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Cheapest and Affordable Universities in Ireland for International Students in 2025
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Apr 10, 2025 05:07 PM IST
International students looking for affordability and first-class education must consider Ireland for their higher education due to the presence of a number of cheap universities in Ireland without IELTS or with it. Located in the northwestern part of Europe, the country is known for its natural landscapes and pleasant climate. Most of the state-run universities in Ireland are quite affordable and are considered the cheapest universities in Ireland for masters for international students.
This Story also Contains
- Why Choose Ireland for Study?
- Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Ireland 2025
- University of Limerick
- Average Tuition Fee in Ireland
- Cheapest Courses in Ireland
- Cheapest Universities in Ireland for Engineering
- Cheapest Universities in Ireland for Masters: MBA
- Cheapest Universities in Ireland for Arts and Humanities
- Cheapest Universities in Ireland for Economics
- Cost of Studying in Ireland 2025
- Cost of Living in Ireland
- Scholarships to Study at Cheap Universities in Ireland
- Jobs After Studying at Cheap Universities in Ireland
What makes them the cheapest universities in Ireland for international students 2025? Most public universities in Ireland are funded by the Irish Government. But that’s not it. Given the quality of life, safety and pollution-free environment that Ireland offers, study in Ireland is considered more affordable than that of any other country.
The number of international students keep growing every year to study in Ireland. There are many cheapest universities in Ireland for international students 2025 to choose from. While low tuition fees are the obvious reason that makes them affordable universities in Ireland for international students, the availability of scholarships also reduces various costs. We have compiled a list of cheap universities in Ireland without the IELTS mandatory requirement and with other requirements as well along with tuition fees to help prospective students make the right choice.
Why Choose Ireland for Study?
Ireland is becoming a popular study abroad destination for international students, offering several advantages, which include:
- High-standard education: There are so many universities in Ireland that rank among the top ones globally and offer excellent research opportunities.
- Post-work opportunities: Students can avail of a post-study work visa in Ireland that gives them the chance to gain valuable work experience.
- Safe and welcoming student environment: Ireland is one of the safest countries for international students in the world and provides a welcoming ambience to them.
- Scholarships and financial support: Students can get a variety of scholarships and financial aid to help them manage their finances.
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Ireland 2025
Below is the list of cheap universities in Ireland for international students:
University in Ireland | Scholarship Awards for Indian Students |
Trinity College Dublin | 36,000 for UG courses 3,000 for PG courses |
University College Cork | Up to 100% tuition fees |
4,279 | |
Maynooth University | 1,000 |
Griffith College Dublin | 1500 |
Dublin Business School | 500 - 1000 |
National College of Ireland (NCI) | 4,000 |
Letterkenny Institute of Technology | 800 |
Dundalk Institute of Technology | Contact University International Desk |
Cork Institute of Technology | 13500 |
Trinity College Dublin
Ranked at 81st place in QS 2025, Trinity College Dublin has been a destination for education excellence in Ireland. One of the oldest and research-intensive universities in Ireland with the label of the cheap colleges in Ireland for international students 2025 pursuing masters, Trinity has educated some well-known poets, writers and authors including Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, and Oliver Goldsmith.
Tuition fees at Trinity College Dublin are rather affordable as there are many scholarships available. India Undergraduate Scholarships provide up to EUR 5000. However, Trinity Dublin is highly selective among the cheapest universities in Ireland for masters with just around 34% acceptance rate for international students.
Tuition Fees at Trinity College Dublin
Course Level | Tuition Fees per Annum (EUR) |
Undergraduate Courses | 19,820-55,000 |
Postgraduate Courses | 10,080-36,600 |
University College Cork
University College Cork is one of the Ireland cheapest university for international students 2025. Cork is Ireland’s second-largest city, while University College Cork is at 292 in QS 2025 rankings, among 1,500 universities globally. This university is one of the cheap universities in Ireland without IELTS mandatory requirements.
Together, both offer an elite education experience for international students at low tuition fees which is why this cheapest university in Ireland for international students 2025 is selected by students.UCC is one of the affordable universities in Ireland that offers 100% tuition fee reduction through scholarships. 93% of graduates from University College Cork find full-time career opportunities within 9 months.
Tuition Fees at University College Cork
Course Level | Tuition Fees per annum |
Undergraduate | 16,080–18,080 |
Graduate | 15,000 –18,000 |
Cost of Living | 15,000 |
University of Limerick
The University of Limerick is one of the cheapest university in Ireland for international students 2025. It is home to over 15,000 students and 1,500 staff. The university offers a world-class range of programs in arts, humanities and social sciences, business, education and health sciences, Science and engineering.
