Top 9 Universities in Ireland
Talk to Expert
Top Universities in Ireland: Ireland is growing in popularity among international students owing to its excellent education system and world-class universities. Ireland often secures a place in the happiest countries in the world list, the countries with the best quality of life list and the countries with the highest salaries in the world. Read this article to learn about the best Irish universities.
Ireland has over the years emerged as a top study-abroad destination and rightly so. Ireland has been able to provide international students state of the art education facilities, a student-friendly environment, and a chance to earn a qualification of global standards. Candidates are also attracted by the country’s student-friendly policies such as their part-time work opportunities and post-study work permit for international students. Candidates can take a look at the list of top universities in Ireland, here. Candidates who may have difficulty meeting the cost of studying in Ireland can also check the various scholarships available for students within the country.
Today we are going to talk about the top 9 colleges across Ireland that are popular among Indian students. You can check out the various courses available at the university, the eligibility criteria, admission requirements, and fees for every Programme. Got more doubts? Feel free to write to us in the comments below.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Related Reads
Top Universities in Ireland for International Students
Here is a look at the list of top universities in Ireland
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 | World University Rankings 2024 - Times Higher Education (THE) |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin (TCD) | #87 | #134 |
| University College Dublin (UCD) | =126 | #201 – 250 |
| RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences | - | #251-300 |
| University College Cork (UCC) | =273 | #301 – 350 |
| University of Galway | =273 | #301 – 350 |
| Dublin City University | =421 | #401 - 500 |
| University of Limerick | =421 | #401 - 500 |
| Maynooth University | #801 - 850 | #401 - 500 |
| Tehnological University Dublin | #851 - 900 | #1001 - 1200 |
Know more about the colleges and the courses available in them in detail, here.
Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin (TCD)
Found in 1592, the University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin located in Dublin, Ireland is known to be Ireland's oldest university. This university offers many undergraduate, postgraduate, short courses, and online education. Its faculties comprise of Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, and Faculty of Health Science.
It has many specialized schools for its areas of study. The schools in Trinity College Dublin are the School of Business, School of Confederal School of Religions, Peace Studies and Theology, School of Creative Arts (Drama, Film, and Music), School of Education, School of English, School of Histories and Humanities, School of Linguistic among several others.
Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin (TCD) – Courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA |
1 year |
INR 32.12 L |
| MS |
12 months - 2 years |
INR 13.87 L - 23.15 L |
| BBA |
4 years |
INR 16.92 L - 23.68 L |
| MIM |
12 months - 1 year |
INR 16.88 L - 21.59 L |
| MFA |
1 year |
INR 19.12 L |
| BE/BTech |
4 - 5 years |
INR 18.09 L - 24.23 L |
University College Dublin (UCD)
Established in 1854, the University College Dublin (UCD) is a public university, which was formerly known as the Catholic University of Ireland. The university is one of Europe's research-intensive universities and is the largest university in Ireland. The university's main campus at Dublin spreads across an area cover of 133 hectares.
University College Dublin's academic structure comprises six colleges that are further divided into associated schools and multiple research institutes and centres. The six colleges belonging to the University College Dublin are UCD College of Arts and Humanities, UCD College of Business, UCD College of Engineering and Architecture, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, UCD College of Social Sciences and Law, and UCD College of Science.
University College Dublin - Courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 12 months | INR 32.26 L |
| MS | 1 year - 3 years | INR 2.91 L - 24.33 L |
| MIM | 12 months - 2 years | INR 11.48 L - 24.33 L |
| MEM | 1 year | INR 24.33 L |
| BE/BTech | 3 - 4 years | INR 22.47 L - 24.33 L |
| MEng | 1 year | INR 22.47 L - 24.33 L |
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Home to the largest medical school, pharmacy and biomolecular sciences schools, population health, physiotherapy, nursing and midwifery, postgraduate and healthcare management school, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - University of Medicine and Health Sciences was established in 1784. The University, in collaboration with the National University of Ireland, provides degrees and awards that completely align with the National Frameworks of Qualifications from levels 7-10.
Initially founded as the national body for the training of surgery in Ireland, the university has now been transformed into an international health sciences and research institute providing quality education at undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG) and professional levels. Several courses available at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences are given below.
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences - Courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| B.Sc | 5-6 years | INR 52 L |
| MB, BCh, BAO (Hons) | 5-6 years | ₹51.64 L |
National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway)
Established in 1845, the National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) is a public university located in the city of Galway in Ireland. It is often ranked among the top universities in the world due to its quality education incorporated with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The university comprises four colleges which are further subdivided schools for candidates to pursue their undergrads and postgraduate studies. These colleges include the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, College of Business, Public Policy and Law, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Science and Engineering.
National University of Ireland Galway - Courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MS | 1 year - 2 years | INR 12.51 L - 25.28 L |
| MIM | 1 year - 2 years | INR 10.18 L - 16.01 L |
| BSc | 4 years | INR 14.52 L - 20.31 L |
| MEng | 9 - 24 months | INR 12.87 L - 21.19 L |
| BE/BTech | 1 year - 5 years | INR 14.96 L - 21.19 L |
| MASc | 1 year - 2 years | INR 12.87 L - 21.19 L |
University College Cork (UCC)
Established in 1845, the University College Cork, popularly known as the UCC is one of Ireland's leading research institutes. The university also happens to be the first university in the world to be conferred with the international green flag for environmental friendliness.
The academic structure of the University College Cork includes multiple faculties which are further subdivided into schools. These faculties include the Faculty of Arts and Celtic Studies, Commerce, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Food Science and Technology.
University College Cork - Courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MS | 12 months - 2 years | INR 13.12 L - 20.3 L |
| MIM | 12 months - 1 year | INR 13.28 L - 16.62 L |
| MEng | 12 months - 1 year | INR 19.84 L - 20.27 L |
| BE/BTech | 3 - 4 years | INR 14.39 L - 19.75 L |
| BBA | 4 years | INR 17.67 L - 19.38 L |
| BSc | 3 - 4 years | INR 14.39 L - 19.75 L |
Dublin City University (DCU)
Over the years, Dublin City University (DCU) has forged a reputation as Ireland's University of Enterprise, through its strong, active links with academic, research, and industry partners both at home and overseas. Dublin City University has been highly ranked in the world and in Ireland for its graduate employment rate, according to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
This university has 5 campuses and offers over 200 programs under its five main faculties which are engineering and computing, business, science and health, humanities and social sciences, and education. Renowned organizations such as the Association of MBAs and AACSB have accredited this university.
Dublin City University (DCU) – courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MS |
1 year |
INR 11.41 L - 15.8 L |
| LLM |
1 year |
INR 13.17 L |
| MEng |
1 year |
INR 15.8 L |
| MIM |
1 year |
INR 13.6 L - 16.68 L |
| BJMC |
3 - 4 years |
INR 13.17 L |
| BE/BTech |
3 - 4 years |
INR 13.17 L - 13.6 L |
| MA |
1 year |
INR 11.06 L - 14.04 L |
| BBA |
3 - 4 years |
INR 12.73 L - 13.6 L |
University of Limerick (UL)
Founded in 1972, the University of Limerick is a public research university for higher education in Limerick, Ireland. The university has over 800 research postgraduates and 1,300 postgraduate students receiving instruction at the university. Its co-operative education ("co-op") program offers students an eight-month work placement as part of their degree; it was Ireland's first such program.
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| BBA | 4 years | INR 11.23 L - 15.1 L |
| MS | 12 months - 2 years | INR 11.27 L - 21.43 L |
| MIM | 12 months - 1 year | INR 11.28 L - 17.37 L |
| BE/BTech | 4 years | INR 15.1 L |
| MEng | 12 months - 1 year | INR 14.52 L - 14.83 L |
Maynooth University
Maynooth University is one of Ireland's fastest-growing universities. The university prioritizes the student experience, both academically and socially to ensure that students graduate with the best set of skills to help them succeed in the world, whatever they decide to do.
