Ireland is a well-liked study abroad option for students from throughout the world. First off, there are several top-ranked universities in Ireland for students from abroad, and some of them are quite affordable and cheap in terms of the tuition fee charged.
Second, the nation has an excellent educational system and a wide variety of universities, all of which provide a distinctive and exciting student experience. Furthermore, Ireland’s institutions offer some of the finest English-taught programs in all of continental Europe, making it a welcoming and easy choice for international students.
Ireland is a desirable choice for students on a low budget because the cost of studying there is also quite affordable when compared to other well-liked study-abroad locations. For instance, the average cost of tuition in the UK is between 12,000 and 18,000 euros, but the average cost is around 9850 and 15,000 euros in Ireland. This is mostly because of its superior publicly supported educational system, which places a great priority on making high-quality education accessible to both native and foreign students.
Despite the fact that education is generally more affordable and cheap in Ireland, all international students (including EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA residents) must pay a student contribution fee of up to 3,000 EUR per year for services like exam entries and assistance for clubs and societies. The cost varies from university to university and is subject to annual modification. The institutional fee at certain colleges is incredibly costly, which might hurt your finances. For instance, earning an MBA from the Smurfit School of Business would cost approximately 29,000 EUR, whereas IBAT College would only charge approximately 4,000 EUR for the equivalent degree. Therefore, before choosing to pursue a course of study in Ireland, it is crucial to seriously examine your choices.
However, Ireland has an abundance of affordable universities that can meet your educational demands.
These are some of the cheapest universities in Ireland for foreign students.
Most Affordable Universities in Ireland for International Students
University Name | Average Tuition Fee per Year | National Ranking |
Technological University Dublin | 12,500 EUR | 8 |
University of Limerick | 12,362 EUR | 6 |
Dublin Business School | 13,800 EUR | 21 |
Maynooth University | 14,000 EUR | 7 |
Ulster University | 15,840 EUR | 279 (World) |
National College of Art and Design | 16,500 EUR | 101-150 (world) |
University of Galway | 17000 EuR | 4 |
Trinity College Dublin | 18000 EUR | 1 |
University Of Limerick
One of the least expensive universities in Ireland is the University of Limerick, a public research university located in Limerick, Ireland. The National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick, which was established in 1972, was transformed into a university in 1989 in compliance with the University of Limerick Act of 1989. The highly regarded QS Stars rating system has given the University of Limerick a 5-star grade. The only Irish university to meet this criterion in 2021 is UL, which received the highest accolade attainable.
UL is ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide based on these assessments. The university, a leader in technical innovation, charges significantly less for well-known courses including MBA programs, mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering, etc. Additionally, UL provides more than 70 undergraduate programs and more than 100 taught postgraduate programs up to the Ph.D. and postdoctoral levels, making up a robust postgraduate offering.
Popular Programs | Annual Tuition Fee [2023-24] |
Bachelors: Business Studies, Law and Accountings, Health Sciences, Cyber Security and IT Forensics, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering. Language Courses and Social Sciences, Bachelor of Architecture. | 11157- 51650 EUR |
Masters: Aeronautical Engineering, Applied Physics, Business Administration Executive( MBA), Engineering Practice, Health Informatics, Nursing, Public Health. | 2858 – 18574 EUR |
Maynooth University
With a 73% admission rate, Maynooth University is one of the least expensive universities in Ireland as well as one of the easiest to get into. International recognition has been accorded to Maynooth’s research in the humanities, social and spatial sciences, mathematics, communication, and computation, as well as human health. Maynooth University is a socially conscious institution that actively supports local, regional, and federal social, cultural, and economic development.
Maynooth University is the ideal choice for you if you are an international student who does well in a smaller university setting and is looking for an engaging and intellectually stimulating university experience in one of the safest, most beautiful nations in the world.
Popular Programs | Average Tuition Fee |
Bachelors: Community Studies, Marketing and Global Cultures, Social Science, Psychology, Media Studies, Biotechnology, Law, Accounting and Finance, Economics. | 12,500 EUR |
Masters: Anthropology, Business Management, Social Work, Computer Science, Design Innovation, Economics, Education, French, Geography | 14,00 EUR |
Trinity College Dublin
A great place to study in Ireland is Trinity College Dublin. Trinity is ranked first in Ireland and 98th worldwide. Moreover, 19 subjects at Trinity are among the top 100 internationally. Trinity is dedicated to preparing its students for the constantly evolving difficulties of the 21st-century industry, and it ranks 91st in the world for Graduate Employability. As Europe’s top institution for turning out entrepreneurs with venture capital backing, Trinity also promotes creativity and entrepreneurial culture by delivering incubation courses for student-led enterprises.
The most sought-after majors at TCD are in the areas of social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, business, management, marketing, and related support services.