It ranks 421 on the QS Ranking 2025. The tuition fee for the University of Limerick international students is about €12,362 per session.
Cost of Studying at Limerick University
| Type of Expense | Cost per Annum (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 12,800 - 20,640 (Non-EU) |
| 2,500 - 7,000 (EU students) | |
| Cost of Living | 11,376 (Off-Campus) |
| 15,888 (On-Campus) |
Maynooth University
Maynooth University is one of the cheapest universities in Ireland for international students in 2025. It is home to 1,500 international students from 85+ countries across the world. It is the #1 upcoming Ireland university according to Times Higher Education.
With annual tuition fees not exceeding ~15.2 L, Maynooth is easily one of the cheapest universities in Ireland and Europe. Eligible Indian students may apply for scholarships in Ireland, making world-renowned education even more affordable at Maynooth University.
Cost of Studying at Maynooth University
Type of Expense | Costs per Annum (EUR) |
Tuition Fees | 13,000-17,000 |
Cost of Living | 11,437 |
Griffith College Dublin
Established in 1974, Griffith College Dublin is preferred by many study abroad aspirants from India for MBA, Law, and other Masters courses. Hosting 7,000 students from over 100 countries across the world, Griffith College Dublin has a fair acceptance rate of around 50%. Tuition fees are the lowest in Ireland for Indian students, ranging from 10.70 to 33.88L per annum. This university is hence among the cheapest university in Ireland for international students 2025.
Every eligible international student will be offered scholarships worth €1500 based on merit. Griffith College Dublin is among the cheapest universities in Ireland for undergraduate studies as well. There are various undergraduate scholarships and tuition fee discounts available for international students.
Tuition Fees at Griffith College Dublin
Course Level | Tuition Fees per Annum (EUR) |
Undergraduate Courses | 12,000 |
Postgraduate Courses | 12,000-38,000 |
Dublin Business School
Affiliated to Dublin City University, Dublin Business School is one of the two universities with approval from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. However, the university has grown to be an independent institution in Ireland offering a variety of programs.
Masters in Management Program offered by Dublin Business School has been ranked at 64th place by QS 2023 subject rankings. But Dublin Business School is among the cheapest universities in Ireland with low tuition fees and also offers the cheapest MBA in Ireland for international students.
Tuition Fees at Dublin Business School 2025
Course Level | Tuition Fees per Annum (EUR) |
Undergraduate Courses | 12,000 |
Graduate Courses | 12,000-12,500 |
MBA | 12,000-12,500 |
National College of Ireland (NCI)
National College of Ireland is an award-winning university from Galway and among the Ireland cheap universities for 2025. It has 16 schools under 5 distinct colleges through which more than 200 programs are offered at UG and PG levels. It is not so competitive to gain admission to the National College of Ireland, as the university has an 86% acceptance rate.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis every year for postgraduate courses. NCI awards up to EUR 4,000 merit scholarships among the cheapest universities in Ireland for international students.
Tuition Costs at National College of Ireland
Course Level | Tuition Fees per Annum (EUR) |
Undergraduate | 10,000 |
Graduate | 15,000 |
Cost of Living | 10,000 |
Letterkenny Institute of Technology
Home to international students from 32 countries, Letterkenny Institute of Technology is one of the go-to choices among the cheapest universities in Ireland due to affordable tuition fees. A graduate program can be completed with approximately 11L Indian rupees per year, excluding living costs. The university is the cheapest university in Ireland because of scholarships and low tuition at the institution.
Cybersecurity, MSc in DevOps, MSc in Sports Performance Practice, MA in UX Design & Applied Innovation, and Cloud Technologies are some of the unique master courses available at Letterkenny Institute of Technology which is among the cheapest universities in Ireland 2025.
Tuition fees at Letterkenny Institute of Technology
Course Level | Tuition Fees per Annum (EUR) |
Undergraduate | 10,500 |
Graduate | 12,000 |
Dundalk Institute of Technology
International students who are looking for study abroad opportunities as part of the academic curriculum may choose the Dundalk Institute of Technology. Tuition fees are among the lower fold when compared to top universities in Ireland, making it the cheapest university in Ireland for international students 2025. Scholarships in Ireland are also available for Dundalk Institute of Technology programs. Affordability makes this university as one cheap university in Ireland.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit official websites to check the exact tuition fees for various courses along with living costs as suggested by the university. The total cost of attendance is affordable making it one of the cheapest universities in Ireland for international students.
