Cheapest Universities in Ireland for Indian Students (2026 Guide)

For most aspiring Indian students, the idea of a world-class degree is often pushed aside by the exorbitant price tag. With the cost of living and tuition in the US or UK often touching ₹40 Lakhs a year, quality international education seems less like an investment and more like a pipe dream.

A domestic degree may seem like a safer option, but it also means forgoing the international networking opportunities and high salaries that come with tech and pharma hubs around the world. But the “alternative” of incurring massive student debt for a “prestige” country takes a decade to pay off, just as your financial freedom is about to take flight.

Ireland provides a “middle ground” that doesn’t come at the cost of quality. By opting for Technological or private universities, you can get a world-class degree at a fraction of the cost.

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Ireland (2026)

Choosing the right university is about more than just the name; it’s about finding a program that offers high industry value at a price that fits your budget. The table below lists the top 10 institutions to help you compare the most budget-friendly options first.

Find out your ideal university

0%

Choose your dream country

Please select a country

UK

USA

Germany

Australia

Ireland

New Zealand

Canada

UAE

France

Sweden

Italy

Other

When do you want to study abroad?

Please select an option

Jan 2026

Sep 2026

2027 Intake

What's your highest level of education?

Please select an option

Bachelor's

Master's

MBBS / MD

Diploma

12th Grade

10th Grade

Select you current city

Please select your city

 

Please Enter Your Name

 

IN +91 UAE +971 QA +974 SA +966 KW +965 OM +968 BH +973

Please Enter a Valid Number

 

Please Enter Your Email

How Leap will help you

Personalised University Shortlist

Express Applications with Quicker Admits

End-to-End Application Support

Continue

Detailed Overview: Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Ireland

Choosing a university is a huge decision, but it shouldn't feel like a financial burden. Here is a closer look at our top picks, designed to give you a clear picture of what you’ll pay and why these institutions are a great fit for your career.

1. Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT)

Best Courses: MSc in Data Analytics, BSc in Computing, BSc in Biopharmaceutical Science.

Fees: ₹7.9L – ₹12.6L (€7,545 – €12,000)

DkIT is widely regarded as the cheapest university in Ireland for international students, but without compromising on quality. Situated right on the corridor between Dublin and Belfast, you really do get the best of both worlds: lower regional living costs, but easy access to two major job hubs. The campus is well-renowned for its "open-door" policy, meaning your lecturers actually know your name. It's perfect if you want a high-ROI degree in a tight-knit, supportive environment.

2. ICD Business School

Best Courses: MA in Accounting & Finance, BA (Hons) in Business Studies.

Fees: ₹8.4L – ₹10L (€8,000 – €9,500)

So, if you're looking for a specialised kind of business education, right in the heart of Dublin, ICD is a great choice. Since it is a private university, they take their professional focus very seriously. Class sizes will suit you well, as they’re tiny, which works out well as a plus for getting deeply involved in Ireland’s job market for the first time. It is a "no-nonsense" kind of school, geared towards those students who want the degree, go out, and straight away join the corporate world.

3. Atlantic Technological University (ATU)

Best Courses: MSc in Cybersecurity, BEng in Mechanical Engineering, MSc in Sustainability.

Fees: ₹10L – ₹11.5L (€9,500 – €11,000)

Extending itself over the picturesque West of Ireland region of Galway, Mayo, and Sligo, ATU is an institution where STEM students' dreams come true. You’ll fall in love with the rugged landscape and the famous "craic" (hospitable fun) of Galway, the vibrant student city. Because of its status as a Technological University, the courses are informed by the likes of industry leaders.

4. Dublin Business School (DBS)

Best Courses: MBA (Cloud Computing), MSc in Fintech, MSc in Cybersecurity.

Fees: ₹10.5L – ₹15.2L (€10,000 – ₹14,500)

DBS is Ireland’s biggest independent college. It is located at the very heart of Dublin City. It is a hotspot for restaurants, stores, and tech businesses. You will love the diversity at DBS because you will get to meet people from all around the world. DBS is renowned for offering a career-led way of learning. They frequently have events running for their international student events and career fairs, making it a super safe option for Indians to utilise the 24-month post-study work visa in Ireland.

5. National College of Ireland (NCI)

Best Courses: MSc in Cloud Computing, MSc in Data Analytics, and MA in Human Resource Management.

