Australia vs Ireland: Courses, Top Universities, Cost, Scholarships
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Australia vs Ireland: Courses, Top Universities, Cost, Scholarships

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Jan 2, 2025 17:53 IST

Australia vs Ireland: Students deciding on studying abroad and confused between Australia and Ireland, can decide by checking this article out. Both Australia and Ireland are preferred destinations for study, but both countries differ in their rules, teaching systems and admissions. Students stuck between the two options can check out this article for a better clarity.

aus vs ire

For those aiming to study in Australia or studying in Ireland can get important information based on popular course options, scholarship availability, admission process, costs of studying and living along with student visa processes and post-study work visas. Check out everything in detail and check about Australia vs Ireland.  

Australia vs Ireland Highlights

Parameters 

Australia

Ireland 

Area 

7,617,932 km sq

84,421 sq km

Short Form

Aus

Ire

Capital 

Canberra 

Dublin 

Currency 

Australian Dollar (AUD) 

Euros (€)

Top Cities for Study

  • Melbourne 
  • Sydney
  • Canberra
  • Brisbane 
  • Adelaide 
  • Dublin
  • Galway
  • Limerick
  • Cork
  • Belfast

Average Cost of Living

AUD 22,000 (annual)

€7,000 - €12,000 (annual)

Average Cost of Studying (Annual)

  • UG: AUD 20,000 - AUD 45,000
  • PG: AUD 22,000 - AUD 50,000
  • Doctoral: AUD 18,000 - AUD 42,000
  • UG: €10,000 - €25,000
  • PG & Doctoral: €9,950 - €35,000

Part-time Working Hours

48 hours a fortnight

20 hours a week

Top 5 Universities

  • UniMelb
  • University of Sydney
  • UNSW
  • ANU
  • Monash
  • University College Dublin
  • Dublin City University
  • Maynooth University
  • University Colleg Cork
  • Trinity College Dublin

PSW Visa Stay Back Period

Up to 6 years 

1-2 years

Popular Courses in Ireland vs Australia

Each country has a set of popular courses offered across its universities. Some of these popularly opted courses in Ireland and Australia are as follows:

Popular Course Options in Australia

The top courses offered and pursued in Australia widely by Indian students are as follows:

Popular Courses in Ireland

Some of the most popular courses to study in Ireland are as follows:

  • Business Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science

Top 10 Ranking Universities Ire vs Aus

Based on QS World University Rankings 2024, the following universities have been ranked from Australia and France:

Top 10 Australian Universities 

QS - WUR 2025

Top 10 Universities in Ireland

QS - WUR 2025

The University of Melbourne

#13

Trinity College Dublin

#87

The University of Sydney

#18

University College Dublin

#126

The University of New South Wales

#19

University of Galway

#273

Australian National University

#30

University College Cork

#273

Monash University

#37

University of Limerick

#421

The University of Queensland

#40

Dublin City University

#421

The University of Western Australia

#77

Maynooth University

801-850

The University of Adelaide

#82

Technological University Dublin

851-900

University of Technology Sydney

#88

n/a

n/a

Macquarie University

#133

n/a

n/a

Please note: The rankings are dynamic and vary each year. Thus, for the year 2024, the above-given universities have been ranked by QS. The majority of Australian universities have made it to the top 100 universities globally in comparison to Ireland universities. Thus, there is a clear winner here, which is Australia. 

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Admission Requirements to Study in Ireland or Australia

Admission requirements to study in Australia and Ireland are slightly different from each other. Details have been discussed for international students planning to study in Ireland or Australia:

Admission Requirements in Australia

The admission application process for all courses at Australian universities is through the official website of the university. The admission requirements do not vary much in the case of different levels of study. The previous academic record is needed while applying for any course and supporting documents have to be attached irrespective of the level of study pursued. These documents are as follows:








Also Read: IELTS Score for Australia

Admission Requirements for Ireland

Admission requirements to study in Ireland are the same as in Australia, just the applications are accepted differently for postgraduate admissions. For undergraduate admissions applicants can apply directly through the university website, however for postgraduate admissions at Irish universities, applicants will have to submit applications through the Postgraduate Applications Center (PAC).