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MIM | 12 months - 2 years | INR 12.29 L - 13.17 L |
| MEng | 12 months - 1 year | INR 14.52 L - 14.83 L |
| BBA | 4 years | INR 11.23 L - 15.1 L |
| BE/BTech | 4 years | INR 15.1 L |
| MS | 12 months - 2 years | INR 11.27 L - 21.43 L |
| BSc | 4 years | INR 15.1 L - 15.97 L |
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
Technological University Dublin or more commonly referred to as TU Dublin is Ireland's first technological university, established on January 1, 2019. The university was formed by the amalgamation of three existing institutes of technology in the Dublin area – Dublin Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, and Institute of Technology, Tallaght.
Technological University Dublin - Courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MA | 1 year - 18 months | INR 11.85 L |
| BE/BTech | 3 - 4 years | INR 10.97 L - 12.73 L |
| MS | 12 - 18 months | INR 11.85 L - 19.09 L |
| MIM | 1 year - 2 years | INR 10.8 L - 15.14 L |
| BBA | 3 - 4 years | INR 10.97 L - 12.73 L |
| BSc | 3 - 4 years | INR 10.97 L - 19.21 L |
Popular Universities in Ireland
The above-mentioned universities are highly ranked universities spread across the length of Ireland. Candidates can also check out popular universities in Ireland. They are
- Dublin Business School (DBS)
- National College of Ireland (NCI)
Know more about the universities, below.
Dublin Business School (DBS)
Originally known as the Accountancy and Business College, Dublin Business School (DBS) was established in 1975. At the time, the college only had evening classes for the candidates who were studying for their professional accounting bodies exams. Now it has become one of the two biggest independent colleges in Ireland.
DBS has three schools, namely the School of Arts, Professional School, and School of Business and Law. Located in the capital city, DBS makes sure that students have whatever they need on campus, from a modern learning environment to comfortable accommodations. There are state-of-the-art laboratories, modern workshops, a stocked library, network connectivity, and several clubs and societies. There are more than 9,000 students and 70 courses available for students outside the EU.
Dublin Business School (DBS) – Courses
| Courses |
Duration |
1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MS |
1 year |
INR 11.19 L - 12.11 L |
| MBA |
1 year |
INR 11.19 L |
| MA |
12 months |
INR 11.19 L |
| MIM |
12 months - 1 year |
INR 10.97 L - 12.11 L |
| BA |
3 - 4 years |
INR 8.65 L - 8.82 L |
| BE/BTech |
3 - 4 years |
INR 8.65 L - 8.82 L |
| BBA |
3 - 4 years |
INR 8.65 L - 8.82 L |
National College of Ireland (NCI)
The National College of Ireland (NCI) is a non-profit state-supported advanced education establishment in Dublin's city centre. Within walking distance of NCI are the European Headquarters of Facebook, LinkedIn Google, and Twitter. It is with these organizations that NCI has created courses and where NCI graduates acquire employment. The School of Business sits in the centre point of Dublin's International Financial Services Centre. The world's leading banks and consultancy organizations are inside the reach of the campus. NCI graduates have picked up work at excellent organizations like PWC, Morgan Stanley, Citi, KPMG, and JP Morgan.
The university offers a range of Certificates, Higher Diplomas, Foundation, and Pre-Masters courses which offer excellent opportunities for progression to promote education or to improve career path. The National College of Ireland endeavours to give access to quality education at a time, place, and pace that addresses the student's needs.
National College of Ireland (NCI) – courses
| Courses |
Duration |
1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MS |
1 year |
INR 13.17 L |
| BE/BTech |
4 years |
INR 8.78 L |
| BBA |
3 years |
INR 8.78 L |
| MIM |
1 year |
INR 13.17 L |
This is a comprehensive list of the top 9 universities across Ireland for international students. Candidates can visit every university to check out the courses on offer, the duration of the course, the tuition fee and so much more. Candidates can also check the official website of the university or get in touch with us through the comments section below.
Also, Read
Top Universities in Ireland FAQs
Q. Which is the number 1 university in Ireland?
A. Ireland is home to several world-class universities. However, the Trinity College Dublin ranks as the number 1 university in Ireland. Triniti College Dublin has been ranked among the top 100 universities in the world list by QS World University Rankings 2025.
