Because of Ireland’s low corporate tax rate, many MNCs have set up their European headquarters in Ireland. Simultaneously, these large companies have a growing demand for Accounting and Finance sector. Therefore, a Masters in Accounting and Finance in Ireland is a favorable choice for international students. In addition, Ireland also has a 2-year stay-back policy for non-EU postgraduate students. This allows international graduates ample time to seek favorable employment in Ireland post-studies.
Ireland is home to 20 of the top 25 global financial institutions and is quickly becoming a global financial education center. Many top colleges offer full-time and part-time master’s degrees in Ireland in accounting and finance subjects. Finance courses in Ireland prepare students to become leaders in Ireland’s ever-expanding economic and financial industry. This degree in Ireland is a 1-2 year degree provided by Irish universities. Students who want to analyze and understand economic trends, financial markets, assets, liabilities, investment, public or corporate Accountant, Auditor Fraud Examinee, IT auditor, etc., choose MS in accounting and finance in Ireland. Masters Accounting and Finance Ireland study goals are to assist government and commercial businesses make better financial choices.
In this article, Gyanberry aims to provide you with strategic insight into the postgraduate degree. Since it is a highly meticulous degree, we have been cautious with the checks, balances, and details of the same!
Overview: Masters in Accounting & Finance in Ireland
Below is a table to give you a brief overview of the essentials of pursuing a Master’s in Accounting & Finance in Ireland for an international student.
| Degree | Postgraduate/Masters |
| Course | Masters (MSc.) in Accounting & Finance |
| Specializations Offered | MSc. in Finance |
| MSc. in Accounting | |
| MSc. in International Accounting & Business | |
| MSc. in International Accounting & Finance | |
| MA in Accounting | |
| MSc. in Accounting & Finance | |
| Master of Business in Economics and Finance | |
| Duration | Full time: 1 year, Part-time: 2 years |
| Top Universities | Trinity College, Dublin |
| University College, Dublin | |
| National University of Ireland, Galway | |
| University College, Cork | |
| University of Limerick and more | |
| Admission Requirements | Bachelors in Accounting, Finance, or related programs |
| Minimum 60% or 7.5 GPA on 10-point scale | |
| Minimum scores on English Proficiency test:
IELTS: 6.5; TOEFL: 90; PTE: 63 |
|
| Letters of Recommendation | |
| Statement of Purpose | |
| Student Visa, Valid Passport | |
| Average Tuition Fees (2023-24) | 13,000 EUR – 24,000 EUR |
| Scholarships Available | UCD Global Excellence Scholarship |
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship | |
| Sir Peter Freyer Scholarship | |
| Quality scholarship from Dublin City university | |
| Max Arthur Macauliffe Special Merit Scholarship | |
| South Asian Students Scholarship and many more | |
| Career Prospects | Accountant |
| Financial Controller/Auditor | |
| Bookkeeper | |
| Financial Analyst | |
| Accounts Analyst | |
| Job Opportunities | Goldman Sachs |
| Morgan Stanley | |
| Bank of Ireland | |
| KPMG | |
| Standard & Poor’s and much more top-tier companies | |
| Average Annual Salary | >35,000 EUR |
Why study Masters in Accounting & Finance in Ireland?
Ireland’s higher education universities are completely dedicated to assisting international students in adjusting to their new surroundings and acquiring the information required for a pleasant stay. A designated staff member at any higher education institution can help international students. Irish people are friendly, which explains why international students profit greatly from their time in Ireland. Let’s look at why you should get a Master’s degree in Accounting and/or Finance from Ireland, especially if you’re an international student.
- Finance Hub: Ireland is a significant technology hub in Europe. It is also the world’s biggest software exporter. Numerous world-renowned educational institutions specialize in finance and associated fields.
- Variety of Courses & Top Universities: Under the Masters in Accounting & Finance program, universities in Ireland offer diverse courses. International Finance, International Accounting and Analytics, Corporate Finance, and so on are a few examples. On top of this, accounting & finance master’s programs are offered at the National University of Ireland Galway, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, and the University of Limerick. Besides being some of the cheapest universities in Ireland, these five institutions are included in the Global University Rankings for 2022.
- Post-Study Work Permit: A post-study work visa in Ireland enables international students who have completed a master’s degree at an Irish university to work in Ireland for two years after graduation. Anyone seeking to start working in Ireland from abroad will find this curriculum to be the ideal setting.
