Cost of Studying in Ireland for Indian Students

Ireland, also known as the Land of Saints and Scholars, is famous for its emerald isles and friendly locals. The country has emerged as an increasingly popular study destination for Indian students. As of 2024, the number of Indian students enrolled in Irish universities and colleges has surpassed 7,000, reflecting the country’s growing appeal among those seeking a world-class education in this famous European country.  

As of 2024, Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, ranks 41st worldwide in terms of student view, affordability, and employer activity. While the cost of studying in Ireland can be substantial, the Irish government and universities offer various financial aid options and support services to help you manage your expenses as an international student.

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

Key Highlights

Here’s a snapshot of all the important information you’ll find in this blog.

Topic	Important Points
Average Cost of Study in Ireland for Indian Students	INR 72,000 – INR 1L (€800 – €1,300) per month.
Public university tuition fees	Approximately INR 9L – INR 22L (€10,000 – €25,000) per year.
Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying in Ireland	Government of Ireland Scholarships: Up to INR 9L (€10,000) per year University-Specific Scholarships: Approx. INR 5L (€6,000) per year Corporate Scholarships: Approx. INR 5L (€6,000) per year
Ireland MBA Fees	Full-Time MBA (1 Year): INR 18L – INR 31L (€20,000 – €35,000) Part-Time/Executive MBA (2 Years): INR 22L – INR 45L (€25,000 – €50,000)
Ireland Masters Fees	1 Year Course Fees: INR 9L – INR 22L (€10,000 – €25,000) 2 Years Course Fees: INR 18L – INR 45L (€20,000 – €50,000)
Ireland Study Visa Cost	Study Visa: INR 27,000 – INR 45,000 (€300 – €500) Residence Permit: INR 27,000 (€300) Re-Entry Visa: INR 5,000 – INR 9,000 (€60 – €100) Extension of Visa:  INR 27,000 – INR 45,000 (€300 – €500)

Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland has emerged as a leading destination for students pursuing general higher studies across various disciplines. In fact, over 33,000 international students from 160 countries currently study in Ireland. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider studying in Ireland. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider studying in Ireland.

1. World-Class Universities and Globally Recognised Degrees 

Ireland is home to several world-renowned universities, such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the National University of Ireland, Galway. These institutions consistently rank among the top 300 universities globally according to QS World University Rankings, 2025 and offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across diverse fields, including business, engineering, computer science, and the humanities.

2. International Recognition and Employability 

Degrees obtained from Irish universities are widely recognised and respected worldwide, with over 83% of graduates finding employment or pursuing further studies within 9 months of graduation. Many multinational companies like Google, Facebook, and Pfizer have operations in Ireland, offering excellent employment opportunities and internship prospects for students during and after their studies.

3. English-taught Programs and Cultural Diversity

As an English-speaking country, Ireland offers more than 400 internationally recognised programs taught entirely in English, such as Engineering, Finance, etc., making it an attractive destination for international students. Additionally, the country’s rich cultural heritage and international student community (representing over 13% of the total student population) create a diverse and inclusive learning environment, promoting cross-cultural understanding and personal growth.

4. Vibrant Student Life and Recreational Opportunities 

Ireland is renowned for its lively cities such as Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, rich cultural heritage, and pristine natural beauty made of cliffs and lakes. Students can enjoy a well-rounded university experience, engaging in various extracurricular activities, joining student organisations, and exploring the country’s scenic beauty during breaks and holidays.

By choosing to study in Ireland, you not only gain access to a world-class education but also immerse yourself in a vibrant and welcoming culture, setting the stage for personal and professional growth in a supportive and progressing environment.

Ireland University Fees for International Students

Irish universities consistently rank among the top institutions globally, with Trinity College Dublin featuring in the QS World University Rankings 2025’s top 100 list at 87th place. It’s crucial for you to carefully consider these expenses and explore financial aid opportunities to ensure you have the necessary resources for your education in Ireland.

Here’s an overview of the tuition fees in Irish universities.

Education Level	Estimated Annual Fees (€)
Public University (Undergraduate)	INR 9L – INR 22L (€10,000 – €25,000)
Public University (Postgraduate)	INR 9L – INR 31L (€10,000 – €35,000)

Average Tuition Fees at Top 3 Universities in Ireland

Ireland is home to several world-renowned universities, offering high-quality education across various disciplines. As of 2024, over 7,000 Indian students were enrolled in Irish universities, reflecting the country’s growing popularity as a study destination. 

The cost of studying in Ireland at the top-ranked universities can be substantial, with programs in fields like business, engineering, and computer science often commanding higher fees. But scholarships (discussed later on in this guide), reduce the cost substantially.

Here are the tuition fees for some top institutions.

