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Study in Ireland: costs, visa, scholarships and universities

Costs, visa process, work rights, scholarships and university options for studying in Ireland.

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Overview

Ireland is an English-speaking EU member state with a binary higher-education system of universities (for example Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Galway, University of Limerick, Dublin City University, Maynooth University) and technological universities such as TU Dublin. Teaching is in English. Students from outside the EU/EEA are charged non-EU fees set by each institution; the Government-backed Education in Ireland service gives 2025/26 ranges of EUR 10,300-29,000 for undergraduate business, EUR 14,500-28,500 for engineering and science, EUR 13,500-28,200 for arts and humanities, and EUR 11,000-40,000 across postgraduate fields, with medicine and health sciences higher.

Undergraduate applicants from outside the EU normally apply directly to the institution rather than through the CAO, which handles EU and Irish school-leaver applications. Entry requirements are set per course; most institutions published in this dataset ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band for degree-level study, while the immigration minimum for a visa is lower (IELTS 5.0 for non-preparatory courses). Application windows differ by university and programme, with some courses closing early when places fill, and the main intake is September.

Nationals of visa-required countries (the May 2025 official list places Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkey in that group) apply online for a long-stay D study visa through the Irish visa system, normally with a course on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes, proof that fees have been paid (in full if under EUR 6,000, otherwise at least EUR 6,000), access to EUR 10,000 for the year, private medical insurance and a letter of acceptance. After arrival, students register for an Irish Residence Permit (EUR 300 registration fee). Students with Stamp 2 permission may work up to 20 hours per week in term and 40 hours in holiday periods.

Graduates of Irish level 8 programmes may apply for a 12-month Third Level Graduate permission (Stamp 1G) and level 9 or higher graduates for up to 24 months, subject to overall time limits. Ireland may suit students who can fund full international fees plus living costs and who plan their application, visa and accommodation early; costs, deadlines and rules differ by institution, so applicants should confirm details with the university and Immigration Service Delivery.

Public university tuition
Education in Ireland (2025/26 non-EU ranges): undergraduate Business EUR 10,300-29,000; Engineering EUR 14,500-28,500; Science & Technology EUR 14,500-28,500; Arts & Humanities EUR 13,500-28,200; Medicine & Health Sciences EUR 50,135-62,500. Postgraduate: Business EUR 14,000-40,000; Engineering EUR 15,000-30,000; Science & Technology EUR 15,000-31,000; Arts & Humanities EUR 12,000-23,000; Medicine & Health Sciences EUR 11,000-30,000. University examples in this dataset (most recent fee schedule): TU Dublin BSc Computer Science EUR 13,500; UL Business Studies EUR 17,500; Galway Commerce EUR 20,650; UCC Commerce EUR 22,814; TCD arts/business EUR 23,250; UCD Computer Science EUR 29,500; Maynooth MSc EUR 17,000-18,000; UCC MSc EUR 21,914-29,614.Source
Monthly living cost
Trinity College Dublin estimates annual living costs excluding tuition for Dublin at EUR 19,937-29,050 (undergraduate) and EUR 21,050-27,050 (postgraduate), including accommodation. For visa purposes Immigration Service Delivery requires visa-required students to show access to EUR 10,000 per year of study, and students from non-visa-required countries to have had direct access to EUR 7,000 per year on arrival; the visa guidance says finances should cover the stay without relying on casual employment or public funds.Source
Visa processing time
Immigration Service Delivery: applicants can expect a decision within approximately 8 weeks from receipt at the visa office; longer if documents are missing or need verification. Dublin Visa Office publishes decisions/waiting times weekly; other offices must be contacted directly. Appeals within 2 months of the refusal letter at no cost.Source
Work rights
Students on Stamp 2 permission (full-time ILEP degree-level study) may work without an employment permit up to 20 hours per week in term time and up to 40 hours per week in the holiday periods (June, July, August, September, and 15 December-15 January). Stamp 2A holders may not work. Hours across all jobs count together; a PPS number and valid IRP card are required.Source
Intakes and deadlines
Main intake September; some postgraduate programmes also take January (for example DCU MSc Computing, Maynooth MSc Business Analytics January start). Undergraduate direct-application windows for 2027 entry open from about 1 November 2026 at Trinity; closing dates vary by course and may close early when capacity is reached.Source
Language requirement
Immigration minimum (visa purposes only), non-preparatory courses: IELTS Academic 5.0, TOEFL iBT 61, PTE Academic 30, Duolingo 75, LanguageCert Academic 60, Cambridge First (FCE) pass; certificate within two years of course start. Universities set higher course requirements, typically IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 per band for degree courses (TCD Band B, UCD, UCC, Maynooth, UL; Galway MSc 6.5 with 6.5 writing).Source

