Ireland is one of the most popular and attractive destinations for international students to pursue their higher education. Engineering in particular is one of the more in-demand courses and rightly so, considering that the best engineering universities in Ireland are often ranked among the best globally. As per the HEA reports, more than 10% of 2021 graduates graduated from engineering, manufacturing, and construction programs.
There are more than 20 world-class universities in Ireland, with over 100+ engineering programs offered at all levels of study, and all the courses are taught in English since Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the eurozone.
These universities are well known for their excellent facilities, experienced faculty, research opportunities, and strong industry connections. The exceptional academic culture combined with the extreme friendliness and inclusiveness of Ireland makes it an irresistible destination for international students.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top engineering universities in Ireland for the academic year 2023-2024. These universities have been selected based on a combination of factors such as academic reputation, research output, and graduate employability.
Overview: Study Engineering in Ireland
| Number of universities | 20+ |
| Level of programs | Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Research programs |
| Annual tuition fee | UG – 15000 EUR – 25000 EUR,
PG – 17000 EUR – 27000 EUR |
| Medium of teaching | English |
| Cost of living | 10000 EUR – 16000 EUR per year |
Why Study Engineering Courses in Ireland?
High-quality education: Irish universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world for engineering courses and many top universities are ranked in the top 1% of the world. They offer world-class engineering degrees taught by experienced and qualified faculty.
Access to leading companies: Ireland is home to some of the largest multinational technological companies, such as Google, Microsoft, etc, which allows students to get some hands-on experience in the industry through internships, placements, and other programs.
International recognition: Irish degrees are highly valued all over the world and are appreciated for their rigorous coursework and meticulous training. An engineering degree from Ireland opens plenty of career and research opportunities for graduates.
Research opportunities: Irish universities are well known for their research-focused curriculums and their engineering programs provide ample opportunities for students to work on cutting-edge research in the wider engineering industry.
English-speaking country: Being the only English-speaking country in the eurozone, Ireland becomes an attractive and accessible country for international students. Students can feel right at home, without learning another language.
Cultural diversity: Ireland has quickly become a hub for international students from all over the world, allowing students to interact and engage with people from multiple backgrounds, which essentially enriches their learning process as well as global networking.
Popular Engineering specializations in Ireland
Ireland is particularly well known for their booming engineering sector and the numerous prestigious universities in the country offer many specializations to meet the growing demand in different engineering sectors.
Some of the popular Engineering specializations offered in the country include
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Engineering
Top-ranked universities in Ireland for Engineering
Ireland is home to some of the best universities in the world and many of these universities offer world-class courses in engineering with top faculty, extensive curriculum, great career prospects, and internship opportunities, all at a great price. These universities are well known for their engineering programs and the specializations they offer. With so many options, it can get pretty overwhelming, so it’s important to carefully choose between the best Ireland has to offer.
Listed below are some of the best engineering universities in Ireland:
| University Name | Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject (Engineering) | Times Higher Education World University Rankings (Overall) |
| University College Dublin | 176 – 200 | 201 – 250 |
| Trinity College Dublin | 201 – 250 | 161 |
| University of Galway | 251 – 300 | 301 – 350 |
| University of Limerick | 301 – 400 | 601 – 800 |
| Dublin City University | 401 – 500 | 401 – 500 |
| University College Cork | 501 – 600 | 301 – 350 |
University College Dublin
University College Dublin is one of the most prominent research universities in Ireland. Established in 1854, it is one of the largest universities in Ireland, with more than 30,000 students enrolled there. UCD is well known for its extensive programs in Medicine, Architecture, and Engineering. UCD is currently ranked 176 – 200 in the world for engineering and 201 – 250 overall by the Times Higher Education (THE) world university rankings. It was ranked number 1 in Ireland for graduate employability by the QS World university rankings.
Here are the top engineering programs offered at University College Dublin:
| Programs Offered | Tuition Fees (2023 – 24) |
| Bachelor’s: Computer Science, Engineering,
Biomedical Engineering Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Civil Engineering Electrical/Electronic Engineering Mechanical Engineering Structural Engineering with Architecture |
27,720 EUR |
| Master’s: Biomedical Engineering, Biosystems & Food Engineering, Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering | 26,000 to 27,000 EUR |
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) is one of the most prestigious universities in Ireland. Established in 1592 it is one of the oldest research universities in Europe and the oldest in Ireland. TCD is consistently rated among the best in Europe with the university ranking 201 – 250 globally for studying engineering and 161 overall by THE world university rankings. TCD is well known for its top programs in the fields of engineering, medicine, business, and the humanities. TCD has a notable alumni network with multiple Nobel prize winners in various fields such as science, literature, politics, and business.