University and QS World Ranking 2025	Tuition Fees (per year)
Trinity College Dublin (Rank: 87)	INR 18L – INR 31L (€20,000 – €35,000)
University College Dublin (Rank: 126)	INR 16L – INR 22L (€18,000 – €25,000)
University College Cork (Rank: 273)	INR 13L – INR 20L (€15,000 – €22,000)

Cost of Studying a Master’s Degree in Ireland

Pursuing a postgraduate degree in Ireland can be a rewarding experience, offering access to world-class education and diverse cultural exposure. However, it’s crucial to consider the associated costs to plan your finances effectively. Here’s an overview of the typical costs for a master’s degree program in Ireland.

The tuition fees for master’s programs in Ireland can vary depending on the university, discipline, and program duration. On average, you can expect to pay the following tuition fees.

• Ireland Masters Fees (1 Year): INR 9L – INR 22L (€10,000 – €25,000)
• Ireland Masters Fees (2 Years): INR 18L – INR 45L (€20,000 – €50,000)

It’s important to note that certain specialised programs, such as those in medicine, engineering, or business, may have higher tuition fees.

This table presents the annual tuition fees for popular disciplines at 4 of Ireland’s top universities.

University	Annual Engineering Tuiton Fees	Annual Management Tuition Fees
Trinity College Dublin	INR 22L – INR 27L (€25,000 – €30,000)	INR 18L – INR 22L (€20,000 – €25,000)
University College Dublin	INR 18L – INR 22L (€20,000 – €25,000)	INR 16L – INR 20L (€18,000 – €22,000)
National University of Ireland, Galway	INR 16L – INR 20L (€18,000 – €22,000)	INR 13L – INR 18L (€15,000 – €20,000)
University College Cork	INR 14L – INR 18L (€16,000 – €20,000)	INR 13L – INR 16L (€14,000 – €18,000)

Cost of Studying an MBA in Ireland

Pursuing an MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Ireland can be a valuable investment in your future career prospects. However, it’s essential to carefully consider the associated costs to ensure you have the necessary financial resources. 

Here’s an overview of the typical costs for an MBA program in Ireland. The tuition fees for MBA programs in Ireland can vary significantly depending on the university and program structure. On average, you can expect to pay the following tuition fees.

• Full-Time MBA (1 Year): INR 18L – INR 31L (€20,000 – €35,000)
• Part-Time/Executive MBA (2 Years): INR 22L – INR 45L (€25,000 – €50,000)

This table outlines the annual tuition fees for MBA programs at four of Ireland’s leading universities.

University	QS Global MBA Ranking, 2024	Annual Ireland MBA Fees
Trinity College Dublin	112	INR 18L – INR 31L (€32,000 – €35,000)
University College Dublin	120	INR 25L – INR 29L (€28,000 – €32,000)
National University of Ireland, Galway	201-250	INR 20L – INR 23L (€22,000 – €26,000)
Dublin City University	251-300	INR 18L – INR 22L (€20,000 – €25,000)

Also Read: Cheapest Universities in Ireland for International Students 2024

Cost of Studying in Ireland (Accommodation)

Housing expenses often account for a significant portion of your budget as a student in Ireland. However, the country offers a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. As of 2024, around 35% of students in Ireland choose to live in rented accommodation.

Here’s a list of the approximate cost of accommodation while studying in Ireland.

City	Average Monthly Rent for 1BR Apartment
Dublin (City Center)	INR 2L (€1,800 )
Dublin (Outside City Center)	INR 1L (€1,400)
Cork	INR 1L (€1,100)
Galway	INR 90,000 (€1,000)

Cost of Studying in Ireland: On-Campus Accommodation  

University-provided accommodation can significantly reduce your living costs in Ireland. This is why approximately 70% of international students in Ireland prefer to stay on-campus or in affiliated housing options.

Here’s a list of the approximate cost of accommodation on-campus while studying in Ireland.

University	Price Range (per month)
Trinity College Dublin	INR 54,000 – INR 81,000 (€600 – €900)
University College Dublin	INR 45,000 – INR 72,000 (€500 – €800)
University College Cork	INR 36,000 – INR 63,000 (€400 – €700)
National University of Ireland, Galway	INR 40,000 – INR 67,000 (€450 – €750)

Please note: Prices may vary depending on the specific accommodation type, amenities, and occupancy (single or shared).

Cost of Studying in Ireland (Utility Expenses)

Utility costs in Ireland can contribute significantly to your overall cost of living. The average monthly utility bill for a small apartment, including electricity, heating, and internet, can reach up to €200. Ireland’s cool and damp climate necessitates higher heating costs, which can impact utility expenses.