Tuition and living costs

Public university tuition
Education in Ireland (2025/26 non-EU ranges): undergraduate Business EUR 10,300-29,000; Engineering EUR 14,500-28,500; Science & Technology EUR 14,500-28,500; Arts & Humanities EUR 13,500-28,200; Medicine & Health Sciences EUR 50,135-62,500. Postgraduate: Business EUR 14,000-40,000; Engineering EUR 15,000-30,000; Science & Technology EUR 15,000-31,000; Arts & Humanities EUR 12,000-23,000; Medicine & Health Sciences EUR 11,000-30,000. University examples in this dataset (most recent fee schedule): TU Dublin BSc Computer Science EUR 13,500; UL Business Studies EUR 17,500; Galway Commerce EUR 20,650; UCC Commerce EUR 22,814; TCD arts/business EUR 23,250; UCD Computer Science EUR 29,500; Maynooth MSc EUR 17,000-18,000; UCC MSc EUR 21,914-29,614.Source
Private university tuition
Not yet verified
Monthly living cost
Trinity College Dublin estimates annual living costs excluding tuition for Dublin at EUR 19,937-29,050 (undergraduate) and EUR 21,050-27,050 (postgraduate), including accommodation. For visa purposes Immigration Service Delivery requires visa-required students to show access to EUR 10,000 per year of study, and students from non-visa-required countries to have had direct access to EUR 7,000 per year on arrival; the visa guidance says finances should cover the stay without relying on casual employment or public funds.Source

Accommodation

Education in Ireland: options are on-campus halls (shared apartments of 4-8 students, private bedroom, usually paid in two instalments in September and February with a one-month refundable deposit, in high demand), self-catering private rental (monthly rent, one-month deposit, 9-12 month leases), and homestay with host families. Every institution has an accommodation office; early application is strongly recommended.

When planning the total budget, separate one-off and monthly items. Budget planning guide

Visa and residence permit

Non-EEA/non-Swiss students who are from visa-required countries apply for a long-stay D study visa (stays over 90 days) via the online AVATS system up to 3 months before travel, from their country of residence, and then register for an Irish Residence Permit after arrival. Students from non-visa-required countries do not need a visa but must still register if staying over 90 days and show EUR 7,000 per year. The course must be full-time (at least 15 hours of organised daytime tuition per week) and appear on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) or the TrustEd Ireland list; degree programmes at level 7 or above are covered by the degree guidelines.

Visa processing time
Immigration Service Delivery: applicants can expect a decision within approximately 8 weeks from receipt at the visa office; longer if documents are missing or need verification. Dublin Visa Office publishes decisions/waiting times weekly; other offices must be contacted directly. Appeals within 2 months of the refusal letter at no cost.Source
Proof of funds
EUR 10,000 per year of study for visa-required students (checked at the visa application); EUR 7,000 per year for non-visa-required students, assessed on arrival. Fees must also be paid (full if under EUR 6,000; at least EUR 6,000 otherwise). Education in Ireland lists EUR 10,000 as the minimum funds to maintain yourself for the initial part of the stay.Source
Health insurance
Private medical insurance is required for the visa and at registration and each renewal (travel insurance not accepted); the college may arrange cover and state this in the letter of acceptance. Non-EEA students must also not rely on public services.Source

Application steps

  1. Receive offer and letter of acceptance for an ILEP-listed full-time course.
  2. Pay course fees: in full if under EUR 6,000, otherwise at least EUR 6,000 before applying.
  3. Complete the online AVATS application, print and sign the summary form, and submit supporting documents to the designated visa office or mission (hardcopy originals, certified translations if not English).
  4. Await decision (about 8 weeks from receipt is the stated expectation); do not buy tickets before the outcome.
  5. Travel, present documents to the Immigration Officer, then register with the local registration office and obtain the Irish Residence Permit card (EUR 300 per registration/renewal).

