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Study in Ireland

The English-speaking gateway to Europe — home to Google, Apple, Meta, and world-class universities.

Universities

32K+

Int'l Students

2 yrs

Stay-Back (3rd Level Grad)

EU/EEA

Gateway

Why Ireland?

6 Reasons to Study in Ireland

🌍

English-Speaking EU Member

Ireland is the only native English-speaking country in the EU, making it uniquely attractive for students who want an English-language degree with access to European opportunities.

💻

Tech Capital of Europe

Google, Apple, Meta, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Microsoft all have their European headquarters in Ireland. IT and business graduates enter a booming job market.

🏰

Rich Culture & History

Ireland's literary tradition, vibrant pub culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly people make it one of the most enjoyable countries to live and study in.

💼

Third Level Graduate Programme

After graduating, stay in Ireland for 2 years (1 year for NFQ Level 7, 2 years for Level 8+) to find work. This is one of the most flexible post-study schemes in the EU.

✈️

Gateway to Europe

Dublin Airport connects to all major European cities. Living in Ireland gives easy access to internships, jobs, and travel across the EU.

🤝

Welcoming & Safe

Ireland consistently ranks as one of the friendliest countries for international students. The Celtic spirit of hospitality (céad míle fáilte — a hundred thousand welcomes) is genuine.

Budget Planning

Cost of Studying in Ireland

Expense	Estimated Range
Undergraduate tuition	€10,000 – €25,000/yr
Postgraduate tuition	€10,000 – €35,000/yr
MBA (top schools)	€25,000 – €60,000
Living expenses (Dublin)	€12,000 – €18,000/yr
Living expenses (other cities)	€8,000 – €12,000/yr
Student visa fee	€60 – €100

💡 Dublin has high rental costs. Galway, Cork, and Limerick offer lower living costs while maintaining excellent universities and vibrant student culture.

What to Study

Popular Courses

Computer Science & CybersecurityBusiness & FinancePharmaceutical SciencesEngineeringLawNursingAgricultural SciencesCreative Arts

Where to Study

Top Universities

QS #81

Trinity College Dublin

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QS #171

University College Dublin

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QS #308

University College Cork

Dublin City University

University of Limerick

Technological University Dublin

Browse all Ireland universities →

When to Apply

Intake Dates

Recommended

Autumn (Main)

September

Apply: Jan – Apr

Main intake — all programmes available

Spring (Postgrad)

January

Apply: Sep – Nov

Some postgraduate programmes only

English Proficiency

Language Requirements

IELTS

6.0 – 6.5 overall

Standard requirement — widely accepted

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PTE

51 – 59

Accepted by most Irish universities

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TOEFL

72 – 90 (IBT)

Accepted by all Irish universities

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Duolingo

105 – 115

Growing acceptance — verify first

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Funding Your Studies

Scholarships in Ireland

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships

Eligible: Non-EU international students

€10,000

Trinity Scholarship

Eligible: Top-performing international students

Full tuition waiver

UCD Global Excellence Award

Eligible: High-achieving undergrad applicants

€3,000 – €6,000

Ireland Fellows Programme

Eligible: Selected countries — postgrad only

Full funding

Verified Reviews

Consultancies for Ireland

Real student ratings — not paid placements.

Find a Consultancy for Ireland

200 verified consultancies help students study in Ireland

IDP Education Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria

★4.6(16)✓

PFEC Global Bangladesh

PFEC Global Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka

★4.7(6)✓

IDP Education Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

★4.5(6)✓

IDP Education Morocco

Casablanca, Morocco

★4.5(6)✓

IDP Education Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

★4.5(6)✓

IDP Education Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

★4.5(6)✓

IDP Education Philippines

IDP Education Bangladesh

Dhaka, Bangladesh

★4.3(6)✓

IDP Education Indonesia

Jakarta, Indonesia

★4.3(6)✓

View all 200 consultancies for Ireland →

Step by Step

Irish Study Visa (Non-EU)

Fee: €60 (single entry) / €100 (multi-entry)Processing: 4–8 weeks

Receive Letter of Acceptance from an Irish university

Gather documents: financial proof (€7,000+ in savings), health insurance, accommodation proof

Apply online via AVATS (Automated Visa Application Tracking System)

Submit supporting documents at Irish Embassy or VFS Global centre

Biometrics and interview if requested

Receive visa — register with GNIB/IRP within 90 days of arrival

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Ireland while studying?

Yes. Non-EU students enrolled in a full-time programme can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during official vacation periods (June to September and December to January).

What is the Third Level Graduate Programme?

Non-EEA graduates of Irish NFQ Level 8+ programmes (bachelor's honours, master's, PhD) can stay in Ireland for up to 2 years to seek employment. This is a non-renewable permission and is not a step directly to permanent residency, but enables you to apply for a work permit.

Is Ireland safe for international students?

Yes — Ireland consistently ranks among the safest countries in Europe. Crime rates are low and the country has a welcoming attitude towards international students and workers.

How does Ireland compare to the UK for international students?

Both offer English-language education and post-study work rights. Ireland offers EU membership and access to European opportunities. The UK has more universities and higher ranking overall. Costs are comparable. Ireland has faster visa processing in many cases.

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