This table lists the average utility costs in Ireland.

Utility	Average Monthly Cost
Electricity	INR 15,000 (€170)
Heating	INR 5,000 – INR 9,000 (€60 – €100)
Internet	INR 2,700 – INR 4,500 (€30 – €50)
Mobile	INR 1,800 – INR 3,600 (€20 – €40)
Total	INR 25,000 – INR 32,000 (€280 – €360)

Cost of Studying in Ireland (Transportation Costs)

Ireland boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation system, making it easy for you to explore cities and surrounding areas. A monthly public transport pass costs around INR 12,550 (€140), providing access to buses, trains, and trams in major cities like Dublin and Cork.  

This table lists the average costs of transportation in Ireland.

Transportation	Monthly Cost (€)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	INR 270 (€3)
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	INR 12,550 (€140)
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	INR 360 (€4)
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	INR 134 (€1.50)
Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	INR 2,700 (€30)
Petrol (1 litre)	INR 161 (€1.80)

Cost of Living in Ireland (Food and Dining Expenses)

While Ireland is known for its delicious and high-quality food options, dining out can be expensive. However, you can find affordable alternatives by exploring local markets, grocery stores, and budget-friendly dining options.

Grocery shopping can help you save money on food costs, with staples like milk (INR 90 or €1 per litre), bread (INR 134 or €1.50 per loaf), and rice (INR 160 or €1.80 per kg) being reasonably priced. 

This table outlines the average food and dining costs in Ireland.

Dining Option	Estimated cost
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	INR 1,300 (€15)
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	INR 5,377 (€60)
McDonald’s Value Meal or Equivalent Combo Meal	INR 716 (€8)

Also Read: Cost of Living in Ireland 2024

Top 5 Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying in Ireland 

To make higher education more accessible to international students, the Irish government, universities, and various organisations offer a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. As of 2023, you can receive a grant of up to €10,000 per year to pursue your studies in Ireland.

Here’s an overview of the top 5 scholarships available to reduce your cost of studying in Ireland.

Scholarship	Amount Awarded
Government of Ireland Scholarships	Up to €10K (INR 9L) per year.
University-Specific Scholarships	Approximately €6K (INR 5L) per year.
Corporate Scholarships(Sponsored by Irish companies, often industry-specific)	Approximately €6K (INR 5L) per year.
Irish Aid Funded Fellowship Training Programme	Full tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs
Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarships	Partial tuition fee waivers, from EUR 5K to EUR 20K (INR 4.25L to INR 17L)

Eligibility Criteria For Indian Students

• Academic Excellence: You should have an excellent academic record, typically based on academic merit, a first-class or upper-second-class degree.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required, often demonstrated through IELTS or TOEFL scores.
• Offer of Admission: You must have an offer of admission from a recognised Irish higher education institution.
• Statement of Purpose: A strong personal statement or essay explaining your academic achievements and career goals.
• Letters of Recommendation: Generally required to provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• Additional Requirements: Depending on the scholarship, additional criteria such as research proposals or proof of financial need may be necessary.

Please note: Some scholarships may be specific to certain nationalities or regions.

Top 7 High-Paying Jobs That Breakeven Initial Investment in Studying

Ireland offers various employment opportunities for international students, allowing you to gain valuable work experience. However, it’s important to note that regulations and restrictions may vary based on your visa status and the type of employment. The average starting salary for graduates from Irish universities is approximately INR 27L (€30,000) per year. Some of the top companies hiring in Ireland include Google, Microsoft, Pfizer, and Allergan. 

The top 7 highest-paying jobs are listed below. 

Job Title	Average Starting Annual Salary
Surgeon	INR 78L (€87,500)
Investment Banker	INR 39L (€43,940)
Chief Executive Officer	INR 49L (€55,000)
Chief Financial Officer	INR 58L (€65,000)
University Lecturer	INR 31L (€34,750)
Airline Pilot	INR 58L (€65,000)
Marketing Director	INR 72L (€80,000)

Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as the employer, industry, and your qualifications and experience.

Part-time Jobs for Indian Students to Reduce Cost of Studying in Ireland

Irish universities and student organisations often help you find suitable job opportunities. The minimum hourly wage for part-time jobs in Ireland is INR 700 (€8). As of 2024, over 70% of international students in Ireland engage in part-time work to support themselves financially during their studies. You can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time.

Here are some common part-time jobs for students in Ireland.