Cost of Education at Dundalk Institute of Technology
Programme Name | Tuition Fees per Annum (EUR) |
International Application Fee | 50 |
Pre-Sessional English Programme | 2,000 |
International Foundation Programme | 7,250 |
Bachelor Degree | 10,950 |
Higher Diploma | |
Honours Degree (add-on) | |
Postgraduate Diploma | 11,500 |
Taught Master Degree | 12,000 |
Mandatory Facilities Fee | 125 annually |
Cork Institute of Technology
Offering courses in Business, Engineering, Science, Computing, Humanities, Media, Art, and Music, Cork Institute of Technology is a cheap universities in Ireland for international students 2025 for a wide range of postgraduate courses. The university is known for offering career-oriented programs and making its graduates highly employable across the world. It is also known for offering state-of-the-art student facilities for laboratories, libraries and IT infrastructure among the cheapest universities in Ireland.
Cork Institute of Technology Fees
Type of Expense | Costs per Annum |
Average Tuition Fees | 12,000 |
Initial Deposit | 1000 |
Average Tuition Fee in Ireland
Here is a detailed breakdown of the average tuition fee in Ireland for International students in 2025.
| Level of Study | Average Tuition Fee (EUR/year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Non-EU) | €11,000 - €29,000 | Fees vary by field; Business, Engineering, and Medicine tend to be more expensive |
| Undergraduate (EU) | €2,500 - €9,000 | EU students benefit from lower fees, especially for arts, humanities, and social sciences |
| Postgraduate (Non-EU) | €7,000 - €30,000 | Higher-end fees for fields like Business, Engineering, and Medical sciences |
| Postgraduate (EU) | €4,000 - €12,000 | EU students enjoy more affordable tuition compared to non-EU students |
| Short Courses/Diplomas | €5,000 - €12,000 | Certificates and diploma programs typically cost less, and there are many affordable options available |
Cheapest Courses in Ireland
There are several affordable short courses that students can pursue in Ireland. Folowing are some of them.
- Certificate in Administration and Office Skills
- Software Development & Coding
- Diploma in Web Development
- Project Management
- Certificate in Psychology
- Creative Arts and Design
- Certificate in Digital Marketing
- Diploma in Hospitality Management
Cheapest Universities in Ireland for Engineering
Engineering students in Ireland can choose from these affordable universities. These universities are known for high-quality education at affordable prices.
| University | Estimated Tuition Fees (EUR/year) |
|---|---|
| Institute of Public Administration | 5,200 |
| Atlantic Technological University (ATU) | 10,000 |
| South East Technological University | 10,500–13,000 |
| University of Limerick | From 4,092 for some graduate programs |
| St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth | 5,500 |
Cheapest Universities in Ireland for Masters: MBA
There is a wide variety of MBA programs that universities in Ireland offer. Following are some of the cheapest universities in Ireland for MBAs.
| University | Tuition Fees (EUR) | Program Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) | €10,500 | 1 year full-time | Focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. |
| Dublin Business School (DBS) | €12,750 | 1-2 years | Offers specialized MBA tracks like Cloud Computing and HRMStudy |
| Griffith College | €11,000-€12,000 | 1 year | Practical education with various scholarship options |
Cheapest Universities in Ireland for Arts and Humanities
Ireland offers ample opportunities for students who want to pursue arts and humanities at affordable prices. Following are some of the options that you can consider.
| University | Tuition Fees (per year) | Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|
| University of Limerick | €8,000 - €14,000 | English, History, Cultural Studies |
| Dublin Business School | From €10,050 | Humanities, Psychology |
| Griffith College | €8,000 - €12,000 | Media, Arts, Law |
| Technological University Dublin | €7,000 - €12,000 | Visual and Performing Arts |
| Maynooth University | €6,000 - €13,000 | Philosophy, European Studies |
Cheapest Universities in Ireland for Economics
There is a huge variety of universities in Ireland for economics that combine quality education and research opportunities at affordable prices. Here is a list of some of the cheapest universities in Ireland for Economics.
| University | Approximate Tuition Fees (EUR/year) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| National College of Ireland (NCI) | 6,000 - 10,000 | Focus on employability, industry ties |
| Maynooth University | 6,000 - 13,000 | Strong research focus, scholarships |
| Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) | 7,000 - 12,000 | Applied sciences and tech emphasis |
Cost of Studying in Ireland 2025
Here is a detailed breakdown of the average expenses that a student has to incur in Ireland in 2025.
