2026 - 2027 SAA Rankings for Best Value Universities In Ireland For International Students

23 Best Value Institutions in Ireland for International Students

Here are the 23 best-value institutions in Ireland for international students. Here, you’ll learn more about their rankings, international student population, and their background.

University College Dublin welcomes the largest student population in Ireland, having over 35,000 students. It is also the most diverse university, being home to 9,500 international students. UCD is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the country and is consistently counted among the world’s top schools in reputable university rankings. A few Nobel Laureates are among the University’s staff.

The University of Galway is a public university in Ireland that has a history tracing back to the 1800s. The university boasts of its globally competitive research outputs in various fields, such as Human Rights, Biomedical Science and Engineering, Marine Science, and Environmental Science. At present, more than 19,000 students consider the university as their academic provider, and over 4,000 of them are international students.

University College Cork (UCC) offers various Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. It is located in Cork, one of the largest cities in Ireland. Reputable university rankings consistently place UCC in the top 250 to 300 universities worldwide. UCC is home to over 22,000 students who enjoy vibrant student life on the university’s picturesque campus.

Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It was founded in 1592 and is located in Dublin, Ireland. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, micro-credentials, and continuing professional development programs. Trinity College consistently makes it to the top 100 of reputable academic rankings, including the QS World University Ranking and Times Higher Education.

Dublin City University is one of the most prominent universities on the Northside of Dublin, Ireland. This university was founded in 1975 and was known as the National Institute for Higher Education; it welcomed its first students in 1980. Since that time, Dublin City University has been known for providing quality education for both domestic and international students. This university is distinguished for its wide range of programs that cover some of the most exhilarating subjects, such as education, business, engineering, and computing.

The University of Limerick is a public university that is home to over 17,000 students, of which 2000 are international students. It is known as a university that satisfies students’ needs through different programs that cover fields such as education, business, medicine, and technology. The university has a very rich history as it was founded in 1972 and follows an educational tradition from which it has produced many famous world leaders. This university offers different opportunities for international and domestic students, where many of them may gain rewards based on their academic performance.

The Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is the first technological university in Ireland. It has five campuses across the city, all fitted with cutting-edge facilities to support research activities. The university offers a wide range of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels and is home to over 20,000 students.

Maynooth University was founded in 1997 and is located in Maynooth, Ireland. The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs to both local and international students. The university has a student population of 15,180 and a total of 1,236 staff members facilitate their education. Maynooth University has been recognized for its academic excellence before, ranking first in Ireland for the Best Young University Rankings in 2020 according to Times Higher Education.

Atlantic Technological University is a public university in Ireland with 8 campuses across various cities. It was recently founded in 2022, after the merging of three institutes of technology in Sligo, Galway, and Letterkenny. At present, the university is home to more than 20,000 students and over 2,200 academic and non-academic staff.

South East Technological University (SETU) is a leading Irish university with campuses in Waterford and Carlow. Formed through the merger of Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow, SETU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields.

Known for its strong industry partnerships and focus on applied learning, SETU prepares students for successful careers in a globalized world. The university’s research activities contribute to innovation and economic development in the region and beyond. With a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, SETU provides a vibrant and supportive environment for students to reach their full potential.

Munster Technological University, previously named Cork Institute of Technology, was founded in 1997 and is located in Cork, Ireland. With Munster Technological University in Kerry, around 17000 local and 1000 international students enroll in its 6 campuses. The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with over 2000 staff members handling them.

The Technological University of the Shannon is a comprehensive university in Ireland, formed in 2021 from the merger of Athlone Institute of Technology and Limerick Institute of Technology. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, with a strong focus on technology, engineering, business, and the arts. TUS has campuses in Athlone, Limerick, Thurles, Clonmel, and Ennis, and is known for its emphasis on research, innovation, and student experience.

ATU Letterkenny, formerly Letterkenny Institute of Technology, was founded in 1971 and is located in Letterkenny, Ireland. It offers Certificate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s programs. The school is part of the Atlantic Technological University, with other campuses across Ireland, particularly in Connemara, Killybegs, Mayo, and Sligo. Multiple student services and extracurricular activities are available for students.

Located in the city of Dundalk, the Dundalk Institute of Technology is a public university founded in 1971. It offers degree programs across a vast range of disciplines. These can be completed by students online or on campus. The Dundalk campus maintains a vibrant learning environment that is well-equipped with facilities including theatres, laboratories, computer rooms, and a gymnasium.

The National College of Ireland is a distinguished third-level educational institution in Dublin, and the government mainly supports it. When it was established in 195 and was first known as the Catholic Workers Colleges, a collaborative effort between Irish Jesuits and Irish Trade Unions. It is now a stand-alone college that offers full-time and part-time courses at all academic levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate, in subjects like finance, psychology, computing, and business, among others. 

The National University of Ireland was founded in 1908 through the Irish Universities Act with three Constituent Colleges in Dublin, Maynooth, and Cork. The university offers Higher Doctorate, Doctorate, Honorary, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree level programs. Some of the fields of study covered include Arts, Human Sciences, Food Science and Technology, Social Science, Dentistry, Medicine, and Health Sciences.

St. Patrick’s College was founded in 1795 and is located in Maynooth, Ireland. As a pontifical university, it specializes in the fields of theology and philosophy. St. Patrick’s offers programs from diplomas to doctorate degrees. Its campus is also noteworthy for housing historic buildings, gardens, and a national science museum.

The Institute of Public Administration was founded in 1957 and is located in Dublin, Ireland. It is a school and a public service agency that serves undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Training and development courses are also taught by professional specialists. These programs will be conducted in one of its departments, the Whitaker School of Government and Management. Consultation, research, and publishing services are other services that have their own departments.

The National College of Art and Design is a traditional public university offering great educational opportunities for domestic and international students. This university was founded in 1746 and has continued to lead the educational industry through progress with exceptional professors and innovative programs. The opportunities that are offered at this university are unique and can help an individual make a breakthrough in his academic career.

Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design, and Technology was founded in 1997 and is located in Dublin, Ireland. It was formed when three schools were merged and became what it is today. The school specializes in digital, technology, and arts, with various undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered. Students in and out of Ireland can enroll in various programs, paying different tuition fees.

Carlow College was founded in 1782 and is located in Carlow, Ireland. It is Ireland’s second oldest university, and one of the most welcoming to international students. Carlow College offers programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Student services are also available to all students, including healthcare, counseling, pastoral consultation, and career advising.

The Marino Institute of Education (MIE) is a private institution that specializes in teacher training. It offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as postgraduate diplomas. MIE is an associated college of Trinity College Dublin, a top university in Ireland. Its academic programs are assessed and validated by Trinity, ensuring that each student gets a high-quality education.

The Royal Irish Academy of Music was founded in 1848. It is in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. It is the country’s oldest musical teaching institution and received Irish royalty recognition 24 years after its establishment. RIAM offers diploma programs and degree programs in a variety of music disciplines.