Master’s Degree in Ireland for Indian and International Students for 2026-27

Ireland has firmly established itself as a premier destination for a Master’s degree for Indian and international students for the 2026-2027 academic year, offering world-class education with a compelling return on investment. Specializations highly sought after include Computer Science, Engineering, and Business & Finance. The top-tier universities, such as Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), and the University of Galway, consistently feature in global rankings, providing a globally recognised qualification. The average annual tuition fees for non-EU Master’s students typically range from EUR 10,000 to EUR 35,000, with the final cost depending on the university and program. The major benefits include a two-year Post-Study Work Visa (Third Level Graduate Scheme), a booming job market driven by the presence of over 1,000 multinational companies, and a safe, welcoming, English-speaking environment.

In this blog, we provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the 2026-2027 admissions cycle, detailing popular specializations, ranking the top universities, breaking down the average fee structure, and highlighting the significant career and immigration benefits that make Ireland an exceptional choice for your postgraduate studies.

Why Study Master’s in Ireland?

Ireland, often called the “Emerald Isle,” is an increasingly attractive destination for non-EU Master’s students, particularly those from India, due to a blend of academic excellence, economic opportunity, and a welcoming culture.

• Two-Year Post-Study Work Visa (Stamp 1G): This is the biggest draw. Graduates of a Master’s (Level 9) degree are granted a 24-month stay-back visa to live and seek employment in Ireland. 
• Gateway to Long-Term Residency: After securing a graduate job, students can transition to an Employment Permit (Critical Skills or General), providing a clear and attainable path toward Stamp 4 (long-term residency) and eventual citizenship.
• Global Corporate Hub: Ireland is the European headquarters for over 1,000 leading multinational companies, including Google, Apple, Meta, Pfizer, Amazon, and Intel.
• Globally Recognised Degrees: Universities like Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), and the University of Galway are internationally ranked and known for their research output and industry-focused curriculum.
• In-Demand Specializations: Irish institutions excel in the fields most relevant to the modern global economy: Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, FinTech, and Biotechnology.
• English-Speaking Environment: As the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone, Ireland offers a seamless transition for Indian students and others proficient in English, eliminating the language barrier often found in other European study destinations.
• Safe and Friendly Culture: Ireland consistently ranks highly on the Global Peace Index and is renowned for its hospitable, friendly people, making it easy for international students to integrate and feel at home.
• Work-Study Balance: Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during term-time and 40 hours per week during standard holiday periods, helping to offset living expenses and gain valuable local work experience.

List of Top Universities for Master’s Degree in Ireland

Ireland is home to several globally ranked institutions, particularly strong in fields linked to the massive presence of multinational corporations (MNCs) in Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Here are some of the most important universities for master’s in Ireland with their important details:

University Name	QS World Ranking (2026)	Popular Master’s Programs	Estimated Annual International Tuition (EUR/GBP)
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)	75	Law, Business, Engineering, Arts, Biomedical Sciences	EUR 18,000 – EUR 35,000
University College Dublin (UCD)	118	Business (Smurfit School), Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture	EUR 19,000 – EUR 38,000
University College Cork (UCC)	246	Law, Business, Medicine, Engineering, Food Science	EUR 12,000 – EUR 25,000
University of Galway	284	Nursing, Performing Arts, Law, Computer Science, Health Sciences	Generally in the range of UCC/UL
Dublin City University (DCU)	410	Engineering, Computing, Business, Science (Industry-linked)	EUR 13,000 – EUR 20,000
University of Limerick (UL)	401	Engineering, Business, Sports Science, Education, Aviation	EUR 12,000 – EUR 22,000
Queen’s University Belfast (QUB)	199	Business Analytics, Finance, Applied Cyber Security, Law, Medicine	GBP 19,100 – GBP 24,300+
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)	781-790	Engineering, Technology, Business, Creative Arts, Computer Science	EUR 10,000 – EUR 21,750+

Also Read: Study in Ireland for Free : List of Scholarships in Irealnd

Admission Process for Master’s in Ireland

The master’s admission process for Indian and international students in Ireland for the 2026-2027 academic year (primarily the September 2026 intake) involves three main phases: research and preparation, the university application, and the visa process.