| Expense Type | Estimated Costs (EUR/year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Undergraduate: 11,000 - 29,000 | Varies by program and university |
| Postgraduate: 7,000 - 30,000 | Higher for fields like Business or Engineering |
Cost of Living in Ireland
Cost of living includes expenses required for renting, food, transportation, entertainment and other personal expenses. According to Trinity College Dublin, the cost of living in Ireland is around EUR 1539 per month for living in Dublin. The cost of living in Ireland varies according to city and lifestyle. Below are the suggested living costs in Ireland along with the breakdown of costs of living in Ireland for a single student.
Breakdown of Cost of Living in Ireland
Type of expense | Avg. cost per month for student |
Housing & rent | €300 – €600 |
Food/groceries | €140 – €220 |
Transportation | €80 – €110 |
Entertainment | €120 – €180 |
Utility (electricity, water, heating, etc. ) | €50 – €90 |
The Cost of Daily Items in Ireland
Here’s a table summarising the cost of daily items in Ireland, based on typical prices in stores, which may vary slightly depending on location:
| Item | Average Cost (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | €1.00 - €1.50 | Prices vary slightly by brand and region |
| Bread (Loaf, 800g) | €1.00 - €1.86 | Basic loaves available at lower prices |
| Eggs (12) | €3.75 | Range depending on brand and type |
| Rice (1kg) | €1.25 - €1.65 | Standard white rice |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | €9.91 | Prices vary based on quality and packaging |
| Potatoes (1kg) | €1.50 - €2.00 | Average prices, can fluctuate by season |
| Apples (1kg) | €2.00 - €3.00 | Depends on type and seasonality |
| Coca-Cola (0.33 liter bottle) | €2.26 | Can vary by store or promotions |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | €2.00 - €2.10 | Local public transport |
| Cinema Ticket | €9.00 - €12.00 | Standard ticket, can vary by location |
| Coffee | €3.00 - €4.00 | Price for regular coffee beans |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | €1.00 - €1.79 | Bottled water at a supermarket |
Cost of Living in Cork, Ireland
| Expense Category | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Accommodation | 600-950 |
| Private Complex | 1000-1100 |
| Private Rental (House Share) | 600-700 (excluding bills) |
| Utilities | 30-50 |
| Food | 250-300 |
| Monthly Travel (Bus Pass) | 65-85 |
| Textbooks & Materials | 75 |
| Mobile Phone | 20 |
| Personal Expenses | 200-300 |
| Total (excluding accommodation) | 640-880 |
| Total (including accommodation) | 1240-1880 |
(Source: University College Cork, Ireland)
Scholarships to Study at Cheap Universities in Ireland
There are a number of scholarships and funding schemes to international students in Ireland. They are either sponsored by the Irish governments, or universities, or private organisations.
Some of the scholarship examples are:
- Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)
- Fulbright Scholarship
- Go Overseas and Education in Ireland
Jobs After Studying at Cheap Universities in Ireland
Graduating from a cheap university in Ireland opens the door to an immense number of job opportunities. The average salary goes up to EUR 45K (INR 40L). Below table provides you with the job roles and their average monthly salary:
Job Role | Average Monthly Salary |
Nurse | INR 3.5L (EUR 4K) |
Marketing Manager | INR 4.1L (EUR 4.6K) |
Software Engineers | INR 5.1L (EUR 5.8K) |
Accountant | INR 4L (EUR 4.5K) |
Business Analyst | INR 4.4L (EUR 5K) |
How to Reduce Costs in Ireland While Studying?
To reduce costs in Ireland while studying, you can opt for scholarships, rather than living separately- you can look for sharing options, use public transport rather than private ones, look for cities that are comparatively cheap in Ireland. Look for alternate options wherever you think that you can save money.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many top ranked universities are there in Ireland in QS 2025?
In the 2025 edition of QS rankings, eight universities from Ireland have been represented among 1500 global universities.
2. Is Ireland a cheap place to study?
The cost of studying in Ireland varies on various factors, including the college you attend, the degree and subjects of study. However, Ireland is a more affordable destination to study when compared to other English-speaking nations such as the United Kingdom and the United States. The average tuition fee for undergraduate students from outside the EU is €15,000 per year, and average cost of living expenses for students in Ireland are €1,000 per month which covers rent, food, transport and utilities.
