry | INR: 5248.75 | INR: 5248.75 |
| Multi entry | INR: 8747.91 | INR: 8747.99 |
| Transit | INR: 2186.98 | n/a |
Top Job Sectors & Economy in Ireland
As reported by an unofficial source, Accountancy & Tax holds the leading position in Ireland for graduate job sectors. Graduate students can find it more convenient to get a job within months after they complete their degree. Students may examine the list of Top Job Sectors in Ireland from this given source.
- Accountancy & Tax
- Finance Services
- Legal
- Marketing
- Life Sciences
- Technology
- Technology, Infrastructure
Top Universities in Ireland
There are 28 Universities for Indian students to study in Ireland offering top-notch education at affordable prices with high returns on Investments. Some of them are:
| Top Universities in Ireland | QS World Ranking 2024 | THE Ranking 2024 |
| Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin | 80 | 135 |
| University College Dublin | 170 | 201-251 |
| The University of Galway | 288 | 311-350 |
| University College Cork | 291 | 300-350 |
| University of Limerick | 422 | 400-500 |
| Dublin City University | 435 | 401-500 |
| Maynooth University | 802-850 | 401-500 |
| Technological University Dublin | 852-900 | 1001-1210 |
Best Engineering Universities in Ireland
| Engineering Universities in Ireland | QS Subject Ranking 2023 |
| Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin | 182 |
| University College Dublin | 201 |
| University College Cork | 286 |
| University of Galway | 302 |
| Dublin City University | 378 |
| University of Limerick | 398 |
| Technological University Dublin | 502-530 |
Best Management Universities in Ireland
| Management Universities in Ireland | QS Subject Ranking 2023 |
| Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin | 118 |
| University College Dublin | 163 |
| University College Cork | 278 |
| Dublin City University | 311 |
| University of Galway | 311 |
| University of Limerick | 362 |
Best MBA Universities in Ireland
| MBA Universities in Ireland | QS MBA Ranking 2023 |
| Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin | 101-111 |
| UCD | 111-121 |
Top Cities to Study in Ireland
The best cities for international students to study in Ireland are Dublin, Galway, and Cork among others. In the global ranking of QS Best Students Cities 2024, Dublin is placed at position 32 worldwide. In Ireland, there are 28 total universities and colleges that accept international students.
Top Courses in Ireland
International students have the opportunity to study top courses in Ireland at degree, diploma, and certificate levels. The list of top courses with several universities that offer the particular course is given in the table below:
| Top 10 Courses in Ireland | Count of Universities |
| BE/BTech | 24 |
| BBA | 23 |
| MS | 23 |
| BA | 22 |
| MIM | 21 |
| MA | 20 |
| BSc | 19 |
| BJMC | 15 |
| PG Diploma | 14 |
| LLB | 12 |
Entrance Exams Accepted by Universities in Ireland
| Entrance Exam | Count of Universities |
| GRE | 1 |
| SAT | 1 |
| GMAT | 4 |
| OET | 1 |
English Language Requirements by Universities in Ireland
| English Language Exams | Count of Universities |
| TOEFL | 27 |
| IELTS | 28 |
| PTE | 22 |
| Duolingo | 21 |
Documents Required to Study in Ireland
- Academic Transcripts
- English Language proficiency proof
- SOP
- LORs
- Portfolio (for art and design courses)
- Health Insurance
- Financial Proof
- Copy of your Passport
Let us now have a look at these universities in detail.
- Trinity College Dublin
With its cobblestone paths and a huge historic library, Trinity College Dublin in Ireland is the top university on the island. Coming to study for your masters here means getting excellent education, research, and facilities. It’s among the best Irish colleges for masters that are known worldwide and provide world-class job chances too.
| Type of University | Public |
| Location | College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland |
| Trinity College World Ranking 2024 | 80 |
| Tuition Fees | INR 8,11,500-18,10,000 per year |
| Popular Programs | MSc Mechanical EngineeringMSc FinanceMSc Computer ScienceMSc NeuroscienceLLM |
- University College Dublin
University College Dublin, which is known as UCD and is regarded among the leading Irish universities for masters, offers research-based education that focuses on finding solutions to current problems with advanced technology. And why does this have to be stated? Moreover, if you surf through their website, you will find them emphasizing space studies and futuristic infrastructure. This vision of University College Dublin to walk a step ahead of the rest of the world certainly makes it one of the best universities in Ireland for MS.
