Highlights -
- Students from non-EU countries can stay back in Ireland after studies to look for employment or apply for a green card/ work permit.
- Tuition fees for the cheap universities in Ireland for masters are EUR 14,000 - 22,000 and private universities are EUR 12,000 - 14,000.
- Paying rent in Ireland takes up most of the expenses as a part of the living cost, with the average rent being equivalent to INR 54,291 monthly.
- Cork Institute of Technology fees for M.Sc. are very affordable as compared to UK and USA universities, with a tuition fee of 15000 Euros (INR 13,58,394).
- The highest tuition fee is for the medicine course at Trinity College Dublin 56,200 Euros (INR 50,85,314).
Ireland has nine major universities that the government runs. For international students, public universities are affordable because the tuition fees are less than that of other institutions. Ireland is home to 9 institutes of technology and 11 higher education institutions. Studying abroad can be a bit expensive for international students, and they are in constant search of an affordable university that provides high-quality education.
Some of the Ireland cheap universities are Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the University of Limerick for Indian students, with the average cost of studying ranging from 9,850 EUR to 25,000 EUR (880,390 INR to 2,234,492 INR) per year.
- According to HEA (Higher Education Authority) of Ireland, international student enrollment increased from 31,720 in 2021/22 to 35,140 in 2022/23.
- low-cost universities in Ireland for international students are state-funded with no or low tuition fees. On the other hand, private universities also offer low tuition fees.
- International students in Ireland can get their post-study visa by applying under the Irish Third-level Graduate Scheme.
Top Affordable and Cheap Universities in Ireland:
- Dublin Business School
- University College Cork
- Cork Institute of Technology
- National College of Ireland
- Maynooth University
- University of Limerick
- Letterkenny Institute of Technology
- Griffith College, Dublin
- Dundalk Institute of Technology
- Trinity College, Dublin
Cost of Study in Ireland
Tabulated below is the average cost of study in Ireland for international students including private, public, and institute of technology(IOT).
| Institute | Cost of Study (Annual in Euros) |
|---|---|
| Public Universities | 14,000 - 22,000 (INR 12,68,050-19,92,651) |
| Private Universities or Colleges | 12,000 - 14,000 (INR 10,86,900-12,68,050) |
| IOT | 10,000 - 12,500 (INR 9,05,750-11,32,188) |
Dublin Business School
Dublin Business School was originally established in 1975 as the Accountancy and Business College. Today, it is one of the top as well as the most cheap universities in Northern Ireland. Dublin Business School offers programs in accounting, law, finance, arts, journalism, media and information technology. Currently, it is home to 9,000 students, including international students from 70 countries all over the world. The tuition at Dublin Business School ranges from 10,000 Eur to 14,000 Eur for international students.
| Undergraduate subjects | Postgraduate subjects | Post-graduate course fees (in Euro) |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and finance | M.Sc. in Accounting | 10,955 (INR 9,92,080) |
| Bachelor of Business Studies | Masters in Financial Technology and Innovation | - |
| Bachelor of Business studies INTL. | M.Sc. in Digital Marketing | 17,600 (INR 15,93,849) |
| Digital Business and Innovation | M.Sc. in Finance | 17,600(INR 15,93,849 |
| Global Business (Canada) | M.Sc. in Global Management | 17,600(INR 15,93,849 |
| Global Business (France) | M.Sc. in Human Resource Management | 18,100 (INR 16,30,072) |
| Global Business (Germany) | M.Sc. in Insights and Innovation | 16,000 (INR 14,48,953) |
| Aviation Management / with pilot studies | M.Sc. in Management (operations and supply chain) | 17,600(INR 15,93,849 |
| Marketing Innovation and technology | M.Sc. in Management (Business and strategy) | 17,600(INR 15,93,849 |
University College Cork
The University College Cork is one of the most highly ranked universities in the world and is listed among the top rankings by several well-known agencies. UCC has a total student body of over 23,000 students, out of which 5,000 are international students. Around 20 programs are offered at UCC across its 4 academic departments. The tuition at UCC varies on discipline and the level of the program. Tabulated below is the breakdown of tuition fees.