Popular Programs | Annual Tuition Fee [2023-24] |
Bachelors: Ancient and Medieval History and Culture, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Science, Engineering With Management, Human Health and Disease, Microbiology, Social Policy | 17,000 – 30,000 EUR |
Masters: Nursing, Clinical Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Hospital Pharmacy, International and Comparative Law (LLM), Social Work (MSW) | 18096 EUR |
Griffith College
Students desire to study in Ireland at Griffith College since it is a famous institution. Graduates from this institution go on to have successful professions across the nation because of its stellar reputation and availability of scholarships and internships for overseas students.
Griffith College is ranked number 23 nationally in the Webometrics Rankings of World Universities and is a more affordable option than universities in the United Kingdom.
Popular Programs | Annual Tuition Fee [2023-24] |
Bachelors: Accounting and Finance, Business (HRM), Fashion Design, LLB, Manufacturing Engineering, Computing Science. | 12,000 – 14,000 EUR |
Masters: Business Administration, Computing, International Business (MBA), International Commercial Law (LLM), Journalism, Supply Chain Management | 14,000 – 16000 EUR |
Dublin Business School
Ireland’s leading independent third-level college is Dublin Business School. Students from Ireland, Europe, and nations outside the EU can choose from a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in business, the arts, law, and professional accounting (ACCA). Over 9,000 students attend Dublin Business School, which was founded in 1975. Of its more than 100 courses, more than 70 are offered to non-EU students. Each course is acknowledged and approved by a reputable organization or institution, such as: – Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI); – A number of professional associations, such as ACCA. In all of Ireland, Dublin Business School is one of the most affordable business schools.
Popular Programs | Annual Tuition Fee [2023-24] |
Bachelors: Accounting and Finance, Business, Business (HRM), Business Law, Business Psychology, Certificate in Global Business. | 10,000 EUR |
Masters: Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, MBA, MBA in Marketing, Psychotherapy, CyberSecurity, Health Psychology. | 13,500 EUR |
University of Galway
Another affordable university in Ireland is the University of Galway. Ireland’s Galway is home to the public research university the University of Galway. The university, a center for higher learning and research, received the full five QS stars for excellence in 2012 and was listed in the top 1% of institutions in the 2018 QS World University Rankings. Moreover, the University of Galway is well known for being a research-intensive institution. This university places a strong emphasis on cross-disciplinary research initiatives and partnerships with business partners in fields with national and regional strategic importance.
Popular Programs | Annual Tuition Fee [2023-24] |
Bachelors: Agricultural Science, History, Global Languages, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Civil Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Nursing Science, Marine Science | 13,000 – 23,000 EUR |
Masters: Applied Mathematics, Accounting, Archaeology, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Business Studies, Civil Engineering, Corporate Finance, Health Economics, Human Resource Management(HRM) | 15,000 – 18,000 EUR |
University College Cork (UCC)
Another less expensive university for international students to attend in Ireland is University College Cork (UCC). The most recent edition of the esteemed QS World University Rankings by Subject ranked UCC as one of the top universities in the world for the study of 23 subjects. UCC is in the top 50 colleges for nursing and among the top 100 for law, pharmacy, and pharmacology.
Popular Programs | Annual Tuition Fee [2023-24] |
Bachelors: Accounting, Agricultural Science, Arts, Food Science, General Nursing, Biochemistry, Politics, Engineering, Social Work | 16,080 – 18,080 EUR |
Masters: Geology, Archeology, Architecture, Public Health, Nursing, Health and Society, Pharmacy, Philosophy, HRM, LLM, Marine Biology, Criminology. | 15,000 – 18,000 EUR |
Cheapest universities in Ireland for Engineering
Anyone who wants to study abroad, graduate with a global credential, and use their abilities in Ireland should strongly consider studying engineering in Ireland. Studying at an Irish university is an excellent place to start if you’re interested in a career in engineering. Numerous engineering specialties are well-represented at Irish colleges, and many of them provide excellent chances for professional advancement. You will have the opportunity to study with top-notch teachers and build expertise by working on real-world projects.
Here are some of the universities with the most affordable engineering programs.
University Name | Programs Offered | Annual Tuition Fee (2023-24) |
University Of Limerick | Bachelors: Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering. | 16,557 EUR |
Masters: Aeronautical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering | 18,078 EUR | |
Trinity College Dublin | Bachelors: Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Computer Engineering | 27,610 EUR |
Masters: Environmental Engineering, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Engineering, Transport Engineering | 26,374 EUR | |
University Of Galway | Bachelors: Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Energy and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering. | 24,040 EUR |
Masters: Civil Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering. | 25,090 EUR | |
South East Technological University | Bachelors: Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Sustainable Engineering, Sustainable Energy Engineering, Electrical Engineering | 21,571 EUR |
Masters: Construction Project Management Engineering, Innovative Technology Engineering, Civil Sustainable Energy Engineering, Biomedical Engineering | 15500 EUR | |
Technological University Dublin | Bachelors: Automation Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aviation Technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering | 11,650 EUR |
Masters: Electronics and Communications Engineering, Energy Management, Sustainable Electric Energy Systems | 14,500 EUR |
Cheapest Universities for MBA in Ireland
The MBA program in Ireland is one of the most popular, esteemed, and sought-after programs worldwide. One of the most esteemed postgraduate programs, it assists students in fusing their newly acquired skills with some practical knowledge to prepare them to enhance their careers in the subject of their choice.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in Ireland gives students the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of studying abroad while also saving a lot of money. Ireland is one of your greatest possibilities, in our opinion. It offers a number of specialized specializations, such as healthcare, public administration, and project management, in addition to standard options like HRM, finance, marketing, and sales. Additionally, they award their pupils with a degree that is respected all around the world.
