Study in Ireland: Courses, Admission, Fees, Universities

Discover Universities, Courses, Eligibility, Scholarships & More


Last Updated on 23rd January 2025

Ireland

Overview

Study in Ireland is a choice many students make due to the country’s reputed universities and diverse choices regarding academics. Approx. 40,000 students take admission in Ireland Universities every year. International students can pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs in medicine, engineering, business, arts, or technology. 

Generally, to study in Ireland, it is required for one to be proficient in English, with qualifications such as GMSAT, PTE GRE, GMAT, IELTS or TOFEL for the sake of proving proficiency. However, many universities accept foreign students without any entrance test.

Top universities in Ireland also provide numerous scholarships and financial aid options for any underprivileged of international students. While tuition fees in Irish universities ranges widely, it usually, depending on the course, range between €9,850 to €25,500 for bachelor's Degree and €9,500 to €34,500 for Masters Degree and is truly worthy of that investment.

The estimated monthly living expenses are between €1,300 - €2,800 monthly, depending on the city. Ireland is one of the top destinations for studying higher education, as universities such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, and Dublin City University have good global rankings.


Study in Ireland: Quick Highlight

Particular

Details

Capital

Dublin

Popular Universities

Trinity College Dublin

University College Dublin

University College Cork

Dublin City University

Programme Offered

Undergraduates, Post graduation, Research programs

Teaching Languages

English

Tuition Fees

€9,850 to €25,500 for Bachelors Degree

€9,500 to €34,500 for Masters Degree

Living costs

$515 - $950

Admission Requirement

Personal and academic documents

English proficiency test

Entrance Exam

Visa

Medical Certificate

Global Recognition

Degrees from Irish Universities are recognized globally 

Popular Fields to study in Ireland

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medical Studies.


Why Study in Ireland?

Choosing to study in Ireland comes with various benefits like scholarship facilities and a wide range of course options from globally recognized universities. Students get many benefits to choose Irish universities to gain knowledge and build a career.

  1. Tech-savy Nation 

As one of Europe’s leading technology hubs, Ireland offers students lots of opportunities to learn and work in fields like AI, data analytics and green energy.

  1. Student-Centric Environment

International Students in Ireland can work part-time up to 20 horse per week during academic terms, helping them gain professional experience while managing living costs.

  1. Scholarship Options

The irish government and universities offer numerous scholarships programs specifically for foreign students, reducing financial burdens.

  1. Global Networking Potential

As a hub for multinational companies and research institutions, Ireland provides students with unmatched networking opportunities and pathways to global careers.

  1. Safe and Friendly Environment

Ireland is known for its low crime rate and hospitable culture, creatiing a secure and comfortable environment for students from diverse backgrounds.


Top Exams for Ireland

Here is a list of exams commonly required for admission in Irish Universities, depending on the course and medium of instruction:

Entrance Test

Details

PTE

This entrance exam is required to prove English proficiency in candidates whose first language is not English

GAMSAT

This entrance exam is required when candidates are taking admission in medical courses

SAT 

This is a general entrance test to test academic knowledge subject-wise.

LSAT

This entrance exam is required when candidates are taking admission in Law universities

IELTS 

This entrance exam is required to proof English proficiency in candidates

TOEFL

This entrance exam is an alternative entrance test for English proficiency.

GRE 

This entrance exam required for PG programs

GMAT

This entrance exam is required when candidates are taking admission in management courses


Study in Ireland: Intakes Available

Irish universities and colleges usually offers 3 intakes per year, catering to different levels of education and programs. Here are the main options:


1. Autumn Intake (September/October)

Main Intake: Autumn Intake is the primary intake for most UG and PG courses in Ireland and is preferred by most students.

Advantages: A wide variety of programs are available, making it the most popular choice among students.  


2. Spring Intake (January/February) 

Secondary Intake: This study intake is available at select institutions, usually for PG programs.

