Public Universities in Ireland for International Students: Eligibility, Scholarships, and Cost of Living

Dreaming of studying in the vibrant and historic landscapes of Ireland? Public universities in Ireland offer a world-class education, attracting international students from across the globe. This “ Public Universities in Ireland” guide provides a comprehensive overview of pursuing higher education in Ireland’s esteemed public institutions, covering important aspects like eligibility requirements, available scholarships, and the realistic cost of living. We’ll explore some of the top public universities, such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and University College Cork, and delve into the typical cost of studying in Ireland, which generally ranges from EUR 10,000 to EUR 30,000 per year, depending on the program and university. Additionally, we’ll break down the estimated cost of living, which can vary between EUR 10,000 and EUR 15,000 annually, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your Irish academic adventure.

Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland has become an increasingly popular destination for International students seeking quality higher education abroad. Here’s a breakdown of why study in Ireland, incorporating important facts and updates:

• India has emerged as the top source of international students for Irish higher education, surpassing the United States.
• In the 2023/24 academic year, there were over 7,000 Indian students enrolled in Irish institutions, representing a nearly 50% increase from the previous year.
• Indian students now make up a significant portion, roughly 18%, of Ireland’s total international student population.
• Ireland’s higher education sector has seen a record-breaking increase in international student enrollment, exceeding 40,000 students in 2023/24.
• There’s a notable rise in postgraduate enrollments, with a 24% year-over-year increase, outpacing undergraduate growth.
• When comparing costs with other countries, consider factors like tuition fees, living expenses, and post-study work opportunities. Ireland’s post graduate work visa is a strong draw.

Also Read: Study in Ireland for Free

Benefits of studying in Public Universities in Ireland

Studying at a public university in Ireland offers numerous benefits for international students, creating a rich and rewarding academic experience. Here’s a breakdown of the important benefits:

• Irish public universities are renowned for their high academic standards and cutting-edge research. Institutions like Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin consistently rank among the world’s best.
• These public universities in ireland offer a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, catering to diverse academic interests.
• Strong emphasis on research, particularly in fields like technology, pharmaceuticals, and engineering, provides excellent opportunities for advanced studies.
• As an English-speaking country, Ireland provides a comfortable and accessible learning environment for international students.
• The Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme allows graduates to stay and work in Ireland for a designated period, providing valuable international work experience.
• Ireland’s thriving economy, with numerous multinational companies, offers ample career prospects.

Also Read: Education in Ireland: Courses & Universities

List of Top Public Universities in Ireland 

Choosing the right university is an important step for any international student. To help you navigate the options, here’s a concise overview of the top public universities in Ireland, presented in a tabular format for easy comparison:

University Name	QS World Ranking (2025)	Typical Fee Range (EUR/Year)	Importsnt Course Areas
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)	87	18,000 – 30,000+	Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Sciences, Health Sciences
University College Dublin (UCD)	126	15,000 – 28,000+	Business, Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Humanities
University College Cork (UCC)	#273	14,000 – 25,000+	Arts, Science, Business, Law, Medicine, Health
University of Galway	273	14,000 – 20,000+	Marine Science, Medical Technology, Human Rights, and many others.
Dublin City University (DCU)	421	15,000+	Business, Communication, Engineering, Science
University of Limerick (UL)	#=421	11,000 – 21,000+	Engineering, Science, Business, Humanities
Maynooth University	801-850	Varies	Humanities, social sciences, sciences.

For Masters

Embarking on a Master’s degree in Ireland opens doors to world-class education and career advancement. To help you navigate the options, here’s a detailed comparison of top public universities offering exceptional Master’s programs:

University Name	Typical Master’s Fee Range (EUR/Year)	Popular Master’s Fields
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)	18,000 – 30,000+ (Varies widely)	Business (MBA, Finance), Computer Science, Engineering, History, English Literature, Neuroscience
University College Dublin (UCD)	16,000 – 28,000+ (Varies widely)	Business (Management, Marketing), Data Analytics, Agriculture, Engineering, Medicine, Finance
University College Cork (UCC)	15,000 – 25,000+ (Varies widely)	Food Science, Environmental Science, Business (Marketing, Finance), Computer Science, Public Health
University of Galway	14,000 – 20,000+ (Varies widely)	Marine Science, Medical Technology, Human Rights Law, Data Analytics, Software Design
Dublin City University (DCU)	15,000+ (Varies)	Business (Digital Marketing, Finance), Computing, Data Analytics, Communications, Engineering
University of Limerick (UL)	12,000 – 21,000+ (Varies)	Software Engineering, Project Management, Business (HRM, Finance), Data Analytics, Aeronautical Engineering
Maynooth University	Varies	Data Science, Finance, History, English, Geographic Information Systems