Documents required

  • Passport valid at least 12 months after planned arrival, plus copies of previous passports
  • Two passport photographs (not older than 6 months)
  • Letter of acceptance from the college (course details, fees payable and paid, medical insurance details if arranged by the college)
  • Proof of fee payment (electronic transfer or approved payment service)
  • Evidence of academic ability and English language proficiency
  • Evidence of finances: access to EUR 10,000 per year of study, and Summary of Finances form
  • Private medical insurance
  • Application letter including explanation of any gap in education or course change
  • Details of any previous visa refusals
Fees
Single-journey visa EUR 60; multi-journey EUR 100 (Education in Ireland student visas page citing the standard non-refundable visa processing fees); some applicants are exempt. Irish Residence Permit registration fee EUR 300 on first registration and each renewal. Extra consular or communication charges may apply by office.Source

Nationality-specific notes: turkey: Visa required (Turkiye = Yes on the live ISD 'Visa & Non-Visa Required Nationalities' table; also in the visa-required column of the May 2025 PDF).; russia: Visa required (Russian Federation = Yes on the live ISD table). Russian and Belarusian nationals are not eligible for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (HEA).; kazakhstan: Visa required (Kazakhstan = Yes on the live ISD table).; azerbaijan: Visa required (Azerbaijan = Yes on the live ISD table).; ukraine: Currently NOT visa required (Ukraine = No on the live ISD table; non-visa column of the May 2025 PDF, confirmed visually by column colour). This stems from an emergency Statutory Instrument of 25 Feb 2022 that lifted the entry visa requirement for Ukrainian nationals; ISD stated at the time that the position is kept under ongoing review. Treat as subject to change and re-check before applying. Students who are not visa-required still must register with immigration (IRP) if staying over 90 days and show EUR 7,000 per year. Whether the Temporary Protection scheme or other special rules apply to Ukrainian students was not researched.

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Work rights and after graduation

Students on Stamp 2 permission (full-time ILEP degree-level study) may work without an employment permit up to 20 hours per week in term time and up to 40 hours per week in the holiday periods (June, July, August, September, and 15 December-15 January). Stamp 2A holders may not work. Hours across all jobs count together; a PPS number and valid IRP card are required.

After graduation: Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G): level 8 award = 12 months (to a seven-year cap on student permission overall); level 9 or above = 12 months, renewable for another 12 if the graduate shows steps to access graduate-level employment (eight-year cap). Apply within six months of notification of the award while holding Stamp 2 and an up-to-date IRP card; registration fee EUR 300. Purpose is to seek graduate-level work and an employment permit (general or critical skills) or research hosting agreement.

Source

Language requirements and intakes

Language requirement
Immigration minimum (visa purposes only), non-preparatory courses: IELTS Academic 5.0, TOEFL iBT 61, PTE Academic 30, Duolingo 75, LanguageCert Academic 60, Cambridge First (FCE) pass; certificate within two years of course start. Universities set higher course requirements, typically IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 per band for degree courses (TCD Band B, UCD, UCC, Maynooth, UL; Galway MSc 6.5 with 6.5 writing).Source
Intakes and deadlines
Main intake September; some postgraduate programmes also take January (for example DCU MSc Computing, Maynooth MSc Business Analytics January start). Undergraduate direct-application windows for 2027 entry open from about 1 November 2026 at Trinity; closing dates vary by course and may close early when capacity is reached.Source

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Scholarships

master's (NFQ 9), postgraduate diploma or PhD (NFQ 10)Direct application

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)

Government of Ireland, managed by the Higher Education Authority with participating institutions

Coverage
EUR 10,000 stipend for one year of full-time study plus full fee waiver by the host institution; 60 awards per year
Deadline
2026 call closed 12 March 2026, 5pm Irish time (results early June); next call dates not yet published
Eligibility
Domiciled outside EU/EEA, Switzerland and UK; conditional or final offer from an eligible Irish institution required at application; previous awardees not eligible; Russian and Belarusian nationals not eligible; two references.
Source
undergraduateVia the university

TCD Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship

Trinity College Dublin

Coverage
EUR 2,000-5,000 off year-one tuition depending on region
Deadline
2026/27 round: Africa 1 May, Americas 1 Apr, SE Asia & Oceania 15 Jul, other regions 15 Jun 2026
Eligibility
Non-EU fee status; excludes Medicine, Dentistry, Acting, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science & Statistics; China excluded (Claddagh scholarship instead).
Source
undergraduate and graduate taughtVia the university

UCD Global Excellence Scholarship

University College Dublin

Coverage
50% or 100% tuition
Deadline
2026/27 round closed 1 Feb / 28 Feb / 31 Mar 2026 by region; 2027/28 opens November 2026, dates TBC
Eligibility
Non-EU fee rate; must hold a UCD offer; separate application required.
Source
undergraduate/graduate (programme dependent)Via the university

UCD International Student Scholarship (ISS)

University College Dublin

Deadline
No application; assessed at point of offer
Eligibility
Some programmes excluded; amount in T&C PDF not retrieved.
Source
master's, higher diploma, PG diplomaVia the university

UCC international postgraduate GPA-based scholarship

University College Cork

Coverage
20% for 1H1-equivalent GPA (other bands not retrieved)
Eligibility
Applies to international (non-EU) students on the 2027/28 fee schedule.
Source
selected MSc programmesVia the university

University of Galway Excellence and Merit Scholarships

University of Galway

Coverage
3 Excellence Scholarships of EUR 10,000/year; Merit Scholarships EUR 2,000-5,000/year
Eligibility
Non-EU students on listed MSc programmes (Data Analytics, AI, Adaptive Cybersecurity, others).
Source
undergraduate and postgraduate (faculty dependent)Via the university

DCU International Scholarships for Non-EU students 2027-28

Dublin City University

Coverage
EUR 4,400 (Engineering & Computing PG), EUR 2,000 (Humanities & Social Sciences PG), EUR 1,850 (Humanities & Social Sciences UG) fee reduction
Eligibility
Eligible programme list on the DCU page; Humanities scheme considers all non-EU applications automatically.
Source
undergraduate and postgraduateVia the university

UL faculty merit scholarships for non-EU students

University of Limerick

Coverage
EUR 2,000/year (Science & Engineering), EUR 2,500/year (Kemmy Business School) for 2026/27
Eligibility
Reviewed automatically on application; cannot hold with external scholarship. Search-summary level of verification.
Source

Cities

Dublin

Cork

Galway

Limerick

Maynooth

Universities

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Dublin · Public

Non-EU first-year fee 2027/28 (tuition+levies as published): most arts/business/law/psychology bachelor courses EUR 23,250; Computer Science and Engineering integrated masters (5 yr) EUR 30,450 year 1; taught master's e.g. Computer Science EUR 28,760, Finance EUR 27,300, Business Analytics EUR 24,780, Management EUR 24,600. The 2026/27 table shows e.g. EUR 22,580 for the same arts courses. Fees rise yearly under the College fee certainty rules; fee noted is for year 1 only.

University College Dublin

Dublin · Public

UCD publishes non-EU fees per programme in its fee system. Undergraduate (query ACYR=2026, i.e. 2026/27 per the fee-page URL structure): BSc Computer Science DN201 EUR 29,500; Commerce DN650 and BSc Business EUR 23,170; BA DN520 and BSc Economics DN710 EUR 22,600; Agricultural/science programmes e.g. EUR 29,500. Taught graduate 2027/28: MSc Computer Science (Conversion) EUR 30,095; MSc Advanced AI EUR 33,055; MSc Data & Computational Science EUR 28,280; MSc Finance EUR 29,565; MSc Business Analytics & AI EUR 26,710; MSc Management EUR 24,355. Fees published include the Student Centre Levy; students starting a multi-year programme keep the non-EU rate of their start year.