Here are some of the best engineering programs offered at TCD:
| Programs Offered | Tuition Fees (2023 – 24) |
| Bachelor’s: Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. | 27,610 EUR |
| Master’s: Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Information Engineering, Computer Science | 26,000 EUR – 28,000 EUR |
University of Galway
University of Galway is one of the most established and well-known universities in Ireland. Founded in 1845, it is one of the oldest research institutes in Ireland. The university is well known for its extensive programs, top faculty, and inclusive culture. It has world-famous departments in the fields of business, engineering, and social sciences. According to THE world university rankings, it is ranked 251 – 300 in the world for studying engineering.
Here are some of the best engineering programs offered at the University of Galway:
| Programs Offered | Tuition fees (2023 – 24) |
| Bachelor’s: Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Electronic and Computer Engineering Biomedical Engineering Energy Systems Engineering Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
24,040 EUR |
| Master’s: Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, | 25,090 EUR |
University of Limerick
University of Limerick is another prestigious institution for studying engineering in Ireland. Founded in 1972, it is one of the youngest universities in Ireland, however, it has quickly established itself as a dominant contributor to Irish and the world academia in general. The university is very well known for its extensive research programs and its international focus. It houses more than 15,000 students and retains a central position in Irish higher education.
Here are some of the popular engineering programs offered at this university:
| Programs Offered | Tuition Fees (2023 – 24) |
| Bachelor’s: Aeronautical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Immersive Software Engineering. | 17,200 EUR |
| Master’s: Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering. | 16,900 EUR |
Dublin City University
Dublin City University is one of the finest institutes in Ireland for pursuing an engineering program. Established in 1975, it is one of the younger and more exciting research universities in the country. DCU offers some really intensive engineering programs with various specializations such as Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, etc. It is ranked 401 – 500 for studying engineering globally by THE World University rankings.
Here are some of the most popular engineering programs offered at Dublin City University:
| Programs Offered | Tuition Fees (2023 – 24) |
| Bachelor’s: Biomedical Engineering,
Computer Science, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering |
15,500 EUR |
| Master’s: Electronic and Computer Engineering, Electronic and Computer Technology, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering | 18,000 EUR |
University College Cork
University College Cork is one of the most prestigious institutes of higher education in Ireland. Founded in 1845, it is one of the oldest universities in Ireland and houses more than 15,000 students in a year. It is ranked in the 501 – 600 bracket by THE World University Ranking for studying engineering. The university is well known for its industry to focus with its graduates placed in some of the largest companies in the world.
Listed below are some of the most popular engineering courses offered by the university:
| Programs Offered | Tuition fees (2023 – 24) |
| Bachelor’s: Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Energy Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Process and Chemical Engineering | 23,000 EUR |
| Master’s: Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering | 23,100 EUR |
Admission requirements to study Engineering in Ireland
Aspiring engineering students in Ireland have to meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for the various programs offered. These criteria may differ depending on the institution and the level of study.
Here are some of the most common requirements for being accepted into an engineering program in Ireland:
Bachelor’s requirements:
- Secondary school leaving certificate, such as an Irish leaving certificate, or an equivalent certification from the student’s country of origin.
- Good academic record in Mathematics, English, and laboratory science subjects such as Physics and Chemistry.
- Proof of English language proficiency, such as a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS test.
- Recommendation letters and Academic references.
- Statement of purpose.
Master’s requirements:
- Most universities require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree from a relevant field such as Engineering, Computer Science, etc.
- Good academic performance during undergraduate studies with many universities requiring a minimum GPA of 2.1 on a scale of 4.0.
- Proof of English language proficiency, such as a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS test.
- Some universities require a statement of purpose.
- Recommendation letters and academic references.
Cost of pursuing Engineering courses in Ireland for International students
Tuition fees
In Irish institutions, international students have to pay significantly larger amount of fees than their European counterparts. This could vary depending on the institution, the level of study, the course, etc. However, on average, the cost of an undergraduate degree in engineering from Ireland could range from 15,000 EUR – 25,000 EUR, whereas postgraduate engineering would cost around 17,000 EUR – 27,000 EUR.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Ireland for international students depends on a various number of factors, such as the location of the student (e.g., Dublin vs. a smaller city), their housing arrangements (e.g., renting an apartment vs. living in a dormitory), and their personal lifestyle.
However, on average, the cost of living could range from 10000 EUR and 16000 EUR per year, as per educationinireland.
Here are some of the monthly expenses calculated according to Numbeo, a cost-of-living database
Accommodation:
- A one-bedroom apartment in the city center could cost up to 1,513 EUR whereas one outside the city center could cost up to 1,270 EUR.
Food:
- Monthly groceries could cost around 200 EUR to 300 EUR.
- Eating out could cost around 15 EUR to 25 EUR
Transportation:
- A one-way ticket in local transportation services costs around 2.30 EUR, and could upto 100 EUR to 150 EUR a month
- 1 Litre of Gasoline costs around 1.5 EUR to 2 EUR
Utilities:
- Basic utilities such as Electricity, Water, Cooling, Heating, etc., could cost around 150 EUR to 200 Eur in a month.
