7 Best Public Universities in Dublin for International Students

Search Courses:

Dublin is one of the cities in Ireland you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Dublin can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.

There are 11 universities you can find in Dublin, and 7 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Dublin a great place for international students.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Dublin, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Rank University Location
1 University College Dublin Dublin, Ireland
2 Dublin City University Dublin, Ireland
3 Technological University Dublin Dublin, Ireland
4 National College of Ireland Dublin, Ireland
5 National University of Ireland Dublin, Ireland
6 National College of Art and Design Dublin, Ireland
7 Institute of Public Administration Dublin, Ireland

Public Universities in Dublin

1. University College Dublin

  • University College Dublin Page
  • 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.

    2. Dublin City University

  • Dublin City University Page
  • 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. Technological University Dublin

  • Technological University Dublin Page
  • 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.

    4. National College of Ireland

  • National College of Ireland Page
  • 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. 

    5. National University of Ireland

  • National University of Ireland Page
  • 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.

    6. National College of Art and Design

  • National College of Art and Design Page
  • 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.

    7. Institute of Public Administration

  • Institute of Public Administration Page
  • 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.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Dublin?

    Absolutely! International students in public universities in Dublin can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.

    As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Dublin charge up to 26,400 Euros for bachelor’s and 35,000 Euros for master’s studies.


    I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Dublin. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.