| Courses | Fees (tuition) |
|---|---|
| BA Arts | 2,685 (INR 2,43,152) |
| BA - Bachelor of Social Work | 3,195 (INR 2,89,337) |
| BA psychology and computing | 4,320 (INR 3,91,217) |
| BA English | 2685 (INR2,43,152) |
| Medicine (MB, BCH, BO) | 5,650 (INR 5,11,661) |
| BA economics | 3,300 (INR 2,98,846) |
| BA digital humanities | 4,340 (INR 3,93,028) |
| BA criminology | 4,340 (INR 3,93,028) |
Cork Institute of Technology
Cork Institute of Technology is known for offering top facilities for students including world-class laboratories, library, and IT buildings. The institute has a total of four campuses, with its main campus spanning up to 80 acres. There are more than 12,000 students enrolled at Cork, with 2,000 new admissions every year. Cork Institute of Technology offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in full-time, part-time, and evening through its 5 faculties
| Course | Tuition Fee (In EUR) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 13,500 (INR12,22,554) |
| M.Sc. Data Science and Analytics, M.Sc. Cybersecurity, M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence | 15,000 (INR 13,58,394) |
| MA Art Therapy* | 13,500 (INR 12,22,554) |
National College of Ireland (NCI)
The National College of Ireland is a state-funded institute and is widely known for its low tuition fees. It is also popular for its highly academic programs in business and computing. The programs at the National College of Ireland are accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. The college also has global partnerships with top universities like Stanford University, Cornell University, and UC Berkeley.
| Course | Tuition Fee(In EUR) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Degrees | 10,000 (INR 9,05,596) |
| Master’s Degrees | 15,000 (INR 13,58,394) |
| Higher Diploma | 12,000 (INR 10,86,715) |
Maynooth University
Maynooth University is one of the most preferred universities by international students due to its ever-welcoming atmosphere and affordable tuition fees. The university offers 235 undergraduate and graduate-level programs through 30 academic departments. Its popular courses are engineering, arts, philosophy, science, and social sciences. Every year, nearly 2,000 international students apply for admission at Maynooth University.
| Course | Tuition Fee (In EUR) |
|---|---|
| B. Ed | 16,500 (INR 14,94,233) |
| BBA/BBS | 17000 (INR 15,39,513) |
| BA | 16,500 (INR 14,94,233) |
| B.Sc. | 18000 (INR 16,30,072) |
| M.Sc.(Business) | 15,000 (INR 13,58,394) |
| Higher Diploma | 14,000 (INR 12,67,234) |
University of Limerick
The University of Limerick offers a diverse range of part-time and full-time programs to over 2,000 international students. The university is known for its cooperative education program, which is partnered with various top-notch companies in Ireland. The popular courses at the University of Limerick include engineering, health sciences, education, business, social sciences, arts, and humanities. The cost of tuition at Limerick varies from program level, mode, and area of study.
| Course | Tuition Fee (In EUR) |
|---|---|
| Certificate | 1,846 (INR 16,662) |
| Bachelor’s Degree Part-time | 10,056 (INR 9,10,667) |
| Bachelor’s Degree Full-time | 12,800 (INR 11,59,163) |
| Graduate Certificate (part-time) | 4,000 (INR 3,62,238) |
| M.A (part-time) | 7,106 - 8,500 (INR 7,69,756) |
| M.Sc.(part-time) | 8,500 (INR 7,69,756) |
| M.Sc., M.A (full-time) | 15,800 (INR 14,30,841) |
Letterkenny Institute of Technology
Letterkenny Institute of Technology is the most affordable among the cheap universities in Ireland. The college offers higher certificates, bachelor's degrees, honors degrees, and graduate-level courses. LIT currently houses around 4,000 students, including international students from 32 countries.
| Course | Tuition Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate level | 10,500 (INR 9,50,875) |
| Postgraduate | 12,000 (INR 10,86,900 |
Griffith College Dublin
Griffith College, Dublin offers more than 200 courses at a different level in part-time as well as full-time modes. It is the largest third-level institution in Ireland. The college has an international reputation for academic excellence and student outcomes. The courses offered at Griffith College are recognized globally and are combined with professional and corporate training. The classes are offered in business, accountancy, computing, law, media, design, drama, and music.
| Course | Tuition Fee(EUR) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | 12,000 (INR 10,86,715) |
| Master’s or Diploma | 14,000 (INR 12,67,834) |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 12,000 (INR 10,86,715) |
| M.Sc. in Digital Transformation | 16,500 (INR 10,86,715) |
| M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Business & Technology | 16,500(INR 10,86,715) |
| M.A in Scoring for Film, TV & Interactive Media | 38,000 (INR 34,41,265) |
Dundalk Institute of Technology
Dundalk Institute of Technology welcomes around 600 international students every year to apply for undergraduate, postgraduate, and part-time courses. It also offers study-abroad opportunities for all international and domestic students. Though the tuition fee may vary for each academic department, below are mentioned the basic tuition fee at Dundalk Institute of Technology based on the program level.