University College Cork

Cork · Public

2027/28 total annual non-EU fee including EUR 214 capitation: Computer Science BSc CK401 EUR 28,314; Engineering BE CK600 EUR 28,314; Data Science and AI BSc CK411 EUR 28,314; Commerce BComm CK201 EUR 22,814; Finance/Accounting BSc EUR 22,814. Taught postgraduate non-EU: Data Science and AI MSc EUR 29,614; Business Analytics MSc EUR 23,314; Finance (Corporate) MSc EUR 21,914; Marketing MSc EUR 21,914. Fee rises annually during a programme. Non-EU new entrants pay tuition in one instalment before registration.

University of Galway

Galway · Public

2027/28 total non-EU annual fee examples (undergraduate): Commerce GY201 EUR 20,650; Law (BCL) GY251 EUR 20,650; Psychology GY104 EUR 22,650; Computer Science and IT GY350 EUR 29,550; Engineering (BE/ME) GY401-GY414 EUR 29,550; Biomedical Science GY303 EUR 29,550. Postgraduate MSc (Computer Science - Data Analytics / Artificial Intelligence) 2027/28: EUR 29,300 tuition + EUR 150 levy = EUR 29,450. Fees increase 5% per year for continuing years where duration exceeds one year (regulations page, 2026/27 entrants); non-EU new entrants pay 50% in advance.

University of Limerick

Limerick · Public

Programme pages (year not stated on page): BSc Computer Science LM121 and Engineering common entry LM116 EUR 22,700 per year (tuition EUR 22,596 + EUR 104 levy); Business Studies LM050 EUR 17,500. Taught postgraduate: MSc Software Engineering EUR 21,500 on the programme page vs EUR 20,800 in the 2026-27 fee schedule; MSc Business Analytics EUR 20,400 (both sources); MSc Finance EUR 18,400 (2026-27 schedule). Fees subject to annual review.

Dublin City University

Dublin · Public

2027-28 non-EU per year: Computer Science DC121 EUR 23,800; Data Science and Artificial Intelligence DC123 EUR 23,800; Engineering year 1 EUR 23,800 (Year 5 integrated masters EUR 19,900); Business Studies/Accounting and Finance EUR 19,500; Civil Law (BCL) EUR 19,450. Postgraduate non-EU: MSc Computing EUR 25,000; MSc Finance EUR 23,500; MSc Accounting EUR 23,500; Executive MBA EUR 27,600. All fees subject to annual increase.

Maynooth University

Maynooth · Public

2026/27 postgraduate non-EU fee column (fee list dated 18.09.26): MSc Computer Science (Software Engineering) EUR 18,000; MSc Data Science and Analytics EUR 17,000; MSc Business Analytics EUR 18,000; MSc Finance EUR 18,000; MBA EUR 25,000. A EUR 150 student levy is listed in a separate column; whether it is added for non-EU students was not clear from the list. The undergraduate non-EU fee list was not located (published UG list is EU only).

Technological University Dublin

Dublin · Public

International fees page: Level 6 EUR 11,650 and Level 7 EUR 12,500 per year; Level 8 and Level 9 fees are per course (BSc Computer Science TU856 EUR 13,500 per year; MSc Computer Science (Data Science) TU059 EUR 21,750 total fee; MSc Energy Management TU208 EUR 14,500). At least 50% (or EUR 6,000, whichever is greater) of the year's fee must be paid to secure a place.

Atlantic Technological University

Public

Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

Dún Laoghaire · Public

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Dundalk · Public

Mary Immaculate College

Public

Munster Technological University

Public

National College of Art and Design

Public

RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

Royal Irish Academy

South East Technological University

Public

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest

Public

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Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Information on this page is compiled from official sources and was verified on the date shown. Fees, dates and visa rules change often; check official sources before applying. Empty fields have not been verified yet; ask our advisor for the current information.

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