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Key Summary
- Ireland is not a low-fee country for international students. Non-EU students always pay full tuition, even at public universities, and fees vary sharply by course and university.
- Course choice matters more than university name. High-demand programs like medicine, data science, engineering, and business can cost double what arts or social science degrees do.
- Postgraduate degrees are shorter but more expensive per year. Most master’s programs cost more annually because they are one-year, career-focused, and industry-driven.
Ireland looks affordable in the brochures. Then the offer letter arrives, and the fee section quietly kills the vibe. Ireland Fees 2025-2026 is rarely explained in a way that truly helps international students plan. You pay full tuition, fees change sharply by course, and popular degrees often cost much more than expected. One wrong assumption can push your entire yearly budget off balance. This blog explains the Ireland Fees 2025-2026 exactly as they work. It covers course-wise tuition, university-level patterns, and realistic cost ranges by city that actually matter before you apply.
This Blog Includes:
- How University Fees Work in Ireland for International Students?
- What Is the Average Tuition Fees in Ireland 2025-2026?
- Full-time Undergraduate Course Fees in Ireland
- Full-time Postgraduate Course Fees in Ireland
- Top University-Wise Fee Snapshot in Ireland for International Students
- Courses with the Highest and Lowest Fees in Irish Universities
- City-Wise Tuition Fee Comparison in Ireland
- Additional Mandatory Costs for International Students in Ireland
- FAQs
How University Fees Work in Ireland for International Students?
In Ireland, international students always pay full tuition fees. The government does not subsidise non-EU students, even in public universities. Fees are decided by individual universities. Unlike countries with free or low-cost public education models, Ireland applies tuition fees across the board. This makes understanding fee ranges before applying extremely important.
Private Universities Fee Structure
Private universities and colleges in Ireland rely entirely on tuition fees. Fees are generally higher, especially for postgraduate and specialised courses.
| Degree Level | Course Type | Annual Tuition Fee Range |
| Undergraduate | Business, Management, Arts | EUR 10,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| Undergraduate | IT, Computing, Technology | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 |
| Postgraduate | Business, Finance, Management | EUR 15,000 to EUR 35,000 |
| Postgraduate | Data, IT, Analytics | EUR 14,000 to EUR 28,000 |
| Postgraduate | Specialised Professional Courses | EUR 18,000 to EUR 35,000 |
Public Universities Fee Structure
Public universities in Ireland receive government funding, but this benefit applies mainly to EU students. International students still pay full tuition fees.
| Degree Level | Course Type | Annual Tuition Fee Range |
| Undergraduate | Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences | EUR 9,000 to EUR 15,000 |
| Undergraduate | Engineering, Science | EUR 12,000 to EUR 22,000 |
| Undergraduate | Computer Science, IT | EUR 13,000 to EUR 21,000 |
| Postgraduate | Arts, Humanities | EUR 10,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| Postgraduate | Engineering, Science | EUR 12,000 to EUR 30,000 |
| Postgraduate | Computer Science, Data | EUR 14,000 to EUR 36,000 |
| Postgraduate | Medicine, Healthcare | EUR 30,000 to EUR 55,000 |
What Is the Average Tuition Fees in Ireland 2025-2026?
For international students, average tuition fees in Ireland are best understood by degree level, not by subject. These averages help you benchmark any offer letter against realistic national norms.
Average Undergraduate Tuition Fees in Ireland
Undergraduate tuition fees in Ireland remain comparatively stable across universities, with variation mainly driven by whether the institution is public or private and whether the program includes technical or professional training components.
| Institution Type | Typical Annual Tuition Fee |
| Public Universities | EUR 9,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| Private Universities | EUR 10,000 to EUR 22,000 |
| Technical and Professional UG Programs | EUR 13,000 to EUR 25,000 |
| Diploma and Certificate Programs | EUR 6,000 to EUR 12,000 |
Average Postgraduate Tuition Fees in Ireland
Postgraduate programs in Ireland are shorter and career-focused, which pushes fees higher for international students. Master’s programs, doctoral pathways, and advanced diplomas all follow different pricing bands.
| Degree Type | Typical Annual Tuition Fee |
| Master’s Programs at Public Universities | EUR 10,000 to EUR 30,000 |
| Master’s Programs at Private Universities | EUR 12,000 to EUR 35,000 |
| Business and Technology-Focused PG Programs | EUR 15,000 to EUR 36,000 |
| Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates | EUR 8,000 to EUR 20,000 |
| PhD Programs | EUR 6,000 to EUR 18,000 |
Full-time Undergraduate Course Fees in Ireland
Undergraduate tuition fees in Ireland for international students vary mainly by discipline and delivery cost. Technical, medical, and professional programs sit at the higher end, while arts-based degrees remain more affordable. Here is a course-wise breakdown.