| Course | Tuition Fee(EUR) |
|---|---|
| International Foundation Program | 7,250 (INR 6,56,557) |
| Pre-sessional English Program | 2,000 (INR 1,81,119) |
| Bachelor's Degree/Higher Diploma | 9,950 (INR 9,01,068) |
| Master’s Degree (by research) | 10,000 (INR 9,05,596) |
| M.Sc. in Computing | 16,665 (INR 15,06,175) |
| Higher Diploma | 9,950 (INR 9,01,068) |
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin is a leader among the public research institutions in Ireland. The college enrolls over 5,500 international students in undergraduate and graduate-level programs. The programs at Trinity College are offered across the Department of arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Almost all international students studying at Trinity receive personal tuition as part of academic and professional guidance.
| Course | Tuition Fee(EUR |
|---|---|
| Business, Law, Economics, Computer Science, Dental Hygiene (UG) | 21,570 (INR 19,53,370) |
| Global Business (UG) | 19,720 (INR 17,85,835) |
| Biology, Management Science, Science (UG) | 28,250 (INR 25,58,308) |
| Medicine (UG) | 56,280 (INR 50,96,694) |
| MBA | 36,500 (INR 33,05,425) |
| M.Sc. | 22,350 (INR 20,24,007) |
| M.F.A | 22,880 (INR 20,64,759) |
| M. Ed | 13,800 (INR 12,49,722) |
| M. Phil | 18,180 (INR 16,46,373) |
Cost of Living in Ireland
The cost of living in Ireland is generally varied by city and student’s lifestyle. Below is the breakdown of the average cost of living for international students residing in Ireland.
| Expenses | Cost Per Month (In EUR) |
|---|---|
| Rent | 600 - 680 (On-campus) 600 - 1000(off-campus) |
| Utilities | 30 - 50 (INR 2,716-4,527) |
| Food | 250 - 350 (INR 22,639- 31,695) |
| Travel and Transportation | 65 - 85 (INR 5,886-7,697) |
| Books and supplies | 75 (INR 6,791) |
| Mobile and internet | 20 (INR 1,811) |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | 200 - 300 (INR 1,811–2,716) |
| Total | 1,240 - 1,880 (INR 1,12,293-1,70,252) |
Ireland is an ideal choice for those international students looking for affordable education and cheap universities abroad. The universities in Ireland are globally renowned for their world-class education and range of career opportunities after graduation. Several cheap universities in Ireland are worth applying to for international students across the globe.
FAQs
Ques. What are the cheapest universities in Ireland?
Ans. Some affordable universities in Ireland include Trinity College, Dublin National College of Ireland, University College Cork, Dublin City University, University of Limerick, Maynooth University., Technological University Dublin, and Griffith College.
Ques. Are tuition fees lower for international students in Irish universities?
Ans. Generally, tuition fees for international students in Ireland are higher than for EU/EEA students, but there are still affordable options available, especially at institutes of technology.
Ques. Do cheap universities in Ireland compromise on quality of education?
Ans. Cheap universities in Ireland often offer quality education with a focus on practical skills and industry relevance. Many of them have strong ties with local industries and offer programs designed to meet industry demands.
Ques. Are there scholarships available for international students in cheap Irish universities?
Ans. Yes, some universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students based on academic merit, sports achievements, or other criteria. It's advisable to check with each university for available scholarships.
Ques. What are the living expenses like for students in Ireland?
Ans. Living expenses in Ireland can vary depending on the location and lifestyle. Generally, students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. Living costs may be higher in cities like Dublin compared to smaller towns.
Ques. Is Ireland cheaper than India?
Ans. Despite the fact that education is generally more affordable and cheap in Ireland, all international students (including EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA residents) must pay a student contribution fee of up to 3,000 EUR per year for services like exam entries and assistance for clubs and societies.
Ques. Are there opportunities for post-graduation work in Ireland for international students?
Ans. Ireland offers a 'Stay Back Option' for international students, allowing them to stay in Ireland for a period after graduation to seek employment or apply for further study.
Ques. Is Ireland or Canada cheaper for students?
Ans. For postgraduate courses, Canada is more affordable than Ireland. The cost of studying MS in Ireland is around INR 15.16 lakhs per year, while in Canada it is INR 11.22 lakhs per year.
Ques. Which college is the easiest to get in?
Ans. Maynooth College is the cheapest University in Ireland, with a high acceptance rate of 73%.
Ques. Which intake is better for Ireland?
Ans. As an international student, you have two main options for studying in Ireland – the Autumn intake in September and the Spring intake in February. The September intake is the largest, with more programs available and the chance to start alongside a larger group of international students


















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