How to Study in Ireland for International Students
With its natural beauty and fascinating culture, studying in Ireland will surely give you an unforgettable study experience. More than that, earning a degree in this country can open many learning and work opportunities as they provide high-quality research and teaching. Irish institutions have built their reputation for producing outstanding academic programs at all levels.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Ireland currently has 24 universities, from which 18 universities are a part of the public sector and 6 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Ireland you should definitely check out are University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, and University College Cork.
Being able to study in Ireland as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Ireland, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Ireland
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Ireland, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 3,200 Euros to 30,700 Euros, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 2,250 Euros and 35,000 Euros.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Ireland
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Ireland, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ATU Letterkenny | 10,000 Euros | 10,000 Euros |
| National College of Art and Design | 13,500 Euros - 16,500 Euros | 13,500 Euros - 16,500 Euros |
| National College of Ireland | 10,000 Euros | 15,000 Euros |
| University of Limerick | 11,200 Euros - 30,700 Euros | 4,092 Euros - 18,700 Euros |
| University College Dublin | 16,800 Euros - 26,400 Euros | 10,300 Euros - 35,000 Euros |
| Technological University Dublin | 12,500 Euros - 21,900 Euros | 13,500 Euros - 21,800 Euros |
| South East Technological University | 10,300 Euros | 10,500 Euros - 13,000 Euros |
| Dublin City University | 12,600 Euros - 18,000 Euros | 2,825 Euros - 19,000 Euros |
| Munster Technological University, Kerry | 11,200 Euros | 12,000 Euros |
| Munster Technological University, Cork | 12,000 Euros | 12,000 Euros |
| Technological University of the Shannon | 12,500 Euros - 13,500 Euros | 12,900 Euros - 14,500 Euros |
| University College Cork | 16,400 Euros - 22,500 Euros | 15,400 Euros - 22,600 Euros |
| Dundalk Institute of Technology | 9,950 Euros | 12,000 Euros - 29,900 Euros |
| Maynooth University | 13,500 Euros - 15,000 Euros | 14,000 Euros - 15,000 Euros |
| Institute of Public Administration | 3,200 Euros | 5,200 Euros |
| Atlantic Technological University | 10,500 Euros | 12,000 Euros |
| National University of Ireland, Galway | 16,600 Euros - 24,200 Euros | 13,300 Euros - 17,500 Euros |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Ireland
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Marino Institute of Education | 16,000 Euros | 16,000 Euros |
| Carlow College | 9,750 Euros | 2,250 Euros - 4,900 Euros |
| St Patrick’s College, Maynooth | 5,779 Euros | 5,500 Euros |
| Royal Irish Academy of Music | 20,600 Euros | 21,600 Euros |
| Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin | 20,700 Euros - 27,000 Euros | 15,500 Euros - 23,700 Euros |
| Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology | 13,500 Euros | 4,000 Euros |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Ireland, check out the Cheap Universities in Ireland!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Ireland for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Ireland, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Ireland, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Ireland may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Ireland are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Ireland and their required minimum scores for each program level.
National University of Ireland
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: 6.5
- CEFR: C2
- TEG: B1
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
- Bachelor's Irish Language Requirements Page
ATU Letterkenny
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 6.0
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
National College of Art and Design
Bachelor’s degree
- Duolingo: 110
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL: 90
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- Duolingo: 110
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL: 90
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Ireland
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Ireland have online applications available on their websites, like University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Ireland.
University College Dublin
- Official Website
- Domestic Bachelor's Admissions Page
- International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic Master's Admissions Page
- International Master's Admissions Page
Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin
- Official Website
- Domestic Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic Master's Admissions Page
- International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- International Master's Admissions Page
University College Cork
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Ireland differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Ireland.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Ireland
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Ireland. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Ireland as an international student.
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Ireland. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Long-term study visa. .
To start your student visa application in Ireland, you will need to present the following:
- Application form
- Application letter
- Two color passport-sized photographs not more than six months old
- Current passport and copy of all previous passports
- Proof of enrollment in a privately-funded course (can be a letter of acceptance from the college)
- Information and proof of educational history gaps (can be employment history)
- Proof of fee payment to college
- Proof of academic ability to follow chosen course
- Proof of English or Irish language proficiency
- Proof of adequate funds to support stay in Ireland
- Private medical insurance
- Previous visa refusals (if any)
- Summary of finances for student visa application form
- Birth certificate (if student is below 18 years old)
- Parental or guardian consent (if student is below 18 years old)
- Proof of accommodation and vetting certificate (if student is below 18 years old)
- Confirmation that you plan to go back to your country when you leave Ireland
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Ireland is 60 EUR for Single Entry Visa and 100 EUR for Multiple Entry Visa.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Prepare all your requirements.
- Complete the online application found on the Irish Department of Justice website to generate an application form.
- Print, sign, and date your application form.
- Submit this, along with your supporting documents and application payment, by following the instructions found on the application form.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Ireland. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!