Engineering & Technology
Engineering and technology programs involve labs, equipment, and industry-led teaching. This makes them more expensive than general degrees, especially at top public universities.
| Engineering Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Mechanical Engineering | EUR 13,000 to EUR 21,000 |
| Civil Engineering | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | EUR 13,000 to EUR 22,000 |
| Electronics Engineering | EUR 14,000 to EUR 22,000 |
| Mechatronics Engineering | EUR 14,000 to EUR 23,000 |
Computer Science & IT
Computer-focused degrees are among the most in-demand in Ireland due to strong tech hiring. Fees are higher, especially for data and security-focused programs.
| Computer Science Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Computer Science | EUR 14,000 to EUR 21,000 |
| Information Technology | EUR 13,000 to EUR 20,000 |
| Data Science | EUR 15,000 to EUR 22,000 |
| Artificial Intelligence | EUR 16,000 to EUR 23,000 |
| Cybersecurity | EUR 15,000 to EUR 22,000 |
Business & Management
Business programs are widely offered across Ireland and remain popular among international students. Fees depend on reputation, internships, and industry exposure.
| Business Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Business Administration | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 |
| Management Studies | EUR 11,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| Finance | EUR 13,000 to EUR 22,000 |
| Marketing | EUR 11,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| International Business | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 |
Medicine & Healthcare
Healthcare programs are the most expensive undergraduate degrees in Ireland. Costs are high due to clinical training, facilities, and limited seats.
| Healthcare Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Medicine | EUR 45,000 to EUR 55,000 |
| Dentistry | EUR 45,000 to EUR 55,000 |
| Nursing | EUR 18,000 to EUR 25,000 |
| Physiotherapy | EUR 17,000 to EUR 24,000 |
| Pharmacy | EUR 20,000 to EUR 30,000 |
These programs focus on theory, research, and classroom teaching. They are among the most affordable options for international students.
| Arts and Humanities Subject | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| English Literature | EUR 9,000 to EUR 14,000 |
| History | EUR 9,000 to EUR 14,000 |
| Sociology | EUR 10,000 to EUR 15,000 |
| Psychology | EUR 10,000 to EUR 16,000 |
| Political Science | EUR 10,000 to EUR 15,000 |
Law
Law degrees in Ireland are academically intensive and professionally regulated. Fees are higher than arts courses but lower than medicine.
| Law Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Bachelor of Laws | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 |
| Corporate Law | EUR 13,000 to EUR 22,000 |
| International Law | EUR 13,000 to EUR 21,000 |
| Business Law | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 |
| Criminal Law | EUR 12,000 to EUR 19,000 |
Creative Arts, Design & Architecture
Creative programs include studio work, materials, and project-based assessment. Some additional material costs may apply beyond tuition.
| Creative Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Graphic Design | EUR 11,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| Fashion Design | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 |
| Interior Design | EUR 12,000 to EUR 19,000 |
| Architecture | EUR 15,000 to EUR 25,000 |
| Animation | EUR 13,000 to EUR 22,000 |
Science
Science programs sit between arts and engineering in cost. Lab-based sciences usually cost more than theory-heavy ones.
| Science Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Biology | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 |
| Chemistry | EUR 13,000 to EUR 21,000 |
| Physics | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 |
| Environmental Science | EUR 11,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| Biotechnology | EUR 14,000 to EUR 22,000 |
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Full-time Postgraduate Course Fees in Ireland
Postgraduate programs in Ireland are more specialised and career-focused, which pushes tuition fees higher than undergraduate degrees. Most master’s courses run for one year, so universities price them aggressively based on job demand, industry links, and teaching intensity.
Engineering & Technology
Postgraduate engineering programs focus on advanced technical skills, research projects, and industry collaboration. Fees rise due to lab use, software access, and smaller class sizes.
| Engineering Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Mechanical Engineering | EUR 14,000 to EUR 28,000 |
| Civil Engineering | EUR 13,000 to EUR 26,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | EUR 14,000 to EUR 30,000 |
| Electronics Engineering | EUR 15,000 to EUR 30,000 |
| Mechatronics Engineering | EUR 15,000 to EUR 32,000 |
Computer Science & IT
Computer science and IT master’s programs are among the most expensive in Ireland due to strong global demand and tech hiring. Data-heavy and security-focused programs cost more.
| Computer Science Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Computer Science | EUR 15,000 to EUR 30,000 |
| Information Technology | EUR 14,000 to EUR 28,000 |
| Data Science | EUR 18,000 to EUR 35,000 |
| Artificial Intelligence | EUR 18,000 to EUR 36,000 |
| Cybersecurity | EUR 17,000 to EUR 34,000 |
Business & Management
Business and management master’s programs focus on leadership, strategy, and employability. Fees depend heavily on ranking, internships, and corporate exposure.