Also Read: IELTS Score for Ireland

Cost of Studying in Australia vs Ireland

The costs of studying vary with the level of study, but the costs of living in Ireland and the cost of living in Australia remain the same irrespective. Check out in detail in the following sections:

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Explore MS colleges in Ireland

A++Shiksha Grade
Trinity College Dublin

Dublin, IrelandPublic

35 courses
₹ 14.62 L - 24.41 L
AShiksha Grade
University College Dublin

Dublin, IrelandPublic

70 courses
₹ 9.72 L - 27.01 L
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University of Galway

Galway, IrelandPublic

80 courses
₹ 7.16 L - 25.45 L
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University College Cork

Cork, IrelandPublic

32 courses
₹ 13.85 L - 22.53 L
B+Shiksha Grade
University of Limerick

Limerick, IrelandPublic

21 courses
₹ 9.9 L - 22.03 L
B+Shiksha Grade
Dublin City University

Dublin, IrelandPublic

14 courses
₹ 14.14 L - 22.09 L
National College of Ireland

Dublin, IrelandPrivate

6 courses
₹ 13.26 L - 15.02 L
Griffith College

Dublin, IrelandPrivate

7 courses
₹ 9.72 L - 14.58 L
C+Shiksha Grade
Technological University Dublin

Dublin, IrelandPublic

18 courses
₹ 10.8 L - 19.22 L
Dublin Business School

Dublin, IrelandPrivate

5 courses
₹ 11.93 L - 12.81 L
Is this recommendation relevant?

Cost of Studying in Aus vs Ire - UG Courses

The cost of studying in Ireland and Australia for undergraduate courses along with other details are as follows: 

Particulars

Cost of Undergraduate Courses in Ireland

Cost of Undergraduate Courses in Australia

Average Tuition Fee

BSc: INR 5.85 Lakhs

BTech: INR 6.23 Lakhs

BBA: INR 5.58 Lakhs

BSc: INR 15.05 Lakhs

BTech: INR 20.74 Lakhs

BBA: INR 16.80 Lakhs

Average Living Expense

INR 9.5 Lakhs

INR 15.82 Lakhs

Duration

3-4

3-4 Years

Exams Accepted

TOEFL, IELTS

IELTS, TOEFL

Cost of PG Courses in Ire vs Aus

Check out in detail about the cost of studying in Australia and Ireland for their postgraduate courses along with their one-year expense details in the table below:

Particulars

Cost of Postgraduate Courses in Ireland

Postgraduate courses in Australia

Average Tuition Fee

MS: INR 6.05 Lakhs

MA: INR 19.89 Lakhs

MS: INR 26.18 Lakhs

MBA: INR 90 Lakhs

Average Living Expense

INR 9.5 Lakhs

INR 15.82 Lakhs

Duration

2 Years

1-2 Years

Exams Accepted

TOEFL, IELTS

IELTS, TOEFL

Please note, that the fees are subject to change based on the exchange rates and other consideration factors. Thus, before applying applicants must check for all fee-related details and then apply based on their finances.

Student Visa for Australia vs Ireland

In order to obtain a student visa, of course, admissions are required at Australian or Irish universities. Check out the details in the section below;

Parameters 

Student Visa in Australia

Student Visa in Ireland

Student visa applicable

Upon CoE (Confirmation of Enrollment)

Upon admission from the university

Types of student visas

UG: Subclass 500 Visa

PG: Subclass 485 Visa

D Visa (based on course duration)

Cost of Visa

UG: AUD 1,600

PG: AUD 1,945

-

Duration of Visa

UG: 3-4 years

PG: 2 years

5 years

Extendability 

Yes 

No 

Students obtain CoE from Australian universities and only then can they apply for a student visa in Australia. On the other hand, admission confirmation is sufficient to apply for a student visa in Ireland. Applications for both countries’ student visas can be easily applied through the official websites. 

Post Study Work Permit in Aus vs Ire

Rules differ for post-study work permits (PSW) in Australia and Ireland, check out in detail the following sections based on the country of choice:

Post Study Work Permit in Australia

For those who would apply for a post study work visa in Australia should know that the stay-back period varies with the level of course studied. 

  • For a bachelor’s degree holder, a PSW visa is for 4 years in Australia.
  • A master’s degree holder can get a PSW visa for up to 5 years for Australia.
  • And, a doctorate holder can get a PSW visa for 6 years in Australia. 