• Begin researching programs and universities (TCD, UCD, UCC, etc.) and prepare for the English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL).
• Secure the required language score, typically IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0/6.5 for competitive courses).
• Most applications open in November 2025. Apply immediately for top universities as admission is on a rolling basis and places fill quickly.
• Prepare and upload all necessary documents: Academic Transcripts, Degree Certificate, updated CV/Resume, 2 Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• Receive a conditional or unconditional offer. To accept, pay the non-refundable deposit (typically EUR 500–EUR 1,000).
• Pay the mandatory first installment of your tuition fee (often 50% of the total) to receive the final Unconditional Letter of Acceptance (LOA), which is essential for the visa.
• Secure proof of funds showing immediate and ready access to €10,000 for living expenses, in addition to the paid tuition fee.
• Apply for the “D Study” Long-Stay Visa online via the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) portal.
• As an Indian national, book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global centre to submit physical documents and provide your biometrics.
• Upon arrival in Ireland, you must register with immigration authorities (GNIB) within 90 days to receive your Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

Cost of Studying Master’s in Ireland

The cost of a Master’s degree in Ireland for Indian and other international students is primarily divided into two categories: Tuition Fees and Living Expenses.

Based on current trends and the 2026/2027 academic year projections, here is a detailed breakdown of the expected costs (in Euros and approximate Indian Rupees):

I. Master’s Tuition Fees (International/Non-EU Students)

Tuition fees are the largest expense and vary significantly based on the university and the specific program (STEM, Business, Humanities, etc.).

Program Type	Average Annual Range (EUR)	Approximate Annual Range (INR)
STEM/Engineering/IT	EUR 15,000 to EUR 25,000	INR 13.5 Lakhs to INR 22.5 Lakhs
Business/Management (MSc/MBA)	EUR 18,000 to EUR 35,000+	INR 16.2 Lakhs to INR 31.5 Lakhs+
Arts/Humanities/Social Science	EUR 12,000 to EUR 18,000	INR 10.8 Lakhs to INR 16.2 Lakhs
General Average Range	EUR 12,000 to EUR 25,000	INR 10.8 Lakhs to INR 22.5 Lakhs

Cost of Living in Ireland

The Irish Immigration Service requires students to show proof of funds for living expenses. The largest variable is the city and the choice of accommodation.

A. Mandatory/Visa Requirement

Expense	Requirement (EUR)	Approximate (INR)
Proof of Funds	EUR 10,000	INR 9.0 Lakhs

B. Estimated Annual Living Expenses

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (EUR)	Annual Cost (EUR)	Approximate Annual Cost (INR)
Accommodation (Shared/Student Housing)	EUR 700 – EUR 1,200	EUR 8,400 – EUR 14,400	INR 7.5 Lakhs – INR 13 Lakhs
Food & Groceries	EUR 250 – EUR 400	EUR 3,000 – EUR 4,800	INR 2.7 Lakhs – INR 4.3 Lakhs
Utilities (Electricity, Internet, Heating)	EUR 80 – EUR 150	EUR 960 – EUR 1,800	INR 86,000 – INR 1.6 Lakhs
Local Transportation (Leap Card)	EUR 50 – EUR 100	EUR 600 – EUR 1,200	INR 54,000 – INR 1.08 Lakhs
Personal/Miscellaneous (Books, Social)	EUR 100 – EUR 250	EUR 1,200 – EUR 3,000	INR 1.08 Lakhs – INR 2.7 Lakhs
Total Estimated Living	EUR 1,180 – EUR 2,100	EUR 14,160 – EUR 25,200	INR 12.7 Lakhs – INR 22.7 Lakhs

Also Read: How to Get PR in Ireland After Study? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Scholarships to Study Masters in Ireland

Applying for scholarships is highly recommended for Indian and other international students to offset the high cost of a Master’s degree in Ireland. Scholarships are generally categorized into three types: Government, University-Specific, and External/Discipline-Specific.

Here is a table summarizing the most prominent scholarships for Master’s students, including their coverage and eligibility.

I. Government & Research-Council Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Coverage/Value	Eligibility
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)	EUR 10,000 stipend for one academic year for living expenses PLUS a full tuition fee waiver (covering the full cost of tuition and registration fees).	Open to non-EU/EEA students (including India). Must have a conditional or final offer for a 1-year Taught Master’s or the first year of a PhD at an approved Irish Higher Education Institution. Highly competitive and merit-based (academic excellence, leadership potential).
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (GOIPG)	Annual stipend of EUR 19,000 (for living expenses) PLUS a contribution to fees up to EUR 5,750 per annum.	Primarily for Research Master’s (2 years) and Doctoral degrees. Open to all nationalities. Must be applying for a full-time research program in any discipline at an eligible Irish Research Body. Requires a high-class Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
The Walsh Fellowship	Varies, but typically includes a competitive annual stipend (e.g., ~USD 24,000 to EUR 31,000) for living expenses.	Specifically for students undertaking research projects related to food, crops, and agriculture through Teagasc (The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority).

