Cost of Studying in Ireland for International Students 2026-2027

7 min read

In 2025, over 10,000 Indian students are choosing Ireland for higher studies (Education in Ireland), drawn by the quality of education and a vibrant student life. Studying here opens doors to global exposure and exciting opportunities in Europe’s thriving job market.

While this is higher than tuition fees in India, Ireland study costs are still more affordable compared to destinations like the US and UK. Living costs in Ireland vary depending on the city and lifestyle, with students typically budgeting between €1,000 – €1,700 (₹1,02,540 – ₹1,74,318) per month for Indian students. Additionally, the Irish government has introduced measures to ease the financial burden on students, including a permanent €500 (₹51,169) reduction in student contribution fees, benefiting up to 108,000 students. (thesun.ie)

Keep reading to know more about the cost of studying in Ireland.

Cost of Studying in Ireland for Indian Students in 2026

The cost of studying in Ireland can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. On average, students should budget between €1,000 and €1,700 (₹1,02,338 – ₹1,73,975) per month for accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials.

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Here’s an overview of the course-wise cost of studying in Ireland.

Cost of Studying in Ireland for Indian Students: Fees and Universities

Average Ireland Fees for International Students

Course LevelAverage Annual Tuition Fees (EUR)Equivalent in INR
Undergraduate€9,850 – €55,000₹10,09,000 – ₹56,34,700
Postgraduate Master's€9,950 – €35,000₹10,20,000 – ₹35,88,000
PhD€9,950 – €35,000₹10,20,000 – ₹35,88,000
Note: The amount may vary based on the currency exchange rate. Conversion rate used: €1 = ₹102.54.

Cost of Studying in Ireland: Top Universities & Tuition Fees

Tuition fee is the biggest and major expense. Ireland’s universities are recognized globally for their academic excellence, with Trinity College Dublin (TCD) ranked 75th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, making it one of Ireland’s top-ranked universities. When planning your studies, it’s essential to carefully consider tuition and living costs, and explore scholarships or financial aid options to ensure you have the necessary resources for a smooth academic journey in Ireland.

Here’s an overview of Ireland’s education costs based on the type of university.

UniversityQS World University Ranking 2026Tuition Fees (EUR per year)Tuition Fees (INR per year)
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)#75€10,800 – €28,900₹11,07,000 – ₹29,65,000
University College Dublin  (UCD)#118€16,800 – €25,600₹17,23,000 – ₹26,21,000
University College Cork (UCC)#246€16,500 – €22,000₹16,92,000 – ₹22,56,000
University of Galway#284€13,000 – €24,000₹13,33,000 – ₹24,61,000
Dublin City University (DCU)#410€14,000 – €18,000₹14,36,000 – ₹18,46,000
Note: The amount may vary based on the currency exchange rate. Conversion rate used: €1 = ₹102.54.

You should check out the Scholarships in Ireland for Indian students, as there is a possibility to save on tuition fees.

Cost of Living in Ireland for Indian Students

The cost of living in Ireland is a key factor for Indian students planning to study abroad. Living expenses in Ireland vary based on your university location, accommodation choice, and lifestyle. Major cities like Dublin tend to be more expensive than smaller cities such as Cork, Galway, or Limerick. For 2026, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) requires international students to show proof of funds to support themselves. This is approximately €10,000 - €12,000 (₹10,23,380 - ₹12,28,056) per year in Dublin and slightly less in other cities.

Cost of Studying in Ireland for Indian Students: Fees and Universities

Summary Table: Average Monthly Costs

Expense CategoryEstimated Monthly Cost
Rent€400 – €1,200 (₹41,016 – ₹1,23,048)
Groceries€250 – €350 (₹25,635 – ₹35,889)
Utilities€50 – €100 (₹5,127 – ₹10,254)
Transport€30 – €60 (₹3,076 – ₹6,152)
Mobile & Internet€50 – €60 (₹5,127 – ₹6,152)
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Dining, etc.)€150 – €250 (₹15,381 – ₹25,635)
Note: The amount may vary based on the currency exchange rate. Conversion rate used: €1 = ₹102.54.

On average, Indian students should budget around INR 89,000 to INR 1,50,000 per month, depending on city and lifestyle choices.

Detailed Overview of the Cost of Living in Ireland for Indian Students

Ireland offers excellent education and a vibrant lifestyle, but Indian students need to understand the cost of living before studying there. This overview breaks down the average expenses for accommodation, food, transport, and other essentials in Ireland.

1. Accommodation

Your largest expense. Options include university-owned accommodation, private student residences, and shared apartments.

  • On-Campus Halls: €500 - €800 per month (INR 51,270 - INR 82,032)
  • Private Shared Apartment (outside Dublin): €400 - €700 per month (INR 41,016 - INR 71,778)
  • Private Shared Apartment (in Dublin): €700 - €1,200+ per month (INR 71,778 - INR 1,23,048+)

2. Food and Groceries

Smart shopping helps manage costs.

  • Monthly Groceries: €250 - €350 (INR 25,635 - INR 35,889)
  • Occasional Eating Out: €100 - €200 (INR 10,254 - INR 20,508)

3. Transportation

Student travel cards offer discounts.