Job	Average Hourly Wage
Retail Sales Assistant	INR 990 – INR 1,100 (€11 – €13)
Tutor/Teaching Assistant	INR 1,100 – INR 1,600 (€13 – €18)
Hospitality/Restaurant Worker	INR 990 – INR 1,250 (€11 – €14)
Office Assistant	INR 1,000 – INR 1,430 (€12 – €16)
Delivery Services	INR 990 – INR 1,100 (€11 – €13)

Cost of Studying in Ireland Compared to India

Although the cost of studying in Ireland can be higher than the cost of studying in India, it can be offset by scholarships and social welfare benefits. Besides, if you graduate from Ireland, you often secure well-paying jobs, which can help recoup the initial investment within 1-2 years.

As of 2024, over 45,000 Indian citizens are currently residing in Ireland, accounting for a small but growing Indian community in the country. Here’s a quick comparison to illustrate the difference.

This table compares the average costs of education and living expenses for international students in Ireland and India.

Expense Category	Average Cost in Ireland	Average Cost in India
Annual Tuition Fees (Undergraduate)	INR 9L – INR 22L (€10,000 – €25,000)	INR 2L – INR 7L(€2,000 – €8,000)
Annual Tuition Fees (Postgraduate)	INR 9L – INR 31L (€10,000 – €35,000)	INR 3L – INR 11L (€3,000 – €12,000)
Monthly Accommodation	INR 72,000 – INR 1L (€800 – €1,400)	INR 18,000 – INR 45,000(€200 – €500)
Monthly Utilities	INR 14,000 – INR 18,000 (€160 – €200)	INR 2,700 – INR 6,200 (€30 – €70)
Monthly Transportation	INR 12,500 (€140)	INR 1,340 – INR 2,700(€15 – €30)
Monthly Food	INR 27,000 – INR 36,000 (€300 – €400)	INR 4,480 – INR 7,170 (€50 – €80)

Comparison of Cost of Studying in Ireland with the US and the UK 

While the cost of studying in Ireland can be higher compared to some other countries, it is often more affordable than popular study destinations like the United States and the United Kingdom. Here’s a comparison of the estimated costs for international students.

Country	Annual Tuition Fees (Undergraduate)	Annual Tuition Fees (Postgraduate)
Ireland	INR 9L – INR 22L (€10,000 – €25,000)	INR 9L – INR 31L (€10,000 – €35,000)
USA	INR 22L – INR 46L (€24,000 – €51,000)	INR 25L – INR 99L (€28,000 – €111,000)
UK	INR 10L – INR 27L(€11,500 – €30,000)	INR 13L – INR 39L (€15,000 – €44,000)

Ireland Study Visa Cost

If you are planning to study in Ireland, you must obtain the appropriate visa or residence permit. The type of visa required and associated costs can vary depending on your country of origin and the duration of your study program. The types of study visas are as follows.

• Study Visa: This is for Indian students pursuing a course longer than three months.
• Residence Permit: This is for Indian students pursuing a course longer than one year.
• Re-Entry Visa: This is for students who need to travel outside Ireland while studying at an Irish university.
• Extension of Visa: To extend the validity of an existing visa.

This table outlines the common types of study visas in Ireland and their approximate costs.

Visa Type	Ireland Study Visa Cost
Study Visa	INR 27,000 – INR 45,000 (€300 – €500)
Residence Permit	INR 27,000 (€300)
Re-Entry Visa	INR 5,380 – INR 9,000 (€60 – €100)
Extension of Visa	INR 27,000 – INR 45,000 (€300 – €500)

Tips for International Students on Reducing the Cost of Living 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.

• Monitor exchange rates and use cost-effective international money transfer services to maximise your budget.
• Explore student discounts and promotions offered by various establishments, including restaurants, museums, and transportation services.
• Consider shared accommodation options like student housing or co-living spaces to split rental costs.
• Cook meals at home and pack lunches to save on dining expenses.
• Utilise the extensive public transportation system and consider investing in a bicycle for shorter distances.
• Explore part-time job opportunities on campus or in the local community to supplement your income (you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time).
• Participate in student organisations and events that offer discounted or free activities and experiences.

To Conclude

While the living expenses in Ireland can be higher compared to many other countries, it is often offset by the high quality of life, excellent education system, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

The cost of living in major cities like Dublin and Cork ranges from INR 90,000 to INR 1L (€1,000 to €1,200) per month, while the tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at top universities can vary between INR 9L to INR 31L (€10,000 and €35,000) per year. 

However, scholarships like the Government of Ireland Scholarships (up to INR 9L or €10,000 per year) and university-specific scholarships (approximately INR 5L or €6,000 per year) can help reduce the overall cost. Additionally, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time, with average hourly wage ranging from INR 990 to INR 1,600 (€11 to €18) for jobs like tutoring, retail, and hospitality. 

With an efficient public transportation system and a wide range of affordable housing and dining options, you can enjoy a fulfilling educational experience while managing your expenses effectively in Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions