There are currently over 35,000 international students from over 120 countries studying in Ireland, according to the Irish Universities Association. One of the main reasons that international students choose to study there is that it is a perfect destination for anyone who wants a world-class education. Ireland's universities have a long history of educating students to the highest internationally recognised standards, with all 7 universities ranked in the top 3% of institutions worldwide. Ireland is a great place to study abroad for several reasons, including the standard of teaching and education, the career opportunities, and the enjoyable lifestyle.
The different universities in Ireland
There are seven universities currently in Ireland. Of these, four are in Dublin. These universities are Dublin City University (DCU), Maynooth University, University College Cork (UCC), University College Dublin (UCD), University College Galway, University of Limerick (UL) and Trinity College. Some of the most popular programmes offered at Irish universities include computer science, engineering, business administration, health and medicine, and finance.
Dublin City University (DCU)
Dublin City University (DCU) is ranked as Ireland's leading ‘young' university and in the top 60 young universities worldwide, by The Times Higher Young University. It is also ranked in the top 400 universities in the world, by Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Its three city-centre campuses place students in the very heart of Dublin, where you'll find world-class facilities and great transport links. Students benefit from a variety of facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, performing arts centre, TV and radio production studios, science and engineering labs, and sports pitches.
Some of the most sought after courses at DCU forinternational students include Digital Marketing, Journalism, Investment Management, Computer Science and Cloud Computing.
DCU encourages international students to apply as soon as they can, as it makes the application process easier. There are general and specific application requirements for different courses and programmes.
Maynooth University
Maynooth University is located 25km from Dublin. It is an internationally esteemed young university with a rich heritage. Two Nobel Peace Prize winners have been among the university's alumni and staff. Twenty-three per cent of the student population is international, according to the college. The university is based in the centre of the only university town in Ireland, Maynooth. The campus is spread over a spacious area with rural surroundings. It's home to grand, historical buildings as well as modern teaching facilities, and sports facilities, including a fitness centre, sports halls, snooker hall, gym, and natural turf playing fields.
Historically known for the study of theology and related subjects, Maynooth now offers a wide range of internationally recognised degrees in the areas of arts, science, business, finance, computer science, education, social sciences, and law.
The entry requirements to study here vary depending on your chosen course and home country. Full details can be viewed on their website, including specific information by country of the academic requirements expected.
University College Cork (UCC)
University College Cork (UCC) has an excellent reputation, catering for 4,000 international students from over 104 countries. The campuses sit across 210 acres, which includes several sports pitches. It is rated in the top 2% of universities worldwide and has also been ranked the number one university in Ireland for student experience.
The Department of English at UCC welcomes a large number of international students to its courses every year, and it also offers courses on Irish literature designed especially with international students in mind.
International applicants will be required to have qualifications that are equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate, and applications are made on a case-by-case basis. For international students whose first language is not English, proficiency will also need to be demonstrated.
University College Dublin (UCD)
University College Dublin (UCD) is located in the bustling capital city of Dublin. It is one of Ireland's largest, most research-intensive universities and is also one of the most diverse, with more than 10,000 international students from more than 150 different countries. It is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and is highly regarded by employers, industry, and colleges around the world. This makes it one of the best universities in which to study abroad. It is situated on 133 hectares of beautiful, green parkland – one of the largest urban campuses in Europe. Students live and study in modern, world-class buildings surrounded by beautiful, green parkland, wildlife, and fabulous facilities.
UCD offers a wide range of programmes for international students including Health and Medicine, Physiotherpay, Sports and Performance, and Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science.
University of Limerick (UL)
Known as Ireland's ‘Sporting Campus', University of Limerick (UL) boasts outstanding recreational, cultural and sporting facilities including Ireland's first altitude training centre, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and the National Strength and Conditioning Centre. The university is located on a superb riverside campus of over 133 hectares, just 5km from Limerick city and 20km from Shannon International Airport.
UL has a well-established international programme, and popular courses for international students include Science, Engineering, Education, and Business.
Trinity College (TCD)
Trinity College (TCD) is one of Ireland's oldest and most prestigious universities. Located in a beautiful campus in the heart of Dublin's city centre, Trinity is Ireland's highest-ranked university and is recognised globally as Ireland's leading university. The university is famous for its diverse social life, with almost 170 clubs and societies, including many international groups that celebrate international holidays, share local foods, debate global politics, and strengthen cultural exchange.
Trinity College Dublin offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs across disciplines such as Arts, Humanities, Science, Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences. International students can choose from full-time degree programs, exchange opportunities, and short-term study options.
University of Galway
Galway is a university city. The campus is in the heart of the city centre, with all amenities at its doorstep. The student community is an essential part of Galway life, adding energy and colour to the city. The University of Galway has a rich and varied student life. With over 110 societies and over 50 clubs, students can share their passion for their favourite sports, hobbies and interests with other students.
Among the most prestigious and popular courses at the University of Galway, the Bachelor of Commerce is a three-year undergraduate degree that provides students with a strong foundation in business and management. Another popular programme at the University of Galway is the Master of Science in Environmental Science, a postgraduate degree that gives students an in-depth understanding of the environment and its various components.