PSW Visa in Ireland

In this case, also, post study work permit in Ireland stay varies with the level of study of the applicant. The duration varies for the following course levels:

  • Level 7 – Ordinary Bachelors Degree (3 years courses): 12 months
  • Level 8 – Honors Bachelors Degree (4 years courses): 18 months
  • Level 9 – PGD/Masters Degree: 24 months
  • Level 10 – Doctoral Degree: 24 months

Scholarships in Australia vs Ireland

A plethora of scholarship options are available to study in Australia and in Ireland for international students. There is a mix of need-based and merit-based scholarships offered across Australian and Irish universities. Apart from these, there are also externally backed scholarships which can also be considered if not eligible for any university-based scholarships. 

The following scholarships are offered to international students studying in Australia and Ireland:

Scholarships to Study in Ireland

Scholarships to Study in Australia

Trinity Business School Scholarship

Griffith Remarkable Scholarship

DCU International Merit Scholarships- PG

Federation University Future Leader Scholarship Package for Brisbane Campus

The O'Connor Scholarship

Western Sydney International Scholarships – Undergraduate

Postgraduate Merit Scholarship - University of Galway

Monash International Scholarship For Excellence

Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships

International Student Scholarship- Bachelor of Business

India Undergraduate Scholarships

South Asia Excellence Scholarship

Quercus Entrance Scholarships

Western Sydney University - Vice-Chancellor's Academic Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships

Check out for more scholarship-related details at:

Australia is a bigger country, with better course and university options and longer stay-back periods after graduation. Australian universities rank higher than Irish universities and the career prospects are better for those who study in Australia.

On the other hand, Ireland is though a smaller country, yet it holds high value for its universities and the courses it offers. Those with degrees from Ireland get good jobs which in turn are high on ROI. Thus, those who are looking to come back can choose Ireland while those who wish to gain hands-on experience can aim for Australia.

Have more queries? Shoot in your questions in the section below and we’ll get back to you soon. For admission-related queries, sign up for free at Shiksha Abroad Counselling and request a call back from our team of expert counsellors.

Q:   Is Torrens University good for international students?

A:

Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.

Q:   What is the acceptance rate for NCI Ireland?

A:

National College of Ireland is one of the best public research universities in the Ireland. The National College of Ireland is among the colleges that do not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources including EduRank, the National College of Ireland acceptance rate is 52%. This shows that NCI is moderately selective for admissions and international students may find it comparatively tougher to get into. Please note that, the data on the acceptance rate is taken from unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary. 

Q:   Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?

A:

The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary. 

Q:   Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?

A:

Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science. 

To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.

Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.

Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.

Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate

Q:   How hard is it to get to Notre Dame?

A:

The acceptance rate of the University of Notre Dame Australia is 19%, So for every 100 applicants, only 19 students get admitted. This means that it is a relatively competitive University. Candidates must fulfill the specific course requirements to secure admission to Notre Dame University. While the acceptance rate is competetive, it is suggested that the student applies early for higher chances of getting selected.

Q:   Why to choose Bond University for MS in Australia rather than University of Queensland?

A:

Bond University and the University of Queensland are both prestigious institutions in Australia, each with its own unique strengths. Bond University is ranked 20th in the Times Higher Education rankings of the Best Small Universities in the World and has been Australia's top university for the educational experience for 17 consecutive years. 

On the other hand, the University of Queensland, located in Brisbane, is one of the leading research and teaching institutions in Australia. The university is ranked in the world's top 100 universities according to several major ranking systems, including QS (50), ARWU (47), and Times Higher Education (53).

Q:   How is an MS in Data Science from Maynooth University, Ireland?

A:

Maynooth University provides 1-year master's in Data Science and asks for an INR 15.14L tuition fee. The goal of the MSc in Data Science and Analytics is to provide students with the information and abilities needed to gather, process, analyze, and visualize data to find trends, assess models, and extract valuable information.
The National Centre for Geocomputation, the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics, and Computer Science collaborated to create the course. Programming, statistics, and databases are covered, along with advanced issues in contemporary statistical machine learning. The course covers topics such as the implications for business and government, as well as the ethical and societal ramifications of data use.

Q:   Which is better? university of notre dame australia vs sydney university?

A:

Sydney University and Notre Dame Australia are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. However, University of Sydney is in the upper hand as the university is amog the top 100 in the world (according to the QS ranking). The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of Notre Dame Australia and Sydney University. Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:

Name of The University

Ranking

Acceptance Rate

1st Year Tuition Fee

Notre Dame Australia

1401+

19%

UG: INR 17 L

PG: INR 13 L

Sydney University

54

30%

UG: INR 18 L - 33 L

PG: INR 24 L - 29 L

(The comparison of fees was between the B.Sc course for UG and the MBA course for PG)

About the Author
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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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