Ireland is an English-speaking EU country with world-class universities, a welcoming culture, and strong links to global tech and pharma employers. It is a compelling — if not cheap — place to study abroad.
Quick answer: International tuition is roughly €15,000–€23,000 per year for undergraduate and €16,000–€31,000 for postgraduate study, with living costs of about €12,000–€18,000 a year (€900–€1,800 a month). Top universities include Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. Figures are approximate — verify before applying.
How much is tuition in Ireland?
Undergraduate fees for international students generally range from €15,000 to €23,000 per year, while postgraduate fees run €16,000 to €31,000. Specialised programmes such as medicine can reach €55,000. Compare Ireland with other countries using our compare countries tool.
What does it cost to live in Ireland?
Budget around €900–€1,800 per month (€12,000–€18,000 a year). Dublin is 20–40% more expensive than Cork, Galway, or Limerick, mainly because of accommodation — a shared room in Dublin averages €700–900 versus €450–650 elsewhere. See our cost of studying abroad guide for context.
What are the student visa requirements?
Students from visa-required countries must show access to at least €10,000 for their first year, plus proof that tuition is paid. Visa fees are around $70 (single entry) or $115 (multiple entry). Our student visa requirements page explains the paperwork.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. On a Stamp 2 permission you can work up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours per week during holidays (June–August and 15 December–15 January). The national minimum wage is €13.50 per hour, which helps with living costs.
Which are the top universities?
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Trinity College Dublin leads Ireland at 75th globally, followed by University College Dublin at 118th, with University of Galway and University College Cork also well regarded. Funding such as the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship offers €10,000 plus a fee waiver — find more on our scholarships page, or take the study abroad quiz.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ireland part of the EU?
Yes. Ireland is an English-speaking EU member, which makes it attractive for students who want an EU degree taught in English.
Can I stay after graduating?
Ireland’s Third Level Graduate Programme lets eligible graduates remain to seek work for up to 24 months after a master’s, making it a strong post-study destination.
Is Dublin the only option?
No. Cork, Galway, and Limerick host excellent universities and cost noticeably less to live in than Dublin, so they are worth considering to lower your budget.
Sources
Figures compiled from AECC, GoStudyIn, Mastersportal, and QS World University Rankings 2026. Costs are approximate and change yearly — confirm current fees and visa financial requirements with your university and the Irish immigration service (INIS) before applying.