Best Universities in Ireland

If you want to study abroad in a country that has vibrant city life and scenic views then, studying in Ireland is the best option for you. Irish colleges are no less than other top universities around the globe. From short-term certificate courses to doctoral programs, they provide all kinds of degrees in multiple specialisations. Some of the educational reforms of the country are a 1-year post-study visa on completion of a bachelor’s degree, 2-year work visa on completion of a master’s degree, a 1-year unique master’s program, etc. Studying at the best universities in Ireland can uplift your career in multitudinous ways. Have a look at the best ones given in this blog.

Why Study in Ireland?

There are numerous reasons to study at public universities in Ireland. Ireland is known to be a safe and friendly country. It has been ranked 3rd in the 2023 Global Peace Index. Their hospitable nature, together with an unrivalled sense of fun, guarantees an unforgettable experience.

• English-Speaking Country: Ireland is an English-speaking country. Therefore, a student well versed in the English language will not face any issues in getting assimilated into this country.
• Quality Education: Public universities in Ireland are recognized widely for excellent academic qualifications. A wide range of courses is offered to students from every field of study. These include highly respected business schools, centres of scientific and technology excellence as well as renowned language, humanities and arts faculties.
• Affordability: Moreover, the government of Ireland has invested immensely in building staggering standards in Higher Education. This is visible in the academic infrastructure boasted by the country’s Public Universities. Besides that, the government of Ireland has established undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships of 1,500,000 Euros for Indian students. Each year the ‘Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships 2021’ project awards up to 60 scholarships for a year of Bachelor or Masters level education to the eligible international candidates.
• Work Permits: With the current currency rate, studying abroad can potentially burn a hole in the students’ pockets. Keeping that in mind, European countries like Ireland offer work permits to international students, also known as green cards. Moreover, many universities offer internships to international students to help them gain hands-on experience in their respective fields. The Irish government also grants loans and scholarships to financially support international students.
• Global Business Leaders: Ireland hosts numerous leading global companies, including Google, Facebook, Pfizer, and Apple, to name a few. Students have the opportunity to take advantage of such a vibrant business environment and score awesome internships and training while studying abroad.

Intakes for Public University in Ireland

Irish universities have two major cycles of intake:

• Autumn (Semester 1)- Early September- December
• Spring (Semester 2)- Late January to May

7 Best Universities in Ireland

University College Dublin

Located in the Irish capital, the University College of Dublin belongs to the Catholic University of Ireland which was founded in the year 1854. The university has secured a position in various esteemed global ranking platforms across the world. There are 34 Schools, 5 Colleges and 18 research institutions offering a variety of graduate, postgraduate and diploma courses. Approx to 34,000 students become a part of the university, every year. With its diverse range of courses, it seems to be a great option for international students. 

Trinity College Dublin 

Rooted in 1592, Trinity College of Dublin is regarded as one of the oldest Universities in Ireland as it was founded in 1592. On average 17,000 students are admitted to this college yearly. The college has Ireland’s second-largest library to help learners clear doubts at any time. The university was ranked 108 by the QS World University Ranking 2020. Different courses are provided to students ranging from certificate to doctorate level. A healthy and liberal environment is maintained and enjoyed at the campus. 

National University of Ireland

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The university was founded in the year 1845 with the name of Queen’s College Galway. NUI aims to serve the interests of the enrolled candidates by offering them a huge variety of courses. To attract a diverse range of students from every possible background, the university has a list of scholarships to offer. The university has been awarded a lot many prizes and titles in the past few years. While talking about the best universities in Ireland, one considers NUI as a popular choice. 

University College Cork

The world-renowned University College Cork was established in the year 1845. The university provides a full range of career-oriented programs to students across the globe. The institution was originally named Queen’s College. Like the other best universities in Ireland, the University College of Cork has its basket full of courses offering a large set of bachelor, master, and doctorate level courses. Yearly around 20,000 students enroll with the university. 

Also Read: Know All About MBA in Ireland 

University of Limerick

Situated by the peaceful river Shannon, the University of Limerick is globally recognized for its prestigious courses works and programs. The university has been allotted a 5-star rating for graduate employability, teaching, engagement, innovation, and knowledge transfer by the QS Stars. UL is an esteemed enterprising university with around 12,000 students enrolled in around 70 degree courses. 

Maynooth University

Marking its place as one of the best universities in Ireland, Maynooth University can be recognized as the nation’s fastest-growing educational institute. It was founded in the year 1997 and since then it has been delivering the best to students. The university offers an array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. It can be considered a modern institution rapidly spreading its roots in the country with every passing year.  