| Type of University | Public |
| Location | University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland |
| UC Dublin World Ranking 2024 | 170 |
| Tuition Fees | INR 9,00,000-22,42,000 per year |
| Popular Programs | MSc Mechanical Engineering, MSc Computer Science, MBAMA Management, MSc Data and Computational Science |
- University of GalleryÂ
This university from Ireland, just like many other universities, provides good quality master’s programs. What makes it special is the combination of doing research and having a job-focused curriculum. The National University of Ireland claims that 94% of MS graduates are working in Ireland after their education. Hence, NUIG can be seen as one of the great colleges in Ireland for masters.
| Type of University | Public |
| Location | University Rd, Galway, Ireland |
| Tuition Fees | INR 11,71,000 – 22,53,000 per year |
| Popular Programs | MSc Computer Science – Artificial IntelligenceMaster Data AnalyticsMEng Electrical and Electronic EngineeringMSc BiotechnologyMSc Clinical Research |
- University College Cork
University College Cork, which is also called UCC, is one of the most prestigious colleges in Ireland. The experience of studying at one of the most beautiful campuses in Ireland would be full of joy. Looking at the data, you can find out that UCC is among the best colleges for MS in Ireland and every year it welcomes at least 3000 international students to study here. So, your studies will get a good education here while also having an experience in many cultures. You should select this from all other universities in Ireland for a master’s.
| Type of University | Public |
| Location | College Rd, University College, Cork, Ireland |
| College Cork World Ranking 2024 | 291 |
| Tuition Fees | INR 8,09,000-42,00,000 per year |
| Popular Programs | MA Business EconomicsMSc Data Science and AnalyticsMSc Analytical ChemistryMSc BiotechnologyMSc in Finance (Banking & Risk Management) |
- University of Limerick
The University of Limerick is another outstanding public university that offers master’s programs in Ireland. It has been honored with numerous awards for its exceptional coaching. For students from other countries, the University of Limerick is one of the top universities in Ireland for masters because they provide immense support. Choose this university for your master’s studies in Ireland. You will feel comfortable and at home here.
| Type of University | Public |
| Location | Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland |
| Limerick World Ranking 2024 | 422 |
| Tuition Fees | INR 9,90,000 – 21,62,000 per year |
| Popular Programs | MSc Software EngineeringMSc Artificial Intelligence & Machine LearningMSc in Financial ServicesMSc in Aeronautical EngineeringMA Applied Linguistics (International) |
- Dublin City UniversityÂ
In Ireland, DCU is not just among the superior public universities for filtering out. Life at Dublin City University comes alive during night time and the university campus is outstanding in training students for a better future. This implies that students here can enjoy both aspects of life in college – a lively social scene along with an excellent education. You could select it because of the research programs and forward-thinking curriculum that draws students from all over the globe to DCU. So, this is what sets it apart from other colleges in Ireland for pursuing a master’s degree.
| Type of University | Public |
| Location | Dublin City University, Collins Ave Ext, Whitehall, Dublin 9, Ireland |
| Dublin City World Ranking 2024 | 436 |
| Tuition Fees | € 15,000 – € 23,000 (INR 13,50,000 – 20,71,000) per year |
| Popular Programs | MSc ComputingMSc Digital MarketingMSc FinanceMSc ManagementMEng Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering |
- Maynooth UniversityÂ
Maynooth University, one of those Ireland universities for MS, is recognized because it has a history. This university prides itself on being among the best since 1795. But here’s why your experience becomes even greater at Maynooth University: despite its traditional methods of studying, this university supports student initiatives and leadership roles. Therefore, Maynooth has formed 100 clubs backing the pupils. You can select this one along with other finest colleges in Ireland for masters to create a robust career profile.
| Type of University | Public |
| Location | Mariavilla, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland |
| Maynooth World Ranking 2024 | 802-850 |
| Tuition Fees | INR 6,75,000 – 13,50,000 per year |
| Popular Programs | MSc in Computer ScienceMSc Data Science and Analytics, MSc Business Management, MSc in Immunology & Global Health, MSc in Marketing |
- TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF DUBLIN
For masters, TU Dublin is one of the top public universities in Ireland. It has an inclusive community that helps it further the cause of academics. There are 3 campuses of TU Dublin and they all support innovation. International students who choose TO Dublin are provided with a future-ready education that focuses on innovative thinking and skilful application. Select this option from the top universities in Dublin Ireland for your course.
| Type of University | Public |
| Location | Park House, 191 N Circular Rd, Cabra East, Grangegorman, Co. Dublin, D07 EWV4, Ireland |
| TU-Dublin World Ranking 2024 | 851-900 |
| Tuition Fees | INR 6,75,000 – 12,16,000 per year |
| Popular Programs | MSc in Applied Cyber SecurityMSc in Computer Science (Advanced Software Development)MSc in Digital MarketingMSc in International BusinessMSc in Energy Management |
Top Cities to Study in Ireland
Dublin, Galway, Cork, and others are among the best cities to study in Ireland for international students. Dublin is placed at number 33 in the world according to the QS Best Students Cities 2024 ranking. In general, there exist 28 universities and colleges in Ireland that can be attended by overseas learners.