Q. Which are the top 3 colleges in Dublin?
A. The top 3 universities in Dublin are Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and Dublin City University. These colleges are ranked at #87, 126 and 421 positions respectively in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Q. Which is the hardest university to get into in Ireland?
A. Determining the "hardest" university to get into in Ireland can be subjective and depends on various factors like the admission requirements, application volume and competition. High-ranking universities tend to receive a very high number of applications each year which increases competition among the students.
According to these factors, some of the hardest universities to get into in Ireland are:
- Trinity College Dublin: Renowned for its academic excellence and rich history.
- University College Dublin: One of Ireland's largest and most diverse universities.
- Dublin City University: Known for its focus on innovation and technology.
Q: What are the requirements for admission to Griffith College (Ireland)?
International students can apply for Griffith College admission through the official website. We have mentioned below the Griffith College requirements for international undergraduate and graduate admissions:
Griffith College requirements for undergraduate admission:
- Completion of secondary school comparable to Australian Year 12 or equivalent academic achievement
- Meet the English language requirements
- Submit the additional test score for ACT/SAT (if required)
Griffith College requirements for undergraduate admission:
Q: What is the acceptance rate for NCI Ireland?
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: How can I apply for Dublin Business School Ireland admissions?
Dublin Business School accepts international applications through the Official Application Portal available on the university's website. Students can refer to the listings below for the steps to apply at DBS Ireland:
Step 1: Open the Application Portal and head to the form
Step 2: Select the student type and course
Step 3: Course selection:
- Select a course type
- Select a course
- Select the year of entry as ‘Year 1’
- Choose the batch commencement date
Step 4: Enter personal details:
- Add details like name, date of birth, contact details, gender, nationality, etc
- Address
- Emergency contact details
Step 5: Keep filling the details and continue until the last step:
- Insert previous education information
- Input other details
Step 6: Submit the application form
Q: Is Griffith College in Ireland good for doing a computer Science course?
Griffith College Dublin offers an affordable master's degree in computer Science for international students. The Griffith College Dublin fees for MS in computer Science is around INR 12.59 L for first-year. Therefore, yes Griffith College in Ireland is good for doing a computer Science course.
Q: Which programs is the Dublin Business School Ireland known for?
At the Dublin Business School, international students can choose between a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, offered in leading areas of study, such as Business, Arts, Law, Psychology, Computing, etc. According to the historical data of the school's alumni, some of the most popular DBS Dublin courses are:
Note: In the above pie chart, Others include Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, Data Analytics, and Computer Science.
Q: How is an MS in Data Science from Maynooth University, Ireland?
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: How much does MS cost in Ireland?
The tuition cost to study MS from the universities in Ireland will be in the range of INR 10 Lacs – INR 40 lakh. The first-year tuition fees to pursue MS from top-ranked MS universities in Ireland are given below:
Particulars | First-Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
Trinity College Dublin | INR14.2 Lakh - INR 23.8 Lakh |
University College Dublin | INR 8.5 Lakh - INR 24.5 Lakh |
University of Galway | INR 7.1 Lakh - INR 25.4 Lakh |
University College Cork | INR 13.8 Lakh - INR 22.2 Lakh |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Ireland for International Students
Q: Is Ireland a good option for MS?
Ireland is one of the most peaceful and the safest countries in the world. It is ranked 8th in the world out of 189 countries in a United Nations index measuring longevity education and health. Also, Ireland is ranked 3rd in the Global Peace Index 2023. When compared with other European destinations, higher education in Ireland is more affordable for international students. Some of the reasons to choose Ireland as a study destination for MS are:
- International exposure
- High-quality education
- Better career opportunities
- Affordable cost of living
Priya Garg is a seasoned content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-date. H... Read Full Bio
Her guiding principles in life are to be honest, genuine, thoughtful and caring with these strong words Deepika have completed 5 years in the education industry. Her expertise and experience helps in understanding s... Read Full Bio
- Universities in Ireland33 Universities
- Universities in USA1036 Universities
- Universities in Canada173 Universities
- Universities in Australia121 Universities
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae