15 Cheapest Universities in Ireland for International Students

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In Ireland, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Ireland without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Ireland, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 24 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Ireland, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Ireland for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Ireland ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Institute of Public Administration 3,200 Euros 75%
St Patrick’s College, Maynooth 5,779 Euros 54%
Carlow College 9,750 Euros 23%
Dundalk Institute of Technology 9,950 Euros 21%
ATU Letterkenny 10,000 Euros 21%
National College of Ireland 10,000 Euros 21%
South East Technological University 10,300 Euros 19%
Atlantic Technological University 10,500 Euros 17%
Munster Technological University, Kerry 11,200 Euros 11%
University of Limerick 11,200 Euros - 30,700 Euros 11%
Munster Technological University, Cork 12,000 Euros 5%
Technological University Dublin 12,500 Euros - 21,900 Euros 1%
Technological University of the Shannon 12,500 Euros - 13,500 Euros 1%
Dublin City University 12,600 Euros - 18,000 Euros -0%
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology 13,500 Euros -7%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 12,600 Euros for universities in Ireland.

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1. Institute of Public Administration

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.

2. St Patrick’s College, Maynooth

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.

3. Carlow College

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.

4. Dundalk Institute of Technology

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.

5. ATU Letterkenny

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.

6. National College of Ireland

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. 

7. South East Technological University

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.

8. Atlantic Technological University

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.

9. Munster Technological University, Kerry

Munster Technological University in Kerry, previously named Institute of Technology Tralee, was founded in 1977 and is located in Tralee, Ireland. It is part of the Munster Technological University with Cork Institute of Technology. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs on-campus or online. Students of these programs can also study full-time or part-time.

10. University of Limerick

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.

11. Munster Technological University, Cork

Munster Technological University in Cork, 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.

12. Technological University Dublin

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.

13. Technological University of the Shannon

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.

14. Dublin City University

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.

15. Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Ireland for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Ireland ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Carlow College 2,250 Euros - 4,900 Euros 80%
Dublin City University 2,825 Euros - 19,000 Euros 75%
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology 4,000 Euros 64%
University of Limerick 4,092 Euros - 18,700 Euros 63%
Institute of Public Administration 5,200 Euros 53%
St Patrick’s College, Maynooth 5,500 Euros 51%
ATU Letterkenny 10,000 Euros 10%
University College Dublin 10,300 Euros - 35,000 Euros 7%
South East Technological University 10,500 Euros - 13,000 Euros 5%
Dundalk Institute of Technology 12,000 Euros - 29,900 Euros -8%
Atlantic Technological University 12,000 Euros -8%
Munster Technological University, Cork 12,000 Euros -8%
Munster Technological University, Kerry 12,000 Euros -8%
Technological University of the Shannon 12,900 Euros - 14,500 Euros -17%
National University of Ireland, Galway 13,300 Euros - 17,500 Euros -20%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 11,100 Euros for universities in Ireland.

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1. Carlow College

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Carlow College should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 2,250 Euros to 4,900 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Dublin City University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Dublin City University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Dublin City University is 2,825 Euros to 19,000 Euros.

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.

3. Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

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.

The tuition fee at Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology for incoming international master’s students is 4,000 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Limerick

Another affordable university to consider in Ireland is University of Limerick.

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 tuition fee in University of Limerick for master’s program for foreign students starts from 4,092 Euros.

5. Institute of Public Administration

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Institute of Public Administration has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 5,200 Euros yearly.

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.

6. St Patrick’s College, Maynooth

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.

7. ATU Letterkenny

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.

8. University College Dublin

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.

9. South East Technological University

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.

10. Dundalk Institute of Technology

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.

11. Atlantic Technological University

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.

12. Munster Technological University, Cork

Munster Technological University in Cork, 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.

13. Munster Technological University, Kerry

Munster Technological University in Kerry, previously named Institute of Technology Tralee, was founded in 1977 and is located in Tralee, Ireland. It is part of the Munster Technological University with Cork Institute of Technology. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs on-campus or online. Students of these programs can also study full-time or part-time.

14. Technological University of the Shannon

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.

15. National University of Ireland, Galway

National University of Ireland, Galway, or simply NUI 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Ireland?

Applying to cheap universities in Ireland requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Ireland for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Ireland?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Ireland. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Ireland is the Atlantic Technological University, which offers Accounting, Applied Sport with Business, and Business Administration to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Atlantic Technological University offers Advancing Health and Social Care, Big Data Analytics, and Creative Practice.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Ireland, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Ireland as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Ireland for international students was helpful!