- Internet costs around 50 EUR to 60 EUR a month.
Entertainment:
- A movie ticket costs 12 EUR
- Gym membership costs around 45 EUR a month
International students have other expenses as well, such as immigration, health insurance, travel, textbooks, etc. It is highly recommended to consult with the university website and student unions regarding the accurate cost of living in Ireland as well as to explore options to reduce your financial burden, such as financial aid, scholarships, etc.
Scholarships for International Engineering Students in Ireland
Scholarship programs offered in Ireland vary in terms of the sponsors, while some of them are government funded, some are funded by universities. These scholarships are aimed at reducing the financial strain on deserving students and helping them avail of world-class education at low costs. These programs differ in terms of the amount offered, eligibility criteria, stipend, etc.
Here are some of the most prominent scholarship programs for aspiring engineering students.
University College Dublin Scholarships: UCD global excellence scholarships include both a 100 percent and 50 percent reduction of tuition fees. These scholarships are awarded to students with excellent academic records.
The University of Limerick international scholarship: This scholarship is typically offered for students from non-EU countries pursuing studies in the department of science and engineering at the University of Limerick. It is a merit-based scholarship of EUR 1500 awarded to the brightest international admits.
Trinity College Dublin Scholarships: TCD Global excellence scholarships provide a reduction of 5,000 EUR in tuition fees for the first of study, for undergraduate students. Postgraduate students on the other hand receive a reduction of 2,000 EUR to 5,000 EUR from their tuition fees.
University of Galway, Advanced MSc scholarship: the University of Galway, School of Computer Science offers one scholarship for the MSc in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics); this scholarship, up to the part value of €5,000 of the tuition fees, is awarded to the highest ranked graduate of the BSc Computer Science & IT undergraduate program among those who apply for the scholarship.
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship: One of the most prestigious and generous scholarship programs available for Non-EU students, this scholarship is available for master’s students, the recipients of this scholarship are exempt from paying any tuition fee. In addition to that, they are also awarded a stipend of 10,000 EUR for one year of study. It is given to 60 candidates in a year on the basis of outstanding academic performance.
Career prospects and salaries of Engineering graduates in Ireland
Engineering is one of the most lucrative careers in Ireland and it routinely opens up ample opportunities for graduates. According to research conducted by Gradireland, Engineering accounts for almost 10 percent of all graduate jobs, and moreover, 29 % of employers surveyed during the research were looking for engineering graduates. Ireland is also home to some of the major industries that actively hire engineering, making it an extremely appealing destination for future engineering graduates.
Some of the most prominent fields where engineering graduates are employed include
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Ireland is home to a large number of pharmaceutical and medical device companies, many of which are engaged in research and development. Engineers with expertise in areas such as biotechnology, chemical engineering, and biomedical engineering can find a wide range of career opportunities in this field.
- Information Technology: The IT sector in Ireland is one of the most rapidly growing and dynamic industries and engineers with computer science and information technology expertise can find ample career opportunities in this field.
- Construction and Infrastructure: Engineers with civil, structural, and mechanical engineering backgrounds can find a wide range of career opportunities in this field.
- Energy: The Energy sector in Ireland is also growing rapidly, and engineers with electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering backgrounds can find a wide range of career opportunities in this field, especially in renewable energy.
- Environmental Engineering: Engineers with environmental engineering backgrounds can find a wide range of career opportunities in this field, such as waste management, water treatment, and air quality management.
- Aerospace and Defense: Engineers with mechanical, aerospace, and electrical engineering backgrounds can find a wide range of career opportunities in this field, including aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, and in defense-related industries.
Besides these industries engineers also work in a variety of sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, chemical, consulting, and many more.
Indeed, a career network website, lists the average engineer salary in Ireland as 48379 EUR, with pharmaceutical consulting as the highest-paying employer.
According to a salary survey conducted by EngineersIreland, the average starting salary of a graduate engineer in Ireland is 33,000 EUR with it rising to 65,000 EUR with 11 – 15 years of experience, whereas senior engineers with more than 30 years of experience earn north of 100,000 EUR.
Conclusion
In short, Ireland is home to several world-class universities that offer outstanding engineering programs. From internationally recognized research institutions to small, specialized schools, the country has something to offer every student. Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the National University of Ireland, Galway are some of the top engineering universities in Ireland that are known for their strong academic programs, experienced faculty, and research opportunities.
Ireland’s welcoming atmosphere and diverse culture also make it an attractive destination for international students. In addition to that, Ireland’s strong economy and focus on technology make it an ideal place to study engineering and gain valuable skills for the workforce.
Ultimately, the decision of where to study engineering in Ireland will depend on an individual’s personal preferences and career goals, but all these universities are great choices for students looking to pursue a career in engineering.
While there are many, it is important to narrow down your options and make the best choice possible by considering your priorities, career ambitions, financial situation, and so on.