- Safety: Students who intend to study in Ireland feel safe going out after midnight to enjoy the country’s vibrant nightlife. According to the World Peace Index Report 2023, Ireland is ranked third globally.
- English Speaking: Although Ireland has its language and culture, English is the most widely spoken language, which is one of the reasons why so many global corporations choose Ireland as their European headquarters. This becomes a significant factor since one can’t afford to make mistakes in translation while participating in monetary transactions!
Top Universities offering Masters in Accounting & Finance in Ireland
Some of the top universities offering Masters in Accounting and/or Finance courses in Ireland to international students are tabulated below for your easy perusal. Irish universities are credited with being in the top 4% of the World’s best-ranking universities. Most of these universities provide courses in finance and accounting at the postgraduate level. Some universities have also been listed in top-ranking lists, such as the Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 and QS World Ranking List 2023.
| Universities | Course(s) | Duration
(Full-time) |
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 | QS Top Universities Ranking 2023 |
| Trinity College, Dublin | MSc. in Finance | 1 year | 161 | 98 |
| University College, Dublin | MSc. in Accounting & Financial Management | 1 year | 201-250 | 181 |
| Masters in Accounting | ||||
| MSc. in Finance | ||||
| University of Galway | MSc (International Accounting and Analytics) – Pathway A (Corporate Finances) | 1 year | 301-350 | 270 |
| MSc (International Accounting and Analytics) – Pathway B (Performance Management) | ||||
| Masters in Accounting | ||||
| University College, Cork | Masters of Accounting (MACC) | 1 year | 301-350 | 303 |
| MSc. in Corporate Finance | ||||
| Dublin City University | MSc. in Finance | 1 year | 401-500 | 471 |
| MSc. in Accounting | ||||
| MSc. in International Accounting & Business | ||||
| Technological University, Dublin | MSc. in Accounting | 1 year | 1000-1200 | 801 |
| Maynooth University | MA in Accounting | 1 year | – | – |
| MSc. in Finance | ||||
| Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) | Master of Business in Economics and Finance | 1 year | – | – |
| Letterkenny Institute of Technology | MA in Accounting | 1 year | – | – |
| Griffith College | MSc in Accounting & Finance Management | 1 year | – | – |
Admission Requirements for studying Masters in Accounting & Finance in Ireland
Ireland’s universities provide excellent, financially sustainable post-graduate finance and accounting degrees. Studying in Ireland requires some essential criteria to be fulfilled when it comes to higher education. While many eligibility criteria and standards vary from university to university, there are several prerequisites that all applicants to Irish institutions must meet. These are listed below for you to prepare your documents in careful order!
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree in a business field or a relevant non-business discipline (engineering, physics, or math).
- To be considered for a master’s degree in finance at one of Ireland’s best universities, you must have a high CGPA. Universities such as Dublin City College, Trinity College Dublin, Maynooth University, and others require a minimal CGPA of 6.5 or 60% or higher.
- English Proficiency Test minimum scores: IELTS: 6.5; TOEFL: 90; PTE: 63
- Work Experience (optional; added benefit)
- Valid Passport
- Student Visa
- At least two letters of recommendation
- All academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
Cost of studying Masters in Accounting & Finance in Ireland
The three significant expenses that make up the total cost of studying overseas are pre-arrival fees, tuition fees, and living expenses. International students will find it easier to stick to their budgets and, if necessary, seek scholarships to cover the cost of their education in Ireland.
| Universities | Course(s) | Tuition Fees* (2023-24) |
| Trinity College, Dublin | MSc. in Finance | 24,600 EUR |
| University College, Dublin | MSc. in Accounting & Financial Management | 21,520 EUR |
| Masters in Accounting | ||
| MSc. in Finance | 26,140 EUR | |
| University of Galway | MSc (International Accounting and Analytics) – Pathway A (Corporate Finances) | 17,930 EUR |
| MSc (International Accounting and Analytics) – Pathway B (Performance Management) | 12,130 EUR | |
| Masters in Accounting | 17,730 EUR | |
| University College, Cork | Masters of Accounting (MACC) | 18,900 EUR |
| MSc. in Corporate Finance | ||
| Dublin City University | MSc. in Finance | 17,000 EUR |
| MSc. in Accounting | 15,500 EUR | |
| MSc. in International Accounting & Business | 17,000 EUR | |
| Technological University, Dublin | MSc. in Accounting | 13,500 EUR |
| Maynooth University | MA in Accounting | 15,000 EUR |
| MSc. in Finance | ||
| Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) | Master of Business in Economics and Finance | 11,500 EUR |
| Letterkenny Institute of Technology | MA in Accounting | 12,000 EUR |
| Griffith College, Dublin | MSc in Accounting & Finance Management | 14,935 EUR |
*Fees are subject to change depending on availing scholarships, bursary, and exemplary charges from university to university.
