List of Universities in Ireland

Known as “Emerald Isle” because of its lush green landscape, Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Irish citizens are also very friendly and are very hospitable to foreigners. More so, this country has some of the best universities in the world. In fact, over the last decade, Ireland’s higher education system has played a big part in boosting the country’s economy.

So, are you planning to do your higher education in this beautiful country and are searching for universities in Ireland for international students?  Have a look at the list of universities of Ireland to study in:

• Dublin City University (DCU) – One of the best universities of Ireland is Dublin City University. Established in 1975, it has quickly grown to become one of the most reputable universities in the world. This university is located on the northern side of Dublin Ireland and is surrounded by breath taking landscapes. DCU was elevated to university status in 1989. This university has been named as “The Sunday Times University Of The Year 2021”. DCU is ranked 439 in QS World University Rankings and has an overall score of 4.0 stars.
• University of Limerick (UL) – If you are searching for not so expensive universities in Ireland for international students, then look no further than University of Limerick (UL). Based in the iconic city of Limerick which is approximately 1.5 hours from Dublin, this university is one of the most beautiful universities of Ireland. It boasts of both modern and historic buildings and offers over 60 UG programs and more than 71 PG programs across its four faculties.

  UL is an independent, internationally focused university that has an excellent track record of innovation and research. The University also has an incredible support network system for international students.

• Munster Technological University (MTU) – MTU is a multi-campus university that comprises of six campuses in Kerry and Cork. This affordable university of Ireland was established in January 2021 when two Institutes of Technology i.e. Cork Institute of Technology and IT Tralee merged. This university is located in the beautiful city of Cork.

  MTU offers a wide range of courses, including engineering, masters of business administration, computer science, pharmaceutical science, and much more. In total, the university offers over 80 programs and over 120 post-graduate programs. MTU’s primary focus is to instill students with skills and knowledge that will enable them to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. This university has over 18,000 students from over 80 nations around the world.

• National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) – National University of Ireland Galway is a public research university located in the city of Galway, which is approximately a 3-hour drive from Dublin. NUIG is internationally recognized for its excellence in research.

  NUIG is an affordable university for international students and is among the top 1% of the Universities in the World. Over the last 5 years, NUIG has been the only university of Ireland that has risen consistently in the competitive World University Rankings. The university offers over 80 undergraduate programs and over 110 post-graduate programs.

• Technological University Dublin (TUD/ TU Dublin) – TU Dublin was established in 2019 and is the first technological university of Ireland. This university offers internationally recognized programs. The university is ranked 801 in QS World University Rankings. Reviews on study portals indicate that this university has an overall score of 4.0.

  Technological University Dublin was initially known as Dublin Institute Of Technology and was formed by amalgamating three Institutes Of Technology in the Dublin areas, ie Dublin Institute of Technology, The Institute of Technology Tallaght and The Institute of Technology Blanchardstown. The university focuses on instilling students with entrepreneurial skills and an industry focus approach with an extensive focus on research.

• Maynooth University (MU) – Maynooth University is located in the city of Maynooth, a quiet city that is approximately 1-hour drive from Dublin. It offers an outstanding education for undergraduate and post-graduate studies. It has a beautiful campus with historic buildings. Maynooth University is ranked 751 in QS World University Ranking by Top Universities and has an overall score of 4.4 stars based on students who have reviewed it on Study Portals. This university has over 14,000 students from over 90 different countries, and is one of the fastest-growing universities of Ireland.
• University College Dublin (UCD) – University College Dublin has two campuses and is located outside the city center of Dublin. It is one of Europe’s leading research universities. Additionally, it is also Ireland’s largest university with over 33,000 students from over 144 countries. It’s campus is spread over acres of land with water bodies within the campus.

  University College Dublin is ranked 177 in best global universities as per QS World Ranking and is among the most prestigious universities of Ireland. The university offers over 120 undergraduate programs and over 150 post-graduate programs.

• Trinity College Dublin (TCD) – Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is one of the oldest universes in the World. This university is known for its academic and research excellence. It is located in the heart of Central Dublin and boasts of state-of-the-art learning facilities. It is also known as University of Dublin.

  Trinity College Dublin has over 18,000 students from different countries around the World. If you compare the fee charged in this university with other Ireland universities fees, you will discover that TCD is not the cheapest but offers good scholarship opportunities to international students.

• University College Cork (UCC) – UCC is known for its rich tradition of teaching and research. Established in 1845, University College Cork is not only one of the oldest university in Ireland but is also one of Ireland’s leading research institutes. It is located in the second-largest city of Ireland, Cork. UCC is 2 hours away from Dublin by train. It has a beautiful & massive campus that is spread over acres of land.

  UCC is unrivaled when it comes to academic excellence. It’s courses are internationally recognized. The university has over 22,000 international students pursuing their undergraduate and postgraduate programs from over 100 countries across the World. This university is ranked in the top 2% of the universities worldwide according to Times Higher Education. UCC has several faculties, including the college of humanities, medicine, health, engineering, social sciences, business, computing, etc.
• Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) – This university is the latest addition to the list of universities of Ireland. It has been formed by amalgamating Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) and Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT). With over 14,000 students on six campuses in Ireland’s Midwest and Midlands, TUS is Ireland’s newest and most unique Technological University.

Dublin Business School (DBS), Griffith College Dublin and National College of Ireland (NCI) are not universities but colleges in Ireland.

There are few Institutes of Technology in Ireland that have extremely practical and industry focused UG & PG programs. If you are looking to take admission from one of the top universities of Ireland then don’t forget to check all the visa requirements to study abroad in Ireland.

Ireland universities fees mentioned on this page is for one year. Most of the Masters programs in Ireland are for 1 year (there are a few options for 2 years also). Bachelors in Ireland can be for 3 or 4 years depending upon the course.

For Dublin City University, undergraduate tuition fee for international students starts from 9 to 10,000 Euros p.a., while their Masters tuition fees starts from 12,000 euros p.a.

Tuition fees at National University of Ireland Galway starts from 13,000 Euros p.a.

Maynooth University can be rated as one of the most affordable university in Ireland. Tuition fees for Bachelor’s programs starts form 10,000 euros while post-graduate tuition fee starts from 11,000 euros. If students get scholarship then this would further reduce.

Cost of living in Dublin is approximately 10,000 Euros per annum. However, it depends upon individual to individual. Outside Dublin, cost of living is slightly lesser.

Masters in Ireland students get 2 years post study stay back option after studying in Ireland. Whereas Bachelors in Ireland students get 1 year post study stay back option. This is as per current rule which may change anytime in future.