For MBA

For those aspiring to elevate their careers through a prestigious MBA in Ireland, several public universities offer exceptional programs. Here’s a comparative overview of the top choices, highlighting key details:

University Name	Business School	MBA Specializations (Examples)	Approximate MBA Fee Range (EUR)
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)	Trinity Business School	Strategy, Finance, Marketing, Operations, Entrepreneurship	35,000 – 45,000+ (Full-time)
University College Dublin (UCD)	Smurfit School	Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Human Resource Management, Operations & Supply Chain Management	35,000 – 40,000+ (Full-time)
Dublin City University (DCU)	DCU Business School	Digital Marketing, Finance, Aviation Leadership, Strategic Procurement, Business Analytics	18,000 – 25,000+ (Full-time)
University of Galway	University of Galway business school	General MBA, Executive MBA, Leadership, Strategy, Innovation	16,000 – 25,000+ (Full-time)
University of Limerick (UL)	Kemmy Business School	Strategic Management, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Project Management	15,000 – 22,000+ (Full-time)

Also Read: Cheap Universities in Ireland

Intakes in Public Universities in Ireland

To help international students plan their academic journey to Ireland, it’s essential to understand the intake periods offered by public universities. Here’s a concise overview presented in a tabular format:

Feature	September Intake (Autumn)	January Intake (Spring)
Timing	September/October	January/February
Popularity	Primary intake; most popular	Secondary intake; less common
Course Availability	Widest range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs	More limited selection, often postgraduate-focused
Application Deadlines	Vary, typically open in autumn, close in spring/early summer	Vary, typically open in late summer/early autumn, close in late autumn/early winter

Also read: Top 1-Year Degree Courses in Ireland

Eligibility Criteria for Public Universities in Ireland

The eligibility criteria for public universities in Ireland can vary depending on the level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate) and the specific program. However, there are some general requirements that international students should be aware of:

• Undergraduate: Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Specific grade requirements vary depending on the university and program.
• Postgraduate: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is usually required. Some programs may require specific grades or a minimum GPA.
• Masters: Some masters programs will require certain bachelors degrees, or specific modules completed during your bachelors degree.
• International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.
• International students from outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) must obtain a student visa to study in Ireland.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses during your stay in Ireland. This is an important part of the visa application process.

Also Read: Requirements to Study in Ireland

Application Process for Public Universities in Ireland

The application process for public universities in Ireland can seem complex, but breaking it down into steps makes it more manageable. Here’s a guide for international students:

• Identify your field of interest and research universities offering relevant programs.
• Check university rankings, course content, and faculty expertise.
• Most Irish universities use online application portals.
• For undergraduate applications, especially for EU students, the Central Applications Office (CAO) or the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) may be used. Some universities will also take direct applications.
• Create an account, complete the application form, and upload the required documents.
• Pay the application fee.
• After submitting your application, you will usually receive a confirmation email.
• Monitor your application status through the university’s online portal.
• If your application is successful, you will receive an offer of admission.
• Carefully review the offer letter and accept it within the specified timeframe.

Required Documents

Gather the necessary documents, which typically include: 

• Completed application form (online or paper)
• Academic transcripts and certificates (translated if necessary)
• English Language Proficiency Test Score (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
• Passport copy
• Statement of Purpose/personal statement
• Letter of Recommendation
• Updated CV/Resume (for postgraduate programs)
• Portfolio (for art/design programs)
• Proof of financial stability.