Top Courses in Ireland
International students can opt for various degrees, certificates & diplomas while studying at top universities in Ireland. Some of them are:
| Top 10 Courses in Ireland | Count of Universities |
| BE/BTech | 23 |
| BBA | 22 |
| MS | 22 |
| BA | 21 |
| MIM | 20 |
| MA | 21 |
| BSc | 19 |
| BJMC | 14 |
| PG Diploma | 15 |
| LLB | 11 |
Cost of Studying in Ireland
| Programme | Cost of Studying |
| Undergraduate Programmes | INR 8,62,061 – INR 48,13,544 |
| Postgraduate programmes | INR 5,99,506 – INR 24,06,772 |
| Doctoral Degree | INR 7,43,91 – INR 30,63,166 |
Universities in Ireland Tuition Fees
| First-Year Tuition Fee Range | Count of Universities |
| Max 11 lakhs | 18 |
| Max 21 lakhs | 26 |
| Max 31 lakhs | 27 |
| Max 41 lakhs | 27 |
| 41 lakhs + | 5 |
Cost of Living in Ireland
The living cost in Ireland can change based on factors like the city you live in, the type of accommodation, how you live, and more. The monthly expense for international students usually ranges from INR 43,802 – INR 1,57,680. The expected average rent of a two-room apartment inside cities is around INR 88,606 – INR 1,04,127 per month with it being between INR 70,086 – INR 78,846 found in suburbs.
Scholarships in Ireland for International Students
The scholarships in Ireland for international students are numerous, and they come from various sources. Universities in Ireland give out these scholarships to students who meet their criteria. The highest scholarship available for an international student is INR 41.5 L. Please look at the table below to see more information about scholarships offered by universities in Ireland:
| University in Ireland | Name of Scholarship | Amount Offered |
| University College Cork | The O’Connor Scholarship | Up to INR 8,77,600 |
| Quercus University Scholarships | Up to INR 9,21,586 | |
| Trinity College Dublin University of Dublin | Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships Programme- UG | Up to INR 8,77,800 |
| Trinity Business School Scholarship | ||
| University College Dublin | Global Excellence Graduate Scholarship South Asia (MSc Computer Science) | Up to INR 16,13,214 |
| The Achiever MBA Scholarship | Up to INR 32,26,426 | |
| University of Galway | Postgraduate Merit Scholarship University of Galway | Up to INR 1,79,640 |
| Undergraduate Merit Scholarship University of Galway |
Scope after studying in Ireland as an international student
After obtaining a degree from a top university in Ireland, gates to many job opportunities open. Some of the leading job markets in Ireland include:
- Export and Trade Industry
- Financial Service Industry
- Software and ICT Industries
- Pharmaceutical and Medical Technology Industries
Conclusion
The universities in Ireland are of high reputation, offering an education that is globally recognized and also a cultural experience like no other. Ranging from Trinity College Dublin to University College Cork as well as others, these establishments provide outstanding academic courses, leading research infrastructure, and an active social environment for students. Studying at one of Ireland’s universities gives you valuable abilities along with worldwide outlooks, both crucial advantages helping you stand out in today’s competitive worldwide work sphere – making it a great option for those seeking knowledge enhancement. Talk to our professionals at Admissify and get yourself the ideal guidance and a smooth transition towards your dream.
FAQs
What are the top-ranked universities in Ireland?
Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, National University of Ireland Galway, University College Cork, and Dublin City University are the topmost-ranked universities in Ireland.
Are courses offered in English?
Yes, the majority of courses at Irish universities are instructed in English. This removes language barriers for global students who wish to study there.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
The cost of tuition fees can be from €9,000 up to €25,000 every year. However, it might be possible to get some scholarships or financial help.
Can international students work while studying?
During the studying period, international students can partake in work for a maximum of 20 hours each week. However, when there are vacations or free time from classes, they can work full-time.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
Requirements often consist of items such as academic records, proof of language proficiency (known tests like IELTS/TOEFL), statements about oneself, and sometimes results from standardized exams like SAT/ACT or GMAT/GRE.
Tanishka Goel is a content writer who is extremely passionate about academics and desires to help students around the world make the perfect choice for their careers and has obtained substantial expertise in the realm of content writing by working in various organizations.