Here are some of the universities that are most affordable for international students.
University Name | Programs Offered | Annual Tuition Fee (2023-24) |
Technological University Dublin | Bachelors: Accounting, Account and Finance, Business, Marketing | 12,500 EUR |
Masters: Advertising, Accounting, Business, Digital Marketing, Strategic Management | 13,500 EUR | |
University of Galway | Bachelors: Business Studies, International Hotel Management, Business Information Systems | 13,640 EUR |
Masters: Business Analytics, Business Hospitality, Business Information System, Business Studies | 18,540 EUR | |
Trinity College Dublin | Bachelors: Business Studies | 19,280 EUR |
Masters: Human Resource Management (HRM), International Management, Marketing, MBA, | 21,500 EUR | |
Dublin Business School | Bachelors: Business, Human Resource Management (HRM), Accounting and Finance | 10,500 EUR |
Masters: Business Administration,Marketing, Business Management, Human Resources Information Systems | 13,500 EUR | |
Dublin City University | Bachelors: Accounting and Finance, Bachelor of Business Studies, Global Business, Aviation Management | 12,600 EUR |
Masters: International Accounting and Business, Management (Strategy), Management ( Business), Human Resource Management (HRM), Global Management | 16,000 EUR |
Cheapest universities in Ireland for Arts and Humanities
In Ireland, there are several affordable universities that provide a range of courses in the humanities and arts. Numerous universities in Ireland provide cutting-edge, multidisciplinary degrees in subjects like psychology, history, liberal arts, etc. Universities like Technological University Dublin, the University of Galway, and the University of Limerick consistently rank among the best arts and humanities universities in the world.
Here are some of the cheapest Universities in Ireland to pursue Arts and Humanities
University Name | Programs Offered | Annual Tuition Fee (2023-24) |
University of Galway | Bachelors: Children’s Studies, English as and Creative Writing, Global Languages, Journalism | 17,360 EUR |
Masters: Public Policy, Advanced Language Studies, Archeology, Media and Communications | 13,816 EUR | |
Trinity College Dublin | Bachelors: Ancient and Medieval History and Culture, Classical Language, Literature, Film, Law, Philosophy | 21,068 EUR |
Masters: Classics, Digital Humanities and Culture, Early Modern History | 17,770 EUR | |
Technological University Dublin | Bachelors: Community Development, Counseling and Psychotherapy, Social Care, Social Care and Social Studies. | 12,500 EUR |
Masters: Fine art, Journalism, Public Relation, Visual and Critical Studies | 13,500 EUR | |
University College Cork | Bachelors: Archeology, Anthropology, Geography, History, Philosophy, English, World Languages | 15,000 EUR |
Masters: Archeology, Classical Studies, Asian Studies, Criminology, English, History, Art History | 17,000 EUR | |
Mary Immaculate College | Bachelors: Bachelor of Arts, Education (International), Education (Primary), Philosophy, Psychology | 11,213 EUR |
Masters: Media Studies, History, Modern English Literature, Applied Linguistics | 9,300 EUR |
Cheapest Universities in Ireland for Economics
The most popular course among incoming overseas students in Ireland is economics. Universities with top-ranked economics programs worldwide include Maynooth University, the University of Galway, and University College Dublin.
Ireland is a paradise for aspirant Economics students because several of these universities provide top-notch degrees at incredibly low costs.
Here are a few of Ireland’s most affordable universities where you can study economics.
University Name | Programs Offered | Annual Tuition Fee (2023-24) |
University Of Galway | Bachelors: Economics, Financial Mathematics and Economics | 24,040 EUR |
Masters: Economic Science, Global Environmental Economics | 17,590 EUR | |
University College Dublin | Bachelors: Economics | |
Masters: Applied Economics, Behavioral Economics, Quantitative Economics, Economics | 10,250 EUR | |
Maynooth University | Bachelors: Economics, International Economics | 7,467 EUR |
Masters: Economics, Economics, and Financial Risk Analysis | 14,000 EUR | |
Queen’s University Belfast | Bachelors: Business Economics, Economics BSC, Economics with Finance, Economics and Accounting | 18,800 |
While the cheapest universities in Ireland might be a little more expensive than low-cost universities in other destinations like Netherlands, some of the most affordable universities in Ireland are also highly-ranked and well-reputed globally.