Ireland has emerged as an attractive study abroad destination for students seeking quality education. As per recent reports, ~35,000 international students were studying in this country in 2022-23. So, if you are planning to pursue your higher education in Ireland and want to know about popular Irish universities, this guide is for you.

Key Highlights

• Why should you study in Ireland?
• 5 Top Irish universities
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • University College Dublin
  • University of Galway
  • University College Cork
  • University of Limerick
• Other popular universities
• Popular courses to study in Irish colleges and universities
• Eligibility requirements to study at Irish universities for International students
• Application process to study in Ireland for Indian students
  • Irish universities with no application fee

Also Read: Cost of living in Ireland for international students: 2024

Why should you study in Ireland?

• Eight Irish universities feature in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2024.
• Ireland study visa allows students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and up to 40 hours during breaks. This opportunity allows students to earn some money while studying.
• A friendly and welcoming environment is another compelling reason that draws the attention of international students.

Also Read: In-demand jobs in Ireland you must know

Here is some interesting information about the 5 best Irish universities:

• Trinity College Dublin :

  Established in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is one of the most prestigious Irish universities offering courses across streams such as Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, and Science. It has a student population of ~21,000.

• University College Dublin (UCD) :

  Founded in 1854, UCD is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities offering master’s, PhD, and other programs. The college offers quality education to over ~38,000 students (5,000 international students) from 152 countries.

• University of Galway :

  The University of Galway is an esteemed global institution that offers master’s, PhD, professional, and online courses in various disciplines. It has a diverse community of more than ~19,000 students, out of which 3,000 are international students.

• University College Cork :

  A top public university in Ireland, University College Cork offers courses in domains like Arts, Anthropology, Architecture, Biochemistry & Biosciences, etc. With a total student population of ~24,000, 4,000 are from outside the country.

  Also Read: What aspirants must know about the masters courses in Ireland

• University of Limerick :

  The University of Limerick is a European university with an international reach. It offers over 200 post-graduate programs in areas like Science and Engineering, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Education and Health Sciences, etc. With 18,000+ students, over 3,300 are international aspirants.

Other popular universities

• Dublin City University
• Maynooth University
• Technological University Dublin
• Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland
• Griffith College

Also Read: PSW Visa: The US, the UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland

Eligibility requirements to study at Irish universities for International students

Aspirants willing to pursue a master’s degree program from any one of the best Irish colleges need to meet these primary requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
• Academic transcripts
• English language exams like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)/Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Work experience (not mandatory)

Application process to study in Ireland for Indian students

• Carry out extensive research to find the best university offering master’s courses as per your choice.
• After finalising the university, check the course-specific requirements.
• Fill out your application form and attach all necessary documents like IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT results, academic transcripts, etc.
• After receiving a letter of acceptance from the selected university, apply for an Irish student visa.

• Irish universities with no application fee :

  Some universities in Ireland have no application fees for various courses. It is advised to check the official university’s website to get accurate information.

Also Read: What you must know about student visa for Ireland

So, if you are planning to pursue your higher education at an Irish university but are facing financial challenges, you can opt for an education loan for study abroad programs. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer customised education loans with several benefits like 100% finance, quick loan sanctions, and multiple repayment options. You can connect with us to know how education loans work, the interest rate for education loan, the application & documentation process and more.