Cost of Living in Ireland for an International Student
Before departing on your study abroad journey, consider a few pre-expenses. One might believe that Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe for foreign students; therefore, managing your pre-arrival expenditures and cost of living will help you become a wise head on your young shoulders.
But don’t worry, working part-time and taking out student loans are becoming increasingly common in Ireland. Part-time jobs in Ireland for international students that pay well enough to cover living costs are also available. The annual cost of living in Ireland for international students ranges between 10,000 and 16,000 EUR.
Scholarships for International Students pursuing Masters in Accounting & Finance in Ireland
International students can apply for scholarships in Ireland from various organizations, including the Irish government and universities. The eligibility requirements differ by organization, and the scholarships are awarded entirely at the organization’s discretion. A few such grants are listed below.
| Scholarship | Eligibility to avail* | Amount Offered |
| Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship program | Candidates for the master’s degree who wish to undertake research in any subject | 18,500 EUR stipend
5,750 EUR towards tuition fee 3,250 EUR for research |
| Max Arthur Macauliffe Special Merit Scholarship | Full-time enrolled at the National UNiversity of Ireland, Galway | 100% tuition fee |
| Sir Peter Freyer Special Merit scholarship | NUI Galway | 100% tuition fee |
| Global Excellence Scholarship | Full-time enrolled at the University College, Dublin | 50% tuition fee |
| Postgraduate Merit Scholarship | Full-time enrolled at the National University of Ireland, Galway | 2,000 EUR |
| MSc Merit Based Scholarship for International Students | Full-time enrolled at the University of Ireland Galway | 100% tuition fee |
| Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship | Full-time enrolled at Trinity College, Dublin | 100% tuition fee |
| Taught Masters scholarship | Full-time enrolled in Maynooth University | 2,000 EUR |
| South Asian Students Scholarship | South Asian students who have accepted an offer to study at University of Galway | 1000 EUR to 50% tuition fees |
*all scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and excellence.
Career Prospects
Some popular jobs in the financial and accounting sector are mentioned below, along with the average salaries they offer in Ireland for postgraduate students.
| Job Opportunities | Average Annual Remuneration* |
| Accountant | 47,502 EUR |
| Financial Controller/Auditor | 70,261 EUR |
| Bookkeeper | 34,841 EUR |
| Financial Analyst | 49,763 EUR |
| Accounts Analyst | 32,838 EUR |
| Financial Advisor | 41,625 EUR |
| Financial Associate | 46,841 EUR |
| Accounts Payable Administrator | 33,961 EUR |
*Prices indicated are average salaries provided according to surveys conducted by Indeed.
Job Opportunities after completing Masters in Accounting and Finance in Ireland
Because of the ever-increasing demand in the finance sector, job opportunities for finance graduates in Ireland are plentiful. Leading organizations such as the ones mentioned below respect the graduates highly.
- Goldman Sachs
- Morgan Stanley
- Bank of Ireland
- KPMG Financial Modelling
- Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC)
- Deloitte & Touche
- Ernst & Young
- First Derivatives
- Citco Fund Services
- Standard & Poor’s, and many more.
Conclusion
Since sorting out money matters is in high demand, the postgraduate degree in accounting and finance is highly accredited throughout the world Ireland is one of the few nations that provide excellent higher education in this regard. With top universities and courses being availed by numerous international students in the financial field, the job opportunities opened up are also several.
Furthermore, higher education institutions in Ireland are completely devoted to assisting international students in adjusting to their new surroundings and acquiring the knowledge they require for a pleasant stay. This makes obtaining a mentally taxing degree, such as finance, a simple procedure. A budget, academic standards, on-campus amenities, and global rankings must all be considered when choosing. Thousands of students have used our admissions counseling services to reach their ideal higher education schools and universities. For more information, please schedule a video consultation with one of our experts.