3. Is it cheaper to study in Ireland than UK?
Yes, studying in Ireland is often less expensive than studying in the United Kingdom. The average tuition price for undergraduate students from outside the EU in Ireland is €15,000 per year, compared to £15,460 in the UK. The average monthly cost of living for students in Ireland is €1,000, compared to £1,200 in the UK.
4. Is Ireland worth for Indian students?
Yes, Ireland is an excellent study abroad destination for international students due to various reasons, such as high-quality education, post-study work opportunities, a multicultural learning environment, internationally respected degrees, strong industry connections, scholarships, part-time work, and much more.
5. Which university is the cheapest in Ireland?
The University of Limerick is the cheapest university in Ireland. Other than this, the Atlantic Technological University, Dublin Business School, National College of Ireland, and American College Dublin are also affordable universities in Ireland.
6. Is Ireland a cheap country to study?
Most Irish universities are public and government-funded. While this keeps the tuition fees in Ireland affordable, access to a number of financial awards further makes education in Ireland cheaper. Yes, Ireland is a cheap country to study.
7. How much is tuition fees in Ireland for international students?
The tuition fee of the undergraduate courses ranges from €9,000 to €45,000 per year. The cost of postgraduate master and PhD courses range from €9,150 to €37,000 per year.
8. How much bank balance is required for an Ireland student visa?
The minimum bank balance required for an Ireland student visa is €10,000 for the first year of study and €10,000 for each subsequent year. This amount is in addition to the course fees for each year. However, other factors such as location, university, course, and course duration also influence this amount.
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Apr 23, 2025
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Hy,
With an MSc in Toxicology, especially with a specialization in neurotoxicology from the National University of Ireland Galway, you may have various job opportunities globally.
You can look for job openings in toxicology on international job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor etc.
Networking with professionals in the similar fields can lead you to job referrals and opportunities.
Many institutions in India and globally hire researchers and specialists with your qualifications of research work.
Many companies in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental consulting, and chemical industries sectors hire toxicologists for various roles.
Radhika Goyal 13 July,2024
Correct Answer: during
Solution : The correct choice is the first option.
The sentence implies that red kites were viewed as vermin in Britain and Ireland, specifically during the 16th century. The use of during emphasises the temporal relationship, indicating that this negative perception was prevalent in that particular historical period.
The meanings of the other options are as follows:
- Along means in the course of; over the length of.
- While means at the same time as; during the time that.
- Across means over the surface of; from one side to the other.
Therefore, the complete sentence is: "Red kites were considered vermin across Britain and Ireland during the 16th century."
Team Careers360 23 January,2024
Correct Answer: MLIDZB
Solution : Given:
ASIA is written as ZHRZ, and IRELAND is written as RIVOZMW.
Write the opposite pair of each letter of ASIA to obtain the required code –
A→Z; S→H; I→R; A→Z
Thus, ASIA is coded as ZHRZ.
And in, IRELAND is written as RIVOZMW –
I→R; R→I; E→V; L→O; A→Z; N→M; D→W
Thus, IRELAND is coded as RIVOZMW.
Similarly, follow the same pattern for NORWAY–
N→M; O→L; R→I; W→D; A→Z; Y→B
So, NORWAY is coded as MLIDZB. Hence, the second option is correct.
Team Careers360 22 January,2024
Correct Answer: controlled
Solution : The correct choice is the third option.
The phrase "and their numbers were rigorously controlled" indicates that deliberate measures were taken to manage or limit the population of red kites. The word controlled appropriately reflects the idea of active management or regulation, making it the most fitting choice.
The meanings of the other options are as follows:
- Changed means altered or modified.
- Choked means hindered or obstructed.
- Loosened means made less tight or strict; relaxed.
Therefore, the right word to fill in the blank is controlled.
Team Careers360 24 January,2024
Correct Answer: killed
Solution : The correct choice is the second option.
The sentence indicates that 20 red kites were confirmed to have been killed in the UK as a result of the actions of shooting, poisoning, and trapping mentioned earlier in the passage. The term killed signifies a fatal outcome caused by these harmful actions.
The meanings of the other options are as follows:
- Awakened means woken up from sleep or inactivity.
- Subjected means exposed to a particular experience or treatment.
- Rooted means fixed or established deeply.
Therefore, the complete sentence is: "In 2020 alone, 20 red kites were confirmed to have been killed this way in the UK."
Team Careers360 23 January,2024
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