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United Kingdom vs Ireland: what a year of study costs
Ireland is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 9,000 to 12,300 less for a first year.
fromup to Tuition, 12 months of living costs and the visa fee.
Side by side
| Figure |  United Kingdom |  Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition a year | EUR 26,800 to 47,900 | EUR 16,000 to 29,500 |
| Living costs, 12 months | EUR 14,400 to 24,400 | EUR 16,800 to 31,200 |
| Student visa fee | EUR 669 | EUR 60 |
| First year, all in | EUR 41,900 to 73,100 | EUR 32,900 to 60,800 |
| Money to show for the visa | EUR 12,630 | EUR 10,000 |
| Work during term | 20 hours a week | 20 hours a week |
| Stay to work after | 2 years | 1 year |
| Figures checked | 2026-09-24 | 2026-09-24 |
Every figure is from the United Kingdom and Ireland guides, where each one links to its official source with the date we checked it. Living costs are the published monthly range times twelve. Converted at the day's rate (2026-11-08). Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Questions
Is it cheaper to study in the United Kingdom or Ireland?
Ireland is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 9,000 to 12,300 less for a first year. A first year in the United Kingdom costs about EUR 41,900 to 73,100 and in Ireland about EUR 32,900 to 60,800, counting tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee, from each country's official sources.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in United Kingdom and Ireland?
United Kingdom: EUR 12,630 a year. Ireland: EUR 10,000 a year.