Conditions to be met to study in Ireland
While EU students can study in Ireland without getting a visa, that is not the case for students from outside the European Union. A student visa will be needed, and the type depends on how long you are planning to stay in Ireland.
Entry requirements for programmes in Irish universities vary depending on the number of places available, so there is a great deal of competition for more popular programmes. There is a list of documents required from prospective applicants looking to apply for Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs including:
- Academic transcript and Degree Completion Certificate;
- Resume (if applicable);
- IELTS or TOEFL;
- GMAT or GRE tests;
- Personal Statement (academic achievements, qualities, experiences, and motivations for pursuing a specific programme or course of study);
- A letter of recommendation.
International students should apply directly to their chosen university. You should contact the Admissions Office or International Office of the relevant university for information on the application process, as each university has its own application procedures and closing dates.
Tuition fees in Ireland
The tuition fees for universities in Ireland will vary based on the type of degree and university you choose. For EU citizens doing an undergrad, almost all of your fees may be paid by the Higher Education Authority if you meet the right criteria.
For those students outside of the EU, it could cost from €11,000 up to €52,000 for an undergraduate degree. For graduate and postgraduate options, the fees will generally be the same for EU and non-EU citizens. This could range anywhere from €10,000 up to €35,000. Certain universities will have scholarship options for non-Irish students.
Scholarships and funding for international students in Ireland
Here are just some of the most well-known scholarships for international students who want to study in Ireland:
Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
The GOI-IES Programme is a prestigious scholarship offered to high-calibre students from non-EU/EEA countries to come and study in Ireland for a period of up to one year. Applications are welcome from students of all nationalities and fields of study (with the sole exception of medical students). There are 60 places awarded across all Irish Higher Education Institutions each year. The scholarship may be for one year of a full-time Master's (taught or research) or PhD programme.
Students who are successful will receive:
- A €10,000 stipend for one year's study
- A full fee waiver of all tuition and other registration costs at the college
For further information on eligibility, terms and conditions, and how to apply, check out the HEA's (Higher Education Authority) website.
Irish Aid Fellowship Programme
Funded by the Irish government, this prestigious Ireland Fellows Programme offers fully funded fellowships to students from developing countries, enabling them to pursue full-time Master's degrees at leading Irish universities. The programme focuses on courses aligned with Irish Aid's development priorities, equipping future leaders with the knowledge and skills to create meaningful change in their home countries.
George Mitchell Scholarship Programme
This prestigious postgraduate scholarship offers up to twelve Mitchell Scholars – aged 18 to 30 – the opportunity to undertake one year of postgraduate study in any discipline at universities in Ireland.
Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships
Scholarships valued between €2,000 and €5,000 each are applied as a reduction to the tuition fees of a full-time postgraduate programme for the first year of study at Trinity College. This scholarship is assessed based on academic achievement and the applicants' potential to contribute to the overall Trinity Community.
Generation Study Abroad Scholarship
All seven universities offer up to 350 “Generation Study Abroad” scholarships to students from the USA. The scholarship provides financial support to American students looking to study abroad, enabling them to access a world-class education while broadening their global perspective. The scholarships give particular encouragement and support to those students who traditionally would not choose a study abroad option.
MSC Merit-Based Scholarships for non-UCD Students/Graduates
UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School at UCD offers a number of scholarships to academically exceptional students who also have demonstrated leadership and impact achievements. The total value of each of these scholarships is a €2,000 contribution towards tuition fees for a Master's programme. If you are a non-Irish citizen but completed your education at an Irish Higher Educational Institution, you can apply for the scholarship.
Student visa requirements in Ireland
Students who hold an EU/EEA/UK/Swiss passport do not require a visa to study and work in Ireland. Some, but not all, non-EU/EEA students require an entry visa for Ireland. For example, students coming from the United States or Canada do not require a visa to enter Ireland, but students coming from China or India do. Non-EU/EEA/UK/Swiss students who do not require a visa will still be required to register with the Irish Immigration Service upon arrival.
Your visa requirements to study in Ireland will depend on your age and the type of degree you wish to pursue there. The Irish government offers two types of student visas. Depending on the duration of your study, you will either have to apply for a Short Stay C Visa or a long stay D Study Visa before coming to Ireland. If you are staying longer than 90 days, you will also have to register after arriving in Ireland. You should apply for a long-term study visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.
You will be required to submit the following:
- Valid passport or other travel papers;
- Evidence of fee payment to the university;
- Evidence of finance;
- Evidence of enrolment from an Irish university;
- Private medical health insurance;
- Statement affirming your intention to leave Ireland upon visa expiration.
Stay-back visa
Another highly attractive reason for international students to study in Ireland is the stay-back visa option. Graduates wishing to stay on in Ireland after they complete their studies to pursue a career can avail of either one or two year stay-back visas. This allows international students to gain valuable work experience in Ireland across a wide range of industries and organisations. International students may also have the option of remaining in Ireland for a longer period if they are able to secure employment that meets the criteria for a Work Permit.
Working in Ireland as an international student
Ireland offers excellent opportunities for international students to work while studying. The country's student visa allows non-EU students to work part-time up to 20 hours a week during the academic term, and full-time during scheduled breaks from college. This provides valuable work experience and helps cover living expenses for international students studying in Ireland.
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