Dublin Institute of Technology

This institution is Ireland’s first technical university which is globally recognized and has a set of diverse courses to offer to international students. Because being the first of its kind the institute has always been a hotspot for students willing to pursue a degree in Engineering and other related fields. DIT is a leading choice among other colleges in Ireland for Science and Tech courses.

Top Courses Offered by Universities in Ireland

Universities in Ireland provide advanced courses to international students just like any other anglophone country. These programs help students in getting exclusive job opportunities along with a scope for personal development. The given below table will provide you with more details about these institutions.

Institutions	Location	Courses Offered
University College of Dublin	Belfield	Veterinary Science, Nursing, Library, and Information Management
Trinity College Dublin	College Green	Physical Science, Mathematics, Statistics
National University of Ireland	Galway	Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Business Analytics
University College Cork	Cork	Actuarial Science, Chemistry, Computer Science
University of Limerick	Limerick	MBA, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering
Maynooth University	Maynooth, Co. Kildare	Accounting, Anthropology, Astrophysics
Dublin Institute of Technology	Portobello	Banking and Finance, Applied Accounting

Also Read: MS in Ireland: A complete Guide

Best Public Universities in Ireland

Here is a complete list of the top public colleges in Ireland.

• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Dublin Dublin
• University College Cork Cork
• Dublin City University Dublin
• University of Limerick Limerick
• National University of Ireland, Galway Galway
• Technological University Dublin Dublin …
• Maynooth University Maynooth
• Cork Institute of Technology Bishopstown
• Waterford Institute of Technology Waterford
• Institute of Technology Sligo Sligo
• Dundalk Institute of Technology Dundalk
• Athlone Institute of Technology Athlone
• Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology Galway
• Limerick Institute of Technology

Popular Courses Offered by Public Universities in Ireland

As suggested by the list of top Public colleges in Ireland, the country boasts a plethora of technical and business-related courses. Following is the list of some popular courses offered by Irish Universities:

• Business Analytics 
• Big Data
• Investment Banking and Finance 
• Aviation/Aeronautics Management
• Data Analytics
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Cloud Computing
• Digital Marketing
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence

Best Affordable Universities in Ireland

Here is the list of the best affordable universities in Ireland, which also have a great reputation in Ireland: 

Affordable University	Average Tuition Fees
University College Cork	6500 EUR/year (INR 5,50,421)
St. Patrick’s College	4500 EUR/year (INR 3,81,061)
University of Limerick	7000 EUR/year (INR 5,92,761
Cork Institute of Technology	3500 EUR/year (INR 2,96,380)

Application Process for Universities in Ireland

It is advisable to keep in mind that you fulfil all the eligibility criteria, including language proficiency and other qualifying examinations while choosing the intake session.

Usually, foreign universities require proof of proficiency in the English language in the form of exams like IELTS, etc. However, if your Undergraduate coursework was entirely taught in the English language, some universities accept that as proof of English language proficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to go through the language requirement section on the University website very carefully.

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Besides the academic and language requirements, international students are also encouraged to pay attention to the Visa requirements of the country that they have chosen to study in. Ireland, like many of the non-EU countries, demands that international students have a visa to come and study in Ireland. Here, the student immigration process is divided into two categories based on whether you are applying for a degree programme offered by a higher education institution or you intend to pursue an English-language or non-degree course.

Documents Required

• Language proficiency scores
• Attested photocopies of the mark sheet from the previous institution
• At least two academic reference letters from the teachers who have taught you recently
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• A brief up-to-date resume
• Four extra certificates of extra-curricular activities
• If you’re applying for any arts & design programs, you must submit your portfolio
• Student Visa Copy

Cost of Studying in Ireland

Ireland is among the most affordable destinations in the world. Before planning your trip, it is important to know the average tuition fees, visa requirements, and accommodation. Here’s the average cost of studying in Ireland for international students:

Tuition Cost	Average Expenses
UG Courses	€9,850- €2,250 (INR 9,00,000- 22,00,000)
PG Courses	€9,950- €35,000 (INR 9,00,000- 31,00,000) per year
Student Visa	€60 (INR 5,280)
Flight Cost	INR 40,000-50,000 [one-way]
English Language Course	€150- €950 (INR 13,000- 80,000)

FAQs

If you wish to get admission to the best universities in Ireland then consult Leverage Edu experts to know about the application process. Our AI tool will help you pick a well-suited course and university as per your interest.