Advantages: Spring intake offers flexibility for students who miss the Autumn intake or require additional preparation time.


3. Rolling Intake

Flexible Option: Many institutions provide rolling intakes, allowing students to apply and start their studies at various times throughout the year.

Advantages: This intake is ideal for short courses or part-time programs with no fixed start dates.


Cost of Living in Ireland

Cost of living in Ireland depends upon the city, and also it depends on whether a student is living in a hostel or renting an apartment. Although students can easily manage their living cost by doing part-time jobs. Below is a detailed comparison of various living expenses in Ireland:

Expenses

Monthly Costs

Accommodation

€900 -  €2,200

Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, Waste)

€150 - €200

Internet and Mobile Phone

€40 - €60

Food and Groceries

€250 - €400

Transportation

€120 - €150

Healthcare and Insurance

€45 - €70

Leisure and Miscellaneous

Eating Out: €12 - €20

Gym Membership: €30 - €60

Movie Ticket: Around €10 - €15




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International Students

Ireland

Top Universities

Top universities in Ireland provide various facilities to foreign students, including scholarship programs, affordable tuition fees, modern infrastructure, world-class faculty, and excellent career opportunities. They also offer a diverse range of courses across multiple disciplines, ensuring quality education and global exposure for students.

Ireland

Admission Process 2025

To study in Ireland candidates have to follow a proper process and like choosing a university according to their course, comparing tuition fees, preparing for entry test, submitting documents, applying for visa and many other things. Below is the short brief of the admission process atCentral Applications Office Ireland University for foreign students:

  1. Choose your course to study: Research the available options in Ireland, focusing on your academic interests, career goals and eligibility criteria.
  2. List Potential Education Instututions: Once you have selected your course, create a list of universities or colleges in Ireland that offer it.Ensure they align with your academic requirements.
  3. Shortlist top universities or colleges: Narrow down your list based on factors such as global ranking, faculty expertise, facilities, location and tution fees. Pay attention to students reviews to make a good decision.
  4. Explore official university or college websites: Visit the official websites of your shortlisted institutions to gather detailed information about the course structure. Admission criteria, application deadlines and required documents.
  5. Give english proficiency test: Most Irish institutions require proof of English proficiency for admission. Prepare for and take popular tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE. Try to get really good marks so that your application won’t get rejected.
  6. Submitting documents:  Submit all the important documents required for admission like SOP, LORs, academic transcripts, passport copies etc.
  7. Register with Central Applications Office (CAO) : For undergraduates programs, candidates need to register with the CAO which manages application for most universities. Create an account, fill in your personal details and submit your application.
  8. Apply to your preferred institutions: For PG programs, apply directly through the university’s application portal. Complete the online application form and upload the required documents. Fill the online application form and attach the necessary documents. Verify that all your details are correct.
  9. Prepare for Interviews: Some universities may require an interview as part of the admission process, this could be done in person or online. Be ready to answer questions about your academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing Ireland for your studies. Fill the online application form and upload all the required documents.
  10. Get your admission letter: Once your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive an official admission offer letter. Confirm your acceptance by the paying the tution fees.
  11. Apply for an Ireland Student Visa: After securing admission, apply for student visa through any agent or directly to Irish Embassy. Make a file for all the necessary documents like admission letter, proof of financial resources and English language test scorse. Submit your application to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.


Ireland

Cost of Studying

Here is a table summarizing the approximate cost of studying in Ireland at some top universities. These costs may vary depending on the course, level of study, and specific university.  

Course Name

Fees Per Year

Trinity College Dublin

€7,884–€35,800

University College Dublin

€6,840–€26,400

National University of Ireland, Galway

€16,216-€23,666

University College Cork

€16,080 – €22,130

St. Patrick’s College

€4,500

University of Limerick

€7,000

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

€6000 - €8000

Cork Institute of Technology

€3,500

Maynooth University

€10,000 - €17,000

Dublin City University

€6,900 - €25,000

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