Also Read: Top 5 Best Universities in Ireland for PhD

Scholarships to Study at Public Universities in Ireland

Scholarships are a vital resource for international students, including those from India, seeking to study at public universities in Ireland. Here’s a breakdown of scholarship opportunities:

Scholarship Name	Coverage Amount	Eligibility Criteria
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship	EUR 10,000 stipend for one year + full tuition fee waiver	Non-EU/EEA students, academic merit, leadership potential, strong personal statement
The Walsh Fellowship	Stipend + tuition fees (for PhD and Master’s research)	Research in agriculture, food science, rural development; specific project requirements
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2024	Stipend (EUR 19,000 per annum) + contribution to fees	Postgraduate research in any discipline
Excel Scholarship Scheme	Varies, often partial fee waivers or stipends	Varies by university, often merit-based, sometimes financial need
UCD Taught Masters Program Award	25% to 100% tuition fee waiver	Academic merit, program-specific criteria
University-Specific Scholarships (General)	Variable: Partial to full tuition, stipends	Academic merit, financial need, program-specific, nationality may apply
External Scholarships	Variable: Tuition, living expenses, travel	Specific criteria based on provider (field, nationality, etc.)
Indian-Specific Scholarships	Variable: Partial to full funding	Indian nationality, academic merit, program-specific

Also Read: Scholarships in Ireland for Indian & International Students

Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Ireland for International Students

Studying in Ireland offers a high-quality education, but it’s essential to understand the associated costs. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses international students can expect at public universities:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost Range (EUR/Year)
Tuition Fees (Undergraduate)	9,000 – 45,000+
Tuition Fees (Postgraduate)	9,150 – 37,000+
Accommodation	4,000 – 10,000+
Food	2,500 – 4,000+
Transportation	500 – 1,500+
Utilities (Electricity, Internet, etc.)	1,000 – 2,000+
Health Insurance	300 – 700+
Personal Expenses (Books, Supplies, etc.)	1,000 – 2,500+
Visa Fees	150+ (Variable)
Estimated Total Living Expenses	7,000 – 12,000+

Also Read: Ireland Student VisaIreland Student Visa

Cost of Living in Ireland for International Students

Understanding the cost of living is crucial for international students planning to study in Ireland. Here’s a breakdown of the key expenses:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost Range (EUR)
Cost of Accommodation (On-Campus)	300 – 900+
Cost of Accommodation (Shared Apartment)	450 – 650+
Cost of Accommodation (Private Rental)	800+ (Higher in Dublin)
Cost of Food (Groceries)	250 – 400+
Cost of Transportation (Public Transport)	50 – 100+
Cost of Utilities (Electricity, Internet, Heating)	100 – 200+ (Varies seasonally)
Cost of Health Insurance	30 – 60+ (Variable)
Cost of Mobile Phone	20 – 50+
Cost of Books and Supplies	30 – 80+
Social Activities/Entertainment	50 – 150+
Estimated Total Monthly Living Expenses	830-1740+
Estimated Total Yearly Living Expenses	10,000 – 15,000+

Also Read: Student Life in Ireland

Job Opportunities for International Students in Ireland

Ireland offers a range of job opportunities for international students, both during and after their studies. Here’s a breakdown of the possibilities, including potential companies and average salaries:

Category	Opportunities	Potential Companies/Sectors	Average Salary (EUR/Year)
Part-Time Work (During Studies)	Retail, hospitality, customer service, tutoring, university jobs	Retail stores, restaurants, bars, call centers, universities	Hourly rate (minimum wage or higher)
Internships (During Studies)	Paid/unpaid internships in various sectors	Multinational companies, startups, research institutions	Variable (paid or unpaid)
Post-Graduation (Third Level Graduate Scheme)	Full-time positions in high-demand sectors	Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Intel, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Deloitte, Accenture, Irish Startups	30,000 – 60,000+ (Varies by sector and experience)
Technology (ICT)	Software development, data analytics, cybersecurity	Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Irish Tech Startups	30,000 – 45,000+ (Entry Level)
Pharmaceuticals	Research, manufacturing, quality control	Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, other pharmaceutical companies	35,000 – 60,000+
Finance	Accounting, financial analysis, banking	Deloitte, Accenture, banks, financial institutions	30,000 – 55,000+
Engineering	Software, mechanical, electrical, chemical	Intel, engineering firms, tech companies	35,000 – 50,000+

Also Read: Highest Paying Jobs in Ireland

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Many Indian students dream of pursuing higher education in Ireland due to the exposure and career growth it offers. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.