Fees: ₹10.5L – ₹15.8L (€10,000 – €15,000)

The location of the NCI is perfectly placed in Dublin’s “Silicon Docks.” It’s literally just next to the European headquarters of Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn. You’ll have to fall in love with the opportunities for networking available here, as it’s pretty common for professionals to come and guest lecture for your courses. For the location of the college itself, the speciality master’s programs don’t come with the price tag you might expect for the city-centre location. It’s the ultimate choice for the tech-savvy student who wants to be where the action is without the price of an Ivy League education.

6. South East Technological University (SETU)

Best Courses: MSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence, MSc in Data Science, MSc in Construction Project Management.

Fees: ₹11L – ₹15.2L (€10,500 – €14,500)

Being the first technological university in the South East of Ireland, it’s no surprise that the university is growing to be an expanding star in the education spectrum of Ireland. One of the things you will enjoy most about the university is the affordability of life in Waterford and Carlow compared to life in the capital city of Dublin. This ensures your money will go farther in your budget plan. Of all the things you will appreciate about this university, one of the university is strongly linked to the regional industry.

7. Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)

Best Courses: MSc in Software Design (Cloud Native Computing), MSc in Data Analytics, and MA in Digital Marketing.

Fees: ₹12.1L – ₹16.3L (€11,500 – €15,500)

TUS is all about regional strength, with major bases in not only Athlone but also in Limerick. Irish or American, you’ll love the Limerick Tech Hub atmosphere, it’s one of the fastest-growing areas for multinational businesses outside Dublin. Graduate employability is the major drive behind the institution, with some of the highest employment statistics in the country. If youwant a welcoming atmosphere with a price tag on the flat that’s actually within the budget, TUS is a standout contender.

8. Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)

Best Courses: BArch in Architecture, MSc in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, MSc in Applied Cyber Security.

Fees: ₹12.2L – ₹15.2L (€11,650 – €14,500)

TU Dublin is Ireland’s very first and largest Technological University, catering to a massive volume of courses. You’ll also adore their brand-new, cutting-edge Grangegorman campus, which is literally just a stroll away from the city centre. They’re a giant in the country’s capital and yet have managed to make their prices ridiculously low. If you’re after the 'college experience', as in thousands of students galore, hundreds of clubs to join, and a student population of 28,000, while also gaining the sought-after 'practical education' that TUs are known for, then this is the place to be.

9. Munster Technological University (MTU)

Best Courses: MSc in Cybersecurity, MSc in Artificial Intelligence, BEng in Electrical Engineering.

Fees: ₹12.6L – ₹15.8L (€12,000 – €15,000)

MTU, based in Cork and Kerry, is the place to be if you are an engineering or tech enthusiast at heart. Cork is a fantastic place that all students would love. Dubbed the "real capital" of Ireland, the city has a massive student population and a very vibrant nightlife. MTU has always taken great pride in the strong ties that the institution has with the pharma and tech industries based in the South-West. If you aim to get a job at one of the many pharma industry giants such as Pfizer or Johnson and John’s, MTU has got you covered by putting you very close to the headquarters at a fraction of the price.

10. Maynooth University

Best Courses: MSc in Data Science, MA in International Development, MSc in Computer Science (Software Engineering).

Fees: ₹13.6L – ₹18.9L (€13,000 – €18,000)

Maynooth is special because it is Ireland’s only "university town," situated just outside Dublin, a mere 25 km away. You’ll love the beautiful combination of a 200-year-old historic university campus with state-of-the-art technology. Maynooth is a very old-fashioned kind of university, especially good for research and the arts. While tuition fees are slightly higher on this list, the town is very friendly to international students, and if you wish to roam the streets to find jobs, getting to Dublin is no problem, so you have a backup plan!

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Ireland (2026)

If you have a stellar academic record, you should aim for these high-value scholarships that can cover your entire tuition and even provide a stipend for your monthly expenses.

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting the appropriate university in Ireland, it is not just a matter of reducing expenses by selecting the cheapest university in Ireland; it’s a matter of selecting the appropriate foundation from which you can take the first step in the direction of a successful career in a global economy.

Therefore, by selecting the affordable universities in Ireland depending on their technological orientation or their particular orientation towards business studies, you can not only save a lot of money but can also benefit from the increasing employment opportunities in the country, along with a 24-month work visa.

The process of selecting a course to apply for your visa can be daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Leap Scholar, we have helped thousands of Indian students make this process easier, from shortlisting the most suitable universities for their budget to applying for life-changing scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions