Blogs 
Events 
About Us Ireland has emerged as a top destination for students pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science due to its strong tech industry, globally recognized universities, and favourable post-study work policies. With major tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft having their European headquarters in Ireland, graduates have excellent job opportunities.
A Master’s in Computer Science in Ireland typically lasts between 1 to 2 years. It depends on the university and also if you opt for a thesis-based or taught program.
Top universities for Master's in Computer Science in Ireland
| University | QS World Rank (2025) | Average Tuition Fees (EUR/ year) |
| Trinity College Dublin (TCD) | 26 | €20,000 - €26,000 |
| University College Dublin (UCD) | 51 | €22,000 - €25,600 |
| National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) | 259 | €17,750 - €24,140 |
| University College Cork (UCC) | 273 | €18,000 - €23,000 |
| Dublin City University (DCU) | 471 | €16,000 - €20,000 |
| University of Limerick (UL) | 421 | €14,500 - €20,500 |
| Technological University Dublin (TUD) | 851-1500 | €12,500 - €16,000 |
Eligibility criteria & admission requirements
Academic requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field (Minimum 2.1 Honours or equivalent 60-70% in Indian grading system)
- Some universities accept students with non-CS backgrounds but may require pre-requisite courses to be completed
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5+ overall (no band below 6.0 is accepted)
- TOEFL iBT: 90+
- PTE: 63+
GRE/GMAT requirements
- Not mandatory for most universities, but it can definitely strengthen applications for competitive programs.
Work experience & SOP/LORs
- Work experience is not mandatory but adds a competitive edge to the applications.
- SOPs (Statement of Purpose) and LORs (Letters of Recommendation) are very crucial for selection. Read more about how to write an ideal SOP for Ireland universities.
Admission process & application deadlines
Step-by-Step admission process
- Research & Shortlist Universities (9-12 months before intake) or book a free counselling session with us today to get this in 15 mins
- Take any one of these English Proficiency Tests (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- Prepare and compile all the documents: SOP, LORs, Resume, Academic Transcripts
- Submit applications via university portals. This step is usually to be done between November and March for the September intake
- Receive offer letter (either conditional or unconditional) & accept admission
- Apply for a student visa. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for processing. Read the do’s and don’ts to ensure your visa does not get rejected.
Intakes & deadlines for MS in Computer Science in Ireland
- September Intake is the main intake in Ireland, and the application deadline is usually January to March
- Students can also apply to January Intake but only a limited universities accept intake during this period. Application deadline for this is usually September to October
More about September intake and January intake courses and the deadline for Ireland.
Scholarships for Master's in Computer Science in Ireland
These are some of the biggest scholarships that are available to students for studying in Ireland.
Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant Amount |
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship | High academic achievers | €10,000 + tuition waiver |
| UCD Global Excellence Scholarship | Merit-based | 50-100% tuition waiver |
| TCD Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship | Strong academic record | Up to €5,000 |
| NUI Galway International Student Scholarship | International students | €2,000 - €4,000 |
| DCU International Merit Scholarship | Academic excellence | €2,000 |
These scholarships are highly competitive and the acceptance rates usually vary from 10 to 30%. Applying early for September intake would definitely increase the chances for securing a scholarship.
Read more about the eligibility and requirements to secure a Scholarship for Masters in Ireland.
Internship & job prospects in Ireland
Internship opportunities
- Many universities offer internships as part of the course (6-12 months duration). Students generally apply for internships during the second semester of their program. Even though most universities have dedicated career fairs and internship placement programs, the competition for internships is moderate to high. Top tech firms prefer students who have prior project experience or strong coding skills. Networking through university-led events and LinkedIn significantly would definitely help and increase chances of landing an internship.
- Major recruiters include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Accenture, and Dell
- Research roles are available at the Insight Centre for Data Analytics, ADAPT Centre. Even though prior work experience is not mandatory, having prior research projects, strong academic performance, and published papers can significantly boost acceptance chances. Some roles (especially in AI and cybersecurity) prefer applicants with prior industry experience due to the practical nature of the work.
Salary & job prospects
Students have excellent job prospects in the field of computer science in Ireland.
| Job Role | Average Salary (EUR/year) |
| Software Engineer | €45,000 - €70,000 |
| Data Scientist | €55,000 - €85,000 |
| AI Engineer | €60,000 - €90,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | €50,000 - €75,000 |
| Cloud Engineer | €55,000 - €80,000 |
Most international students can secure a 2-year stay back work VISA option post their graduation is completed.
Ireland vs. other countries for MS in CS
Completing your masters in Ireland is generally more affordable than the US or UK, but it is still slightly costlier than Germany.
However, one key factor often overlooked is language. While Germany offers lower tuition and living costs, students must be proficient in German to secure jobs in local firms, limiting opportunities for those without language skills. In contrast, Ireland’s English-speaking environment makes job hunting comparatively easier, especially in tech roles.
Feature | Ireland | USA | UK | Germany |
| Tuition Fees | €12,500 - €26,000 | $30,000 - $60,000 | £18,000 - £35,000 | €0 - €20,000 |
| Living Cost (Annual) | €10,000 - €15,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 | £12,000 - £18,000 | €9,000 - €14,000 |
| Post-Study Work Visa | 2 years | 3 years (STEM) | 2 years | 18 months |
| PR Opportunities | Easy after 5 years | Lengthy (H1B lottery) | Moderate | Easy |
Choosing the right course: CS v/s Specialized fields
If you have a strong interest in a niche area then you should consider studying a master's in specialized fields, as that will help you delve deeper into a specific concentration
Field | Best Suited For | Recommended Universities |
| AI & Machine Learning | Students interested in automation, NLP, deep learning | UCD, TCD |
| Cybersecurity | Those interested in security, ethical hacking | UCC, NUIG |
| Data Science | Big data enthusiasts | DCU, UL |
| Cloud Computing | Students keen on AWS, Azure, and cloud security | TUD, UCD |
Best cities for studying & jobs in Ireland
Along with the country, it is important that you choose the right city and ensure it aligns with your career goals.
City | Tech Presence | Cost of Living | Why choose this? |
| Dublin | Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft | High (€1,500+/month) | Securing a job in a MNC tech company |
| Cork | Apple, Dell, Johnson Controls | Moderate (€1,200/month) | Working in a dream company such as Apple |
| Galway | Medtronic, Cisco, HP | Moderate (€1,100/month) | Wanting to pursue further in Research & Innovation |
| Limerick | Uber, Dell, Analog Devices | Low (€900/month) | Affordable but quality education |
Student experiences & testimonials
- “Studying at UCD gave me access to research labs and internships at Microsoft. The curriculum was industry-focused.” – Rahul, India
- “NUIG’s Data Science program helped me get a job at Accenture. Great industry tie-ups.” – Ananya, India
Final thoughts: Is Ireland the right choice for you?
Ireland offers a strong job market, globally ranked universities, and a student-friendly immigration policy. If you’re looking for a high ROI, easy work visa options, and a thriving tech ecosystem, a Master’s in Computer Science in Ireland is an excellent choice.
Need help with applications or scholarships? Contact us for expert counseling!
