Study in Ireland

Explore universities and programs in Ireland for international students.

Find programs that match your goals quickly and easily using our advanced search filters

A famous cityscape or landscape of Ireland featuring iconic elements of Ireland's natural beauty or architectural landmarks.

Key facts

  • Currency
    Euro €
  • Student population
    278,880
  • Language
    Irish and English
  • Universities
    34

Why study in Ireland?

Ireland is a great destination in which to study a postgraduate degree. Many Irish universities are highly ranked at world level, and with its European setting and English language, Ireland is a popular destination for international students.

The majority of institutions in Ireland are focused around three green and lively cities: Cork, Galway, and Dublin. Wherever you choose, you’re guaranteed quality education and good social opportunities.

Illustration of famous landmarks and cultural items from Ireland, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Where can you study in Ireland

Ireland is a beautiful country with friendly people and a strong social scene. Dublin is Ireland’s capital and major city and is a popular destination with both tourists and students. You can expect to spend plenty of time in pubs sipping pints of Guinness in Dublin.

Outside of the major cities, Ireland is home to lots of rural countryside. It’s well worth taking the time out of studying to visit the country’s villages, where you can take part in adventure activities like windsurfing, hang-gliding, rock climbing or trekking.

Extreme weather in Ireland is rare, although the country does experience plenty of rain due to its location on the Atlantic coast.

What is the cost of study in Ireland?

Irish tuition fees for non-EU students can be between €15,000 and €43,000 a year, which is similar to the UK.

Living costs in Ireland are also similar to the UK and are known for being on the higher side of Europe. In general, you will pay more if you live in Dublin than anywhere else in the country. Estimates suggest the average student needs between €8,000 - €13,000 to live on each year – excluding tuition fees.

Illustration representing studying costs, featuring symbols like a calculator, stacks of money, and hands exchanging cash, all surrounded by a building resembling a university, books and a diploma scroll.

What is the cost of living in Ireland?

Category Cost  (in Euro)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre€1,553Range: €1,000 to €2,300
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre€1,375Range: €850 to €2,000
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)€212Range: €140 to €366
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)€48Range: €35 to €65
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)€20Range: €13 to €35
Monthly public transport pass€95Range: €50 to €155
Monthly grocery basket€300Range: €220 to €400
Coffee shop drink€4Range: €3 to €5
Cinema or cultural event ticket€12Range: €10 to €15
Gym membership€48Range: €30 to €80

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

What are the requirements to study in Ireland?

Qualifications

Irish students compete for entry based on results achieved in the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination. International students will need to provide universities with their educational history in order for them to determine if they meet the correct level for each program.

English language tests

Most Irish institutions will accept an IELTS score as certification of English language proficiency. TOEFL is also likely to be accepted, however, this depends on the specific university you are applying to. It is also possible to be admitted to a university with a C1 Advanced qualification for English.

Ireland student visa

If you aren’t from the EU or EEA It is likely you will need a D Type Study Visa to study in Ireland. This type of visa has to be applied for online and will not be processed until the immigration services receive any requested supporting documentation from you. You may also need to submit your biometrics.

Illustration representing travel planning and visa approval process, featuring a globe, an airplane, a calendar, documents including passport and ID card, and a stamped approval document.

How to study in Ireland?

Find out how to study abroad with Studee. We help students, schools, and university partners compare options, understand requirements, and plan next steps together.

Student reviews for Ireland

Covadonga Castellanos Gonzalez
es flag
Studied Genetics at Trinity College Dublin
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
What's it like to study in Ireland

Irish people are very friendly and welcoming. They try to make you feel at home and help in whatever way they can. Ireland also has a lot of things to offer; it is very easy to travel around the country and it has very diverse landscapes and sceneries to enjoy.

Markéta Ní Eithir
ci flag
Studied Film at Trinity College Dublin
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    3
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    2
  • University facilities
    3
What's it like to study in Ireland

Ireland is great, apart from the fact that the trains are very expensive it is relatively easy to travel around the country and it has some beautiful places like the Aran Islands.

Catriona Paget
gb flag
Studied History at Trinity College Dublin
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    4
What's it like to study in Ireland

I think Ireland is a fantastic place to study as an international student. It is super friendly but also has a large community of international students which means you aren't the odd one out. It is also a beautiful country to explore and being based in Dublin means it is relatively easy to get around.

Gabriella Chioffi
us flag
Studied Cultural Studies at Trinity College Dublin
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
What's it like to study in Ireland

Ireland as a whole country is a very nice place to be. It is very easy to take the train to any other part of the country on weekend trips, and with an airport in Dublin, it is also convenient to travel to other places in Europe or abroad. The locals are very welcoming and friendly and I have really enjoyed getting to experience Irish culture.

Nicolás Brennan Hernández
es flag
Studied Politics at Trinity College Dublin
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    3
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    3
What's it like to study in Ireland

While Ireland's weather isn't for everyone, it sure makes up for it in the character of its people, which are open and always fun