11 Best Universities In Dublin For International Students 2025

Dublin is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Ireland. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 11 universities and colleges in Dublin, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 11 universities in Dublin, University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin are the top-performing schools in Dublin. This list covers both public and private institutions in Dublin.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Dublin. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Dublin.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Dublin?

Applying to the universities in Dublin involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Dublin to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Dublin?

Tuition fees at Dublin’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 3,200 Euros to 27,000 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 2,825 Euros to 35,000 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Dublin!

As we cover the best universities in Dublin for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Dublin for International Students

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#1 in Ireland
#73 in Europe
#163 in World
Percentage of International Students
26%
Total Number of students - 37,000
International Number of students - 9,500

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#2 in Ireland
#106 in Europe
#238 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 18,000

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#5 in Ireland
#220 in Europe
#482 in World
Percentage of International Students
14%
Total Number of students - 16,000
International Number of students - 2,300

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#7 in Ireland
#374 in Europe
#825 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 28,500

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#14 in Ireland
#1132 in Europe
#3753 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 5,000

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. 

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#15 in Ireland
#1133 in Europe
#3760 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 18,000

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#18 in Ireland
#1367 in Europe
#4650 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 950

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#19 in Ireland
#1484 in Europe
#5006 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 2,500

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#21 in Ireland
#1810 in Europe
#5952 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 1,300

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#22 in Ireland
#1816 in Europe
#5964 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 150

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#23 in Ireland
#1893 in Europe
#6200 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data

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.

We know that choosing your dream school in Dublin not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Dublin, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Dublin! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!