Top Universities, Ranking, Fees, Scholarships & Admission Requirements

Ireland is among the popular destinations for international students to study abroad. Top universities in Ireland, quality education, scholarship programs, job opportunities, etc. are some of the major reasons that attack international students. As per the Ministry of External Affairs of India (in 2024) report, around 5,000 Indian students applied to study in Ireland.

Ireland is among the popular English-speaking European countries for international students to study abroad. There are around 30 best universities in Ireland to complete higher education in the country. The cost of studying in Ireland is low compared to the USA studying cost and the UK studying cost. Therefore, Ireland is among the perfect choices for international students to study abroad at Ireland Universities.

Students can check the QS World University Rankings

Universities in Ireland Highlights 2025

International students can pursue higher degrees at over 30 universities in Ireland. These universities offer affordable education at undergraduate and graduate levels to students. Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin is the only university under the top 100 universities in the world by QS World University Ranking 2025. The below table includes the highlights of Universities and Colleges in Ireland:

Parameter	Statistics
No. of universities in Ireland	30+
Universities in Ireland Tuition fees	Up to INR 10 L: 24 universities Up to INR 40 L: 32 universities
Top 3 streams in Ireland	MSc, MBA, and MS
English language exams required	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo
Entrance exams required	GMAT, SAT, GRE, and OET
Total scholarships available	147 (Up to INR 41.5 L)
Best students cities in Ireland	Dublin, Galway, Cork, etc.

Must check the Options to Study in Ireland after 12

Why Study in Ireland?

Top universities in Ireland are available to offer excellent education, better facilities, a student-friendly environment, and better career opportunities for students. Dublin is among the best student cities in the QS Best Students Cities 2024 ranking. The city ranks at 32 in the world making the city a perfect place for international students to study abroad in Ireland.

Check the top reasons to study in Ireland

Post Work permits in Ireland

One of the major reasons to study at Irish universities is a post-study work permit in Ireland for Indian students. Students who have completed their full-time study from universities in Ireland and have the Visa Stamp 2 may qualify for the Third Level Graduate Scheme.

Also read: United Kingdom (UK) vs Ireland for International Students

Part-Time Options in Ireland

Another reason to study in Ireland for international students is part-time work options in Ireland. Students who are willing to study higher education at Ireland universities should be aware of the Ireland Study Visa regulations on part-time work for students. As per the rule, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during the school year and up to 40 hours a week on holidays (summer and winter holidays).

Student Visa Fee in Ireland: Visa application option and cost

International students who are willing to study in Ireland must apply for an Irish student visa. After receiving the acceptance letter from the university, students can apply for an Ireland Students Visa. 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	€60 (INR: 5248.74)	€ 60 (INR: 5248.74)
Multi entry	€100 (INR: 8747.90)	€ 100 (INR: 8747.90)
Transit	€25 (INR: 2186.98)	n/a

*€1 = INR 87.49

Must check the Student Guide to Ireland

Top Job Sectors & Economy in Ireland

As per the report of an unofficial source, Accountancy & Tax is the top job sector in Ireland for graduate students. It is easier for graduates in Ireland to find a job within a few months after completing the degree. Students can check the list of the Top Job Sectors in Ireland

• Accountancy & Tax
• Finance Services
• Legal
• Marketing
• Life Sciences
• Technology
• Technology, Infrastructure

Top Universities in Ireland 2025

There are 33 universities to study in Ireland for Indian students that offer quality education in different degree levels. Ireland is the home of some of the top-ranked universities in the world. Trinity College Dublin is the only university in the country that ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. The below table includes the list of top universities in Ireland:

Top Universities in Ireland	QS World Ranking 2025	THE Ranking 2025
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin	87	139
University College Dublin	126	201-250
University College Cork	273	351-400
University of Galway	273	351-400
Dublin City University	421	351-400
University of Limerick	421	501-600
Maynooth University	801-500	501-600
Technological University Dublin	851-900	1001-1200

Check detailed information about Top-Ranked Universities in Ireland

Best Engineering Universities in Ireland 2025

Check the list of the best BTech universities in Ireland for international students:

Top Universities in Ireland	QS World Ranking 2024
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin BTech	158
University College Dublin BTech	216
University of Galway BTech	320
University College Cork BTech	362
University of Limerick BTech	401-450
Dublin City University BTech	451-500
Technological University Dublin BTech	501-550

Best Management Universities in Ireland 2025

Check the list of the best Management universities in Ireland for international students:

Top Universities in Ireland	QS World Ranking 2024
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin	133
University College Dublin	151-200
Dublin City University	251-300
University College Cork	301-350
University of Galway	301-350
University of Limerick	351-400
Technological University Dublin	551-600

Best MBA Universities in Ireland 2025

Check the list of the best MBA universities in Ireland for international students:

Top Universities in Ireland	QS World Ranking 2024
Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin	101-110
UCD (Smurfit)	121-130

Top Cities to Study in Ireland 2025

Dublin, Galway, Cork, etc. are some of the top cities to study in Ireland for international students. According to QS Best Students Cities 2025 ranking, Dublin ranks 32 in the world. Overall, there are a total of 33 universities and colleges in Ireland for international students.

Top Courses in Ireland 2025

International students can study top courses in Ireland in degree, diploma, and certificate levels. The below table includes the list of top courses and a number of universities that offer the particular course:

Top 10 Courses in Ireland	Count of Universities
MSc	25
MBA/PGDM	25
MS	25
BBA	25
BE/BTech	24
BA	23
MA	20
BSc	19

Check the list of Top Courses in Ireland for International Students

Admission Requirements in Ireland 2025

To get admission to top Ireland universities, international students need to meet the entry requirements. For bachelor’s admission, it is compulsory to complete 12th-class education with a good GPA, and for master’s admission, students must have a bachelor’s degree with a good academic GPA. International students, whose first language is not English, must provide the English Language test score during the application process.

Entrance Exams Accepted by Universities in Ireland

International students can check the list of entrance exams accepted by universities in Ireland below:

Entrance Exam	Count of Universities
GRE	1
GMAT	4

English Language Requirements by Universities in Ireland

International students must provide English Language Proficiency proof to get admission to Irish universities. Below are the English Language tests accepted by Ireland top universities:

English Language Exams	Count of Universities
TOEFL	32
IELTS	31
PTE	27
Duolingo	27

Documents Required to Study in Ireland

Check below the list of documents required to study in Ireland for international students:

• Academic Transcripts: Mark Sheets of Standard X, XII, and the bachelor’s degree (if applicable)
• Internet-based TOEFL or IELTS scores
• If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation (LOR) from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Academic Resume
• Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses or architecture programs)
• Others (Certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
• Proof of funds
• Health insurance
• A copy of your passport

Cost of Studying in Ireland 2025

Before planning to study in Ireland, you must ensure that you have sufficient funds to manage your studies and living expenses. The cost of studying in Ireland for International Students depends on the type of universities and colleges in Ireland. There are three major schools of study in Ireland. These are Public Universities, Private Universities, and Institutes of Technology (IOTs). On average, internationals has to spend between €10,000 and €21,000 per year, which is between INR 8,75,980* and INR 18,38,331* (*€1 = INR 87.60).

Cost of Studying in Ireland by Program

Students can check the cost of Studying in Ireland by program below:

Program	Cost of Studying
Undergraduate Programmes	€9,850 – €55,000* annually (INR 8,62,062 – INR 48,13,545)
Postgraduate programmes	€6,850 to €27,500* annually (INR 5,99,505 – INR 24,06,773)
Doctoral Degree	€8,500 to €35000* annually (INR 7,43,912 – INR 30,63,165)

*€1 = INR 87.52

Universities in Ireland Tuition Fees

Universities in Ireland tuition fees vary from INR 0 to INR 52 L and more for international students. Studying in Ireland is cost-effective for students as compared to the cost of studying in the US. The below table includes the Ireland universities fees:

First-Year Tuition Fee Range	Count of Universities
Free	1
Max 10 lakhs	24
Max 20 lakhs	31
Max 30 lakhs	32
Max 40 lakhs	32
40 lakhs +	5

Read more about the Cheap and Affordable Universities in Ireland

Cost of Living in Ireland

The cost of living in Ireland depends on different factors like city, accommodation type, lifestyle, and so on. The monthly expenditure for international students is between €500 -€1,800 (*INR 43,803 – INR 1,57,690). The expected average rent for a two-room apartment within cities is around €1000-1200 (*INR 87,606 – INR 1,05,127) per month, and €800-€900 (*INR 70,085 – INR 78,845) in suburban areas.

Scholarships in Ireland

There are hundreds of scholarships in Ireland for international students given by various sources. These scholarships are offered to students based on their eligibility as Universities in Ireland have set down their own criteria for scholarships. The highest Ireland scholarship available for international students is INR 41.5 L. Check the below table to learn more about the scholarships available at Ireland universities:

University in Ireland	Name of Scholarship	Amount Offered
University College Cork	The O'Connor Scholarship	Up to INR 8,77,700
	Quercus University Scholarships	Up to INR 9,21,585
Trinity College Dublin the University of Dublin	Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships Programme- UG	Up to INR 8,77,700
	Trinity Business School Scholarship
University College Dublin	Global Excellence Graduate Scholarship (100%) – South Asia (MSc Computer Science)	Up to INR 16,13,213
	The Achiever MBA Scholarship	Up to INR 32,26,425
University of Galway	Postgraduate Merit Scholarship - University of Galway	Up to INR 1,79,640
	Undergraduate Merit Scholarship - University of Galway

Also read: Scholarships to Study in Ireland for International Students

Jobs after Studying in Ireland

Once you’ve completed your degree, there are many popular job sectors where you can start working in Ireland. The popular job opportunities for international students are Engineering, Business & Finance, Information Technology, etc. Check the list of popular universities in Ireland with their average salary packages:

Universities in Ireland	Average Salary
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin	USD 85,000 per year

Also read: What are the Job prospects in Ireland?

Chandra Shekhar Singh Sengar12-23-2024 18:21