II. University-Specific Scholarships

Most Irish universities offer their own scholarship programs, which are typically partial tuition fee waivers based on academic merit.

Scholarship Name	University	Coverage/Value	Eligibility
Global Excellence Scholarships	University College Dublin (UCD)	50% to 100% tuition fee waiver.	Open to non-EU students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. Applicants are often considered automatically upon application for a Master’s program.
Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship	Trinity College Dublin (TCD)	EUR 2,000 to EUR 5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.	Available for high-achieving non-EU students across all faculties. Selection is highly competitive and based on academic merit.
Global Achievement Scholarship	University of Galway	EUR 2,000 to EUR 4,000 tuition fee reduction.	Offered to non-EU students for Master’s programs. Awarded based on academic results and application strength. Some scholarships are country-specific (e.g., for Indian students).
DCU International Merit Scholarships	Dublin City University (DCU)	EUR 2,000 to EUR 4,000 tuition fee reduction.	Merit-based scholarship for international Master’s applicants with strong academic records. Automatically considered on application.
Maynooth University Scholarships	Maynooth University	EUR 1,000 to EUR 5,000 tuition fee reduction or higher, depending on the school/program.	Various scholarships are available for Master’s programs across different departments (e.g., Business, Humanities).
UCC International Scholarships	University College Cork (UCC)	Up to EUR 5,000 tuition fee reduction.	Awarded across various colleges (e.g., Science, Engineering, Business) based on academic excellence. Often automatically considered.

III. Country/Discipline Specific Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Focus/Discipline	Coverage/Value	Eligibility
Fulbright Scholarships	Academic & Cultural Exchange	Stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance, often providing a full or near-full-funded experience.	Highly prestigious program for outstanding Indian citizens to pursue Master’s research/study in a variety of fields. Requires a compelling study/research proposal.
Jim Kemmy India Scholarship	Business Programs	Partial tuition fee reduction.	Specifically for students from India enrolling in postgraduate business programs at the University of Limerick (UL).
Centenary Scholarship Program	Varies	Up to 50% tuition fee waiver.	Historically offered to Indian Master’s students by institutions like the Dublin Institute of Technology (now part of Technological University Dublin, TU Dublin). Check current offerings.
Erasmus+ Programme	EU Master’s Joint Degrees	Full funding (tuition, travel, and a monthly stipend) for the program duration.	For students enrolling in a specific Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree program that involves study at Irish institutions. Open to students from all non-EU countries.

Job Opportunities After Masters Degree in Ireland

Job opportunities in Ireland for Indian and international students after a Master’s degree are strong, particularly in high-demand sectors like Technology, Pharmaceuticals, and Finance. Ireland offers a Third Level Graduate Scheme, allowing non-EU students who have completed an eligible Master’s degree to stay in the country for up to 24 months to seek employment.

Sector	Top In-Demand Roles	Top Recruiting Companies	Average Starting Salary (EUR)	Post-Study Work Visa
Technology & IT	Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, AI/ML Specialist, IT Consultant	Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Dell, Salesforce, Accenture	EUR 45,000 – EUR 70,000+	Third Level Graduate Scheme provides a 24-month stay-back visa (Stamp 1G) to seek employment after a Level 9 Master’s degree.
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences	Quality Assurance/Control Analyst, Bioprocess Engineer, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Clinical Research Associate	Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Novartis, Boston Scientific	EUR 40,000 – EUR 65,000	Most roles in this sector qualify for the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which is the pathway to long-term residency.
Finance & Accounting	Financial Analyst, Risk Manager, Business Analyst, Investment Banker, Management Consultant	Citi, JP Morgan, Bank of America, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, BNY Mellon	EUR 40,000 – EUR 60,000	Ireland’s status as a major financial services hub ensures continuous demand, particularly in Dublin’s IFSC.
Engineering	Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Renewable Energy Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Project Manager (Construction/IT)	Intel, Jacobs Engineering, Arup, Sisk Group, ESB, Large Tech & Pharma MNCs	EUR 40,000 – EUR 65,000	Roles often align with the Critical Skills list due to continuous infrastructure and industrial development needs.
Business & Operations	Supply Chain Manager, HR Specialist, Digital Marketing Analyst, Operations Manager, Management Consultant	Amazon, LinkedIn, HubSpot, Unilever, Kerry Group, Dell, Tech & Pharma MNCs	EUR 35,000 – EUR 55,000	Graduates with degrees like Master’s in Management (MIM) or MBA find strong opportunities, especially in multinational logistics and sales.

Also Read: Masters Scholarships in Ireland for International Students

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