| Business Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Management | EUR 14,000 to EUR 28,000 |
| Finance | EUR 16,000 to EUR 32,000 |
| Marketing | EUR 14,000 to EUR 26,000 |
| International Business | EUR 15,000 to EUR 30,000 |
| MBA | EUR 25,000 to EUR 40,000 |
Medicine & Healthcare
Healthcare master’s programs involve clinical training, regulation, and limited seats. These are among the highest-cost postgraduate degrees in Ireland.
| Healthcare Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Public Health | EUR 18,000 to EUR 30,000 |
| Nursing | EUR 18,000 to EUR 25,000 |
| Pharmacy | EUR 20,000 to EUR 35,000 |
| Physiotherapy | EUR 18,000 to EUR 28,000 |
| Clinical Research | EUR 22,000 to EUR 40,000 |
These programs focus on theory, research, and academic writing. Fees remain lower compared to technical and professional courses.
| Arts and Humanities Subject | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| English Literature | EUR 10,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| History | EUR 10,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| Sociology | EUR 11,000 to EUR 19,000 |
| Psychology | EUR 12,000 to EUR 22,000 |
| International Relations | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 |
Law
Postgraduate law programs are academically intensive and professionally valuable. Fees vary based on specialisation and university ranking.
| Law Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Master of Laws | EUR 13,000 to EUR 25,000 |
| International Law | EUR 14,000 to EUR 28,000 |
| Corporate Law | EUR 15,000 to EUR 30,000 |
| Human Rights Law | EUR 13,000 to EUR 26,000 |
| Intellectual Property Law | EUR 15,000 to EUR 32,000 |
Creative Arts, Design & Architecture
Creative master’s programs involve studio work, project evaluation, and portfolio development. Extra material costs may apply.
| Creative Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Graphic Design | EUR 12,000 to EUR 22,000 |
| Fashion Design | EUR 13,000 to EUR 24,000 |
| Interior Design | EUR 13,000 to EUR 23,000 |
| Architecture | EUR 16,000 to EUR 30,000 |
| Animation | EUR 14,000 to EUR 28,000 |
Science
Science master’s programs include lab work, research projects, and technical training. Fees increase for lab-intensive disciplines.
| Science Specialisation | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Biology | EUR 14,000 to EUR 25,000 |
| Chemistry | EUR 15,000 to EUR 28,000 |
| Physics | EUR 14,000 to EUR 25,000 |
| Environmental Science | EUR 13,000 to EUR 22,000 |
| Biotechnology | EUR 16,000 to EUR 30,000 |
Top University-Wise Fee Snapshot in Ireland for International Students
Let’s look at average tuition fees for international students at 10 well-known Irish universities. These figures are based on typical ranges for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programs in 2025-2026.
| University | Average UG Tuition Fees per year | Average PG Tuition Fees per year |
| Trinity College Dublin | EUR 22,000 to EUR 29,500 | EUR 24,000 to EUR 32,000 |
| University College Dublin | EUR 22,000 to EUR 29,000 | EUR 23,000 to EUR 31,000 |
| University of Galway | EUR 19,000 to EUR 28,000 | EUR 20,000 to EUR 30,000 |
| University College Cork | EUR 18,000 to EUR 27,000 | EUR 19,000 to EUR 28,000 |
| Dublin City University | EUR 16,000 to EUR 18,000 | EUR 17,000 to EUR 26,000 |
| University of Limerick | EUR 17,000 to EUR 23,000 | EUR 18,000 to EUR 26,000 |
| Maynooth University | EUR 16,500 to EUR 20,000 | EUR 14,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| National College of Ireland | EUR 11,000 to EUR 15,000 | EUR 12,000 to EUR 16,500 |
| Technological University Dublin | EUR 11,000 to EUR 21,000 | EUR 12,000 to EUR 21,000 |
| Dublin Business School | EUR 9,000 to EUR 13,000 | EUR 9,000 to EUR 15,000 |
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Courses with the Highest and Lowest Fees in Irish Universities
In Ireland, tuition fees vary widely by the level, demand, and resource intensity of the program. Some courses involve labs, professional training, or long durations, which pushes fees high. Other courses are less resource-heavy and remain relatively affordable. Below are the top expensive and most affordable courses for international students in Ireland.
