Study in Ireland
English-taught degrees, a 96% visa acceptance rate, and 16 of the world’s top 20 tech companies on the ground. Level 9 graduates get 24 months on the Third Level Graduate Scheme.
Top universities
| University | QS 2026 | Tuition / year |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin | 87 | €7,000–€64,000 |
| University College Dublin | 126 | €12,000–€68,000 |
| University College Cork | 273 | €10,000–€55,000 |
| University of Galway | 273 | €9,000–€58,000 |
| Dublin City University | 421 | €9,000–€29,000 |
| University of Limerick | 421 | €8,000–€31,000 |
| Maynooth University | 801–850 | €10,000–€20,000 |
| TU Dublin | 851–900 | €9,000–€15,000 |
Programmes and what they cost
Non-EU rates. Public and private institutions are priced very differently — check which one you are looking at.
| Route | Tuition | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Masters (MS)Level 9 and above qualifies for the full 24-month graduate scheme. | €12,000–€27,000/yr | 1–2 years |
| Bachelors | €9,000–€21,000/yr | 3–4 years |
Costs, visa and rules
Visa and permits
After you arriveRegister for your IRP card; renewal costs €300 a year.
How to apply, step by step
- 1Enrol full-time
The course has to run at least 15 hours a week — part-time study does not qualify for Stamp 2.
- 2Meet the English bar
IELTS 6.5 is the standard across the seven public universities and RCSI.
- 3Show funds and insurance
€7,000–€10,000 in funds plus medical cover of €25,000.
- 4Lock accommodation before you fly
Dublin rent runs €1,357–€1,637 a month and supply is tight.
- 5Know the appeal window
A refusal can be appealed within two months, which is why documentation quality matters more here than speed. Acceptance already runs at 96%.
Working and staying on
Third Level Graduate Scheme — 24 months at Level 9 and above
After 5 years of legal stay, €500. A Critical Skills permit shortens the route after 2 years.
What to know before you apply
Only PhD students can sponsor dependants — Stamp 2 undergraduate and taught masters students cannot.
You must show €7,000–€10,000 in funds plus medical insurance covering €25,000.
A refused application can be appealed within two months, which is why documentation quality matters more here than speed.
Dublin rent runs €1,357–€1,637 a month — secure accommodation before you fly.
Scholarships
Intakes
September is the main intake, with a smaller January entry at several universities.
Check my eligibilityOther destinations
Applying for the next intake?
Deadlines close months before term starts. Get your timeline mapped this week.