Ireland is one of the top destination for international students seeking world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and wide career opportunities. With its rich history, friendly environment, and renowned academic institutions, Ireland offers a unique blend of traditional and modern education that attracts candidates from all over the globe.
Candidates can pursue undergraduate or postgraduate courses which is designed to help innovation, creativity, and academic excellence. The country’s higher education system includes a wide range of universities, technology, and private colleges, offering courses that are recognized and respected worldwide.
Ireland’s universities provide a wide range of programs like Biotechnology, Business Analytics, Engineering and Law. Ireland also provides affordable living costs, part-time work opportunities.
Table of Content
Top Universities to Study in Ireland
Candidates can refer to the table below for some of the popular colleges and universities in Ireland along with their entrance exams required and number of courses offered.
S.No. | University/College | Fees (INR) | Courses | Exams Accepted |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Trinity College Dublin | INR 6 L – 50 L | 218 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT |
2. | University College Dublin | INR 10 L – 54 L | 361 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT |
3. | University of Galway | INR 8 L – 46 L | 286 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
4. | University College Cork | INR 9 L – 46 L | 181 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT |
5. | Dublin City University | INR 8 L – 23 L | 134 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
6. | University of Limerick | INR 7 L – 25 L | 141 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
7. | Maynooth University | INR 5 L – 17 L | 148 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
8. | Royal College of Surgeons | INR 53 L | 1 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT |
9. | Technological University Dublin | INR 4 L – 20 L | 169 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
10. | Dublin Business School | INR 6 L – 13 L | 62 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT |
11. | National College of Ireland | INR 5 L – 14 L | 21 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
12. | Griffith College | INR 10 L – 35 L | 59 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT |
13. | Letterkenny Institute of Technology | INR 3 L – 13 L | 103 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
14. | South East Technological University – Waterford | INR 10 L – 14 L | 79 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
15. | South East Technological University – Carlow | INR 10 L – 14 L | 44 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT |
16. | Technological University of Shannon – Athlone | INR 11 L – 17 L | 67 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
17. | IBAT College Dublin | INR 2 L – 11 L | 5 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
18. | Dundalk Institute of Technology | INR 7 L – 15 L | 62 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
19. | Penang Medical College Ireland | INR 24 L – 28 L | 2 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
20. | Cork Institute of Technology | INR 11 L – 14 L | 21 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
21. | Technological University of Shannon – Limerick | INR 10 L – 16 L | 69 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
22. | American College Dublin | INR 9 L – 11 L | 16 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
23. | Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology | INR 6 L – 11 L | 86 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
24. | Institute of Technology, Sligo | INR 10 L – 11 L | 67 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
25. | National College of Art and Design | INR 13 L – 15 L | 19 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
26. | ICD Business School – Ireland | INR 6 L – 7 L | 3 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
27. | Shannon College of Hotel Management | INR 13 L – 14 L | 3 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
28. | Atlantic Technological University – St. Angelas | INR 10 L – 11 L | 2 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
29. | Institute of Technology Tralee | INR 10 L – 11 L | 12 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
30. | Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology | INR 12 – 15 L | 15 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
31. | University of Limerick – Shannon Aerospace Aviation Training | INR 14 L | 1 | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
Top Courses to Study in Ireland
- Biotechnology, Bio-processing, and Food Processing
- Business Analytics
- Business and Economics (with Finance and MBA programs being particularly popular)
- Computing and IT
- Construction
- Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil)
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Law
- Nursing, Pharmacy, and Healthcare
Admissions Requirements to Study in Ireland
The following documents are generally required for admission to Irish universities:
- Academic transcripts: Mark sheets from Standard X, XII, and any relevant bachelor’s degree
- TOEFL (Internet-based) or IELTS scores
- Two Letters of Recommendation (LOR) from an employer or manager, if applicable, who can attest to your professional skills
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Academic resume
- Portfolio (for those applying to art, design, or architecture programs)
- Additional certificates/achievements, including extracurricular activities at the state or national level
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
- A copy of your passport
All documents must be translated into English and certified by the educational institution or a notary.
Tuition Fees to Study in Ireland
- EU/EEA Students: For candidates from the EU/EEA, Bachelor’s degrees are often tuition-free. However, for Master’s degrees, fees range from 3,000 to 30,000 EUR per year.
- Non-EU/EEA Students: Aspirants from outside the EU/EEA face higher tuition fees, with Bachelor’s degrees costing between 9,850 and 55,000 EUR per year, and Master’s degrees ranging from 9,950 to 35,000 EUR per year.
It’s important to note that the highest tuition fees are typically found at private universities, which may not differentiate between EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students in terms of cost.
Additionally, candidates can explore various scholarships available for international students in Ireland to help reduce their financial burden.
Living Costs in Ireland
Here’s a general breakdown of average living expenses:
- Accommodation: Costs vary depending on whether aspirants choose student halls or private renting, with prices ranging from 200–300 EUR per month for student halls and 400–900 EUR per month for private rentals.
- Utilities: Candidates can expect to spend around 90–120 EUR per month on utilities.
- Food and Groceries: Monthly food expenses typically range from 250–350 EUR.
- Transport: A monthly transport pass costs approximately 120 EUR.
- Books and Study Materials: Budget around 75 EUR per month for these expenses.
- Social Activities: Allocating 60–100 EUR per month for social activities is common.
These estimates provide a clear picture of what candidates can expect in terms of living expenses while studying in Ireland.
Why Study in Ireland?
- A Friendly and Safe Country: Ireland is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and safety. Recognized by Lonely Planet as the world’s friendliest country in 2008 and 2010, and ranked 12th in the 2013 Global Peace Index, Ireland offers an unforgettable living experience.
- English-Speaking Environment: As an English-speaking country, Ireland has strong cultural, economic, and educational ties with the English-speaking world, particularly with the UK and the USA.
- Internationally Recognized Qualifications: Irish qualifications are esteemed globally, with a wide variety of programs available. Whether you’re interested in business, science and technology, or the arts and humanities, Ireland offers respected educational opportunities.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Irish universities have dedicated international offices that work closely with staff to support students throughout their studies. These offices provide direct access to essential information, services, and resources.
- Innovative and Creative Culture: Ireland has a rich cultural heritage and a history of innovation. Home to literary giants like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce, and scientific pioneers like John Bell and Nobel Laureate Ernest Walton, Ireland is also known as Europe’s most entrepreneurial country.
- Distinguished Graduates: Graduates from Irish institutions are recognized for their innovation, leadership, and global influence. An Irish education opens doors to success worldwide.
- Global Companies in Ireland: Major companies like Google, Facebook, Pfizer, Apple, and Intel have chosen Ireland as their European base, attracted by the highly skilled and educated workforce.
- Dublin as a Top Student City: Dublin ranks 32nd in the QS Best Student Cities 2024, offering excellent education, facilities, and career opportunities in a student-friendly environment.
- Post-Study Work Permits: Indian students completing full-time studies in Ireland with Visa Stamp 2 may qualify for the Third Level Graduate Scheme, which allows them to stay and work in Ireland after graduation.
- Part-Time Work Opportunities: International students can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and up to 40 hours during holidays, providing valuable experience while studying.
- Student Visa Fees: To study in Ireland, international students must apply for a visa after receiving their university acceptance letter. The fee for a multiple-entry visa is €100 (INR 8,749). Other visa options include a single-entry visa for €60 (INR 5,249) and a transit visa for €25 (INR 2,187).