  • Monthly Student Leap Card (Dublin): €50 - €60 (INR 5,127 - INR 6,152)
  • Transport in smaller cities: €30 - €40 (INR 3,076 - INR 4,102), as many places are walkable

Specific Costs for Indian Students in 2026

As an Indian student, you may have unique financial considerations. Let’s break down the key costs you should plan for.

1. Ireland Student Visa Fees for Indian Students

To study in Ireland, you need a Stamp 2 student visa. Key costs include:

  • Visa Application Fee: €60 (₹6,152) – non-refundable, payable during the application process.
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance: €500 – €700 (₹51,270 – ₹71,778) per year, mandatory for all international students.

2. One-Time and Upfront Costs to Plan For

Beyond your monthly budget, initial setup costs are often overlooked but essential for a smooth start:

  • Flight Tickets (India to Ireland): €500 – €900 (₹51,270 – ₹92,286), depending on season and airline.
  • Security Deposit for Accommodation: Usually equivalent to one month’s rent, €400 – €800 (₹41,016 – ₹82,032).
  • Initial Grocery & Settling-In Shopping: €200 – €300 (₹20,508 – ₹30,762).
  • Visa & Health Insurance: As mentioned above.

Planning for these costs upfront helps you avoid surprises and ensures a smoother transition to student life in Ireland.

Tips for International Students to Manage the Cost of Studying in Ireland

While Ireland offers a high quality of life, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce the cost of studying in Ireland as an international student.

  • Apply for Scholarships Early: This is the most effective way to reduce your financial burden. Check university sites and platforms like Education in Ireland.
  • Consider Part-Time Work in Ireland: Students on a Stamp 2 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours during holidays. This can help cover your living expenses.
  • Choose Your City Wisely: Studying in Cork or Galway can be more budget-friendly than Dublin while offering an excellent student experience.
  • Share Accommodation: Sharing an apartment or house is the most common way students save on rent.
  • Use Student Discounts: Your student ID is powerful! Use it for discounts on transport, food, and entertainment.
  • Monitor Exchange Rates: Use cost-effective international money transfer services to maximise your budget.
  • Cook Meals: Cook meals at home and pack lunches to save on dining expenses.
  • Use Public Transport: Utilise the extensive public transportation system and consider investing in a bicycle for shorter distances.
  • Volunteer: Participate in student organisations and events that offer discounted or free activities and experiences.
  • Consider Education Loans: Indian students can apply for education loans from banks and financial institutions before departing. These loans can cover tuition, living expenses, and one-time costs, helping you manage cash flow and reduce upfront financial stress. Research loan options such as SBI Global Ed-Vantage, HDFC Credila, or Axis Bank education loans for studying abroad.

Conclusion: An Investment in Your Future

We know that the cost of studying in Ireland is a significant investment. However, when you view it as an investment in a globally-recognised degree, unparalleled cultural experience, and access to Europe's thriving job market, the value becomes clear. By understanding the breakdown of tuition fees, living expenses, and one-time costs, you are already ahead in your planning.

Your dream of studying in Ireland is within reach with careful financial planning. Start your scholarship search today, create a detailed budget based on your preferences, and take the first confident step toward your future.

Are you ready to create your educational adventure? Discover why studying in Ireland could open doors to a global career. Visit Leap and start shaping your future today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Is There Free Education in Ireland for Indian Students?

    While there is no "free" education for international students in the traditional sense, Ireland offers numerous avenues to make your studies affordable. The key is scholarships and financial aid. Many universities provide merit-based scholarships specifically for Indian students, which can significantly reduce your cost of studying in Ireland. It's essential to research these opportunities on university websites well in advance.

  • How much will it cost to study in Ireland?

    The cost of studying in Ireland depends on tuition, living expenses, and initial setup costs. Tuition fees range from €9,850 to €55,000 (₹10,09,000 – ₹56,34,700) per year, depending on your course and university. Living expenses typically range from €1,000 to €1,700 (₹1,02,540 – ₹1,74,318) per month. One-time costs such as flights, accommodation deposits, and settling-in expenses can add €500 – €1,200 (₹51,270 – ₹1,23,048+) to your budget.

  • Is Ireland good for Indian students?

    Yes, Ireland is an excellent choice for Indian students. The country offers high-quality, globally recognized education, English-medium instruction, and a welcoming environment for international students. Opportunities for part-time work during studies and post-study work visas make it easier to manage finances while gaining valuable international experience. Cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway provide vibrant student life along with cultural and professional opportunities.

  • Is Ireland tuition-free for international students?

    No, education in Ireland is not free for international students. Tuition fees range from €9,850 to €55,000 (₹10,09,000 – ₹56,34,700) per year, depending on the course and university. However, there are numerous scholarships and financial aid options available for Indian students that can significantly reduce the overall cost of studying in Ireland.

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Sainaba C

A content writer intern at LeapScholar, where I turn the complex world of studying abroad into easy, relatable stories. From breaking down admissions and visas to exploring top universities across the globe, I love helping students plan their next big leap with confidence. When I’m not crafting study-abroad guides or chasing SEO perfection, you’ll probably find me reading travel blogs, obsessing over movies, or planning imaginary trips to every university I write about.

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