Ireland is a perfect overseas destination for students looking for quality education. Top-ranked universities offering a wide range of study programs, the opportunity to work part-time while studying, and a post-study work visa, which allows students to stay back in the country for up to 2 years, are some factors that attract global talent to this academic hub. According to the Embassy of Ireland, over 6,000 Indian students chose Ireland as their preferred study abroad destination in 2022.
A master’s degree obtained from any Irish university increases the chances of employability in different sectors across the globe. So, read this guide to know the best universities in Ireland, and other important details.

Key Highlights

• 5 Top universities in Ireland
  • Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin
  • University College Dublin
  • University of Galway
  • University College Cork
  • University of Limerick
• Top courses to study at good universities in Ireland
• Admission requirements of the best colleges in Ireland
• Cost of studying in top-ranked universities in Ireland

5 Top universities in Ireland

• Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin

  Trinity College Dublin is one of the most prestigious universities in Europe and the oldest varsities in Ireland that welcomes 21,000 students from 32 countries every year. Out of the total student population, 34% are international aspirants. It offers short courses, post-graduate, and many other study programs in areas like Mathematics, Social Sciences, Arts, etc.

  Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2024 (Ireland-specific)	1
  Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 (Ireland-specific)	1

  
  

• University College Dublin (UCD)

  Established in 1854, UCD is one of Europe’s leading public research-intensive universities that offers master’s, PhD and other study programs. The academic structure of the varsity comprises 6 colleges and schools. It attracts over 38,000 students from 152 countries, out of which ∼5000 are international students.

  QS Rankings 2024	2
  THE Rankings 2024	2

  
  

• University of Galway

  The University of Galway is a popular academic institution with a proud history of offering quality student experience and excellent research facilities to over 18,000 students. Celebrating 175 years of academic excellence, it provides a range of courses, such as master’s, PhD, and other study programs in full-time, part-time, and online study mode.

  QS Rankings 2024	3
  THE Rankings 2024	4

  
  

• University College Cork (UCC)

  Established in 1845, UCC is one of Ireland’s leading research universities with the highest level of industry collaboration. It offers globally recognised master’s degree programs in domains like Actuarial Science, Ancient Medieval Languages, Biochemistry & Biosciences, etc.

  QS Rankings 2024	4
  THE Rankings 2024	5

  
  

• University of Limerick

  Established in 1972, the University of Limerick is a legendary university with over 17,500 students. It offers a range of master’s courses, upskilling, and reskilling programs that ensure the overall professional and personal development of students.

  QS Rankings 2024	5
  THE Rankings 2024	7

Top courses to study at good universities in Ireland

Some of the most popular courses in Ireland that offer excellent job opportunities and growth prospects are as follows:

Business Analytics	Investment Banking & Finance	Digital Marketing
Big Data	Pharmaceutical Sciences	Artificial Intelligence
Computer Science	Software Engineering	Cloud Computing

Admission requirements of the best colleges in Ireland

The general eligibility criteria to enrol at Irish universities are as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field from a recognised university
• Academic transcripts (degrees and certificates)
• English language proficiency exams, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Work experience (not mandatory)
• Resume

The admission requirements for studying a master’s degree program may vary from one Irish university to another. For instance, many universities in Ireland have waived IELTS. Thus, verify the varsity as well as course-specific requirements before applying.

Cost of studying in top-ranked universities in Ireland

The average annual cost of studying a master’s degree program ranges from ∼EUR 6,850 to ∼EUR 27,500 (∼INR 6,24,600 to ∼INR 25,07,700). When planning to study overseas, it is also necessary to consider the living expenses, including accommodation, food, travelling and other education-related costs. On average, the monthly cost of living comes around ∼EUR 500 to ∼EUR 1,800 (∼INR 45,500 to ∼INR 1,64,100).

So, if you are planning to pursue higher studies at a reputed Irish university but are facing financial constraints, you can apply for an educational loan for abroad studies. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer education loans that cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation expenses, the cost of learning devices, and other related expenses. Get in touch with us to know about the interest rate for education loan, the documentation process, etc.