Top Courses with the Highest Fees in Ireland
High-cost programs usually involve clinical training, professional accreditation, or high resource use. These degrees often sell higher because they lead to regulated careers or strong industry demand.
| Course | Typical Annual Tuition Fee |
| Medicine | EUR 45,000 to EUR 55,000 |
| Dentistry | EUR 45,000 to EUR 55,000 |
| Pharmacy | EUR 20,000 to EUR 35,000 |
| Engineering (Advanced Streams) | EUR 22,000 to EUR 30,000 |
| Computer Science & Data Science (High Demand) | EUR 22,000 to EUR 36,000 |
Top Courses with the Lowest Tuition Fees in Ireland
Some courses require fewer specialised resources and attract lower tuition fees for international students. These are often found within the humanities and social sciences, or at certain institutions.
| Course | Typical Annual Tuition Fee |
| Arts & Humanities | EUR 9,000 to EUR 16,000 |
| Social Sciences | EUR 10,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| Education & Philosophy | EUR 9,000 to EUR 15,000 |
| Business Foundation Streams (Entry Level) | EUR 10,000 to EUR 18,000 |
| Applied Technology | EUR 10,000 to EUR 18,000 |
City-Wise Tuition Fee Comparison in Ireland
Tuition fees do not strictly change by city, but location strongly affects overall cost because living expenses vary widely between Irish cities. International students should budget not just for tuition but also for accommodation, food, and transport, which can be significantly different from one city to another.
| City | Typical Undergrad Tuition Fee Range | Typical Postgrad Tuition Fee Range |
| Dublin | EUR 18,000 to EUR 29,000 | EUR 20,000 to EUR 32,000 |
| Cork | EUR 16,000 to EUR 27,000 | EUR 18,000 to EUR 28,000 |
| Galway | EUR 15,000 to EUR 26,000 | EUR 17,000 to EUR 28,000 |
| Limerick | EUR 14,000 to EUR 25,000 | EUR 16,000 to EUR 27,000 |
| Maynooth | EUR 14,000 to EUR 22,000 | EUR 15,000 to EUR 25,000 |
| Waterford | EUR 13,000 to EUR 23,000 | EUR 15,000 to EUR 26,000 |
| Dundalk | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 | EUR 14,000 to EUR 23,000 |
| Letterkenny | EUR 12,000 to EUR 19,000 | EUR 14,000 to EUR 22,000 |
| Sligo | EUR 12,000 to EUR 19,000 | EUR 14,000 to EUR 23,000 |
| Carlow | EUR 12,000 to EUR 20,000 | EUR 14,000 to EUR 24,000 |
Additional Mandatory Costs for International Students in Ireland
International students must also budget for additional mandatory expenses, which can significantly increase the total yearly cost. These costs include student contributions, health insurance, visa fees, and administrative charges. Ignoring them can quickly disrupt your budget.
| Expense Type | Typical Cost per year |
| Student Contribution/Student Services Fee | EUR 150 to EUR 400 |
| Health Insurance | EUR 300 to EUR 1,200 |
| Visa/Residence Permit Fee | EUR 300 to EUR 500 |
| Books and Study Materials | EUR 500 to EUR 1,000 |
| Accommodation Deposit | EUR 500 to EUR 1,500 |
| Local Transport & Miscellaneous | EUR 1,000 to EUR 2,000 |
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FAQs
Ans: There is no official indication that Ireland will reduce tuition fees for international students in 2026. Irish universities set fees independently, and most trends point toward stable or slightly higher fees due to inflation and funding pressures. Any reduction is unlikely without a major policy shift, which has not been announced.
Ans: In 2025, international undergraduate fees in Ireland usually range from EUR 9,000 to EUR 25,000 per year, depending on the course. Master’s programs typically cost between EUR 10,000 and EUR 35,000 annually. High-demand fields like business, data science, and healthcare sit at the upper end.
Ans: It can be worth it if you choose the right course with strong job outcomes. Ireland offers post-study work options and access to EU-based tech and pharma employers. However, high tuition and living costs mean the return on investment depends heavily on employability, not just the degree name.
Ans: Fully funded or 100 per cent scholarships in Ireland are rare for international students. Most scholarships offer partial tuition waivers or fixed grants rather than full coverage. Competitive awards like Government of Ireland Scholarships exist, but they have limited seats and strict academic criteria.
Ans: Beyond tuition, students must budget for living expenses, health insurance, visa fees, and mandatory student charges. Dublin is especially expensive compared to other cities. Ignoring these costs often causes financial stress, even when tuition looks manageable on paper.
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This was everything you needed to understand Ireland Fees 2025–2026. Now you know how tuition fees work for international students in Ireland, how costs change by course and degree level, and which numbers actually matter before you apply. Keep learning and stay connected with the Study Abroad Page on Leverage Edu for more clear, student-first guides. And if this helped you, don’t forget to share, rate, and drop a comment. Your support helps more students find the good stuff.
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