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Ireland has become one of the most sought-after study destinations for international students over the past decade. With its friendly locals, English-speaking environment, high academic standards, and stunning landscapes, the country offers a compelling package for students from around the world. Whether you’re eyeing a career in tech, business, healthcare, or the creative arts, Ireland’s universities offer globally recognised degrees that can open doors worldwide.
But while the quality of education is unquestionable, tuition fees and living expenses can be a barrier for many. Fortunately, there are several universities in Ireland that strike a fine balance between affordability and academic excellence.
Located right in the centre of Ireland’s capital city, Dublin Business School is a privately-owned institution known for its professionally driven courses across business, law, arts, psychology, and IT. DBS offers an intimate, industry-connected educational experience with small class sizes, flexible learning options, and strong career support.
Why choose DBS?
• Close proximity to multinational companies in Dublin, ideal for internships and job placements.
• Focus on career-oriented programs that are constantly updated to match industry trends.
• A diverse international student body from over 70 countries, making it culturally vibrant.
Tuition Fees:
• Undergraduate Programs: Approx. €10,000 per year
• Postgraduate Programs: €12,500 – €13,500 per year
Compared to other institutions in Dublin, DBS is relatively more affordable without compromising on quality. Moreover, they offer scholarships of up to €1,000 for international students based on academic performance and early applications.
Other costs to consider:
Living in Dublin can be expensive, with average monthly living expenses ranging between €1,100 and €1,400, including rent, food, and transport. However, many students offset these costs through part-time jobs, as international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays.
Nestled along the scenic River Shannon in Ireland’s mid-west, the University of Limerick is well-known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, research, and innovation. With its co-operative education programme (the largest of its kind in Ireland), UL provides students with up to eight months of paid work placement as part of their degree.
Why choose UL?
• Strong links to industries and multinational companies across Ireland and Europe.
• Modern, spacious campus with state-of-the-art facilities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, climbing walls, and creative labs.
• Focus on real-world skills through placements and industry projects.
Tuition Fees:
• Undergraduate Programs: €10,000 – €13,000 per year (non-EU)
• Postgraduate Programs: €6,000 – €12,000 per year (non-EU)
These fees are among the lowest for a major public university in Ireland. UL also offers a range of merit-based scholarships for non-EU students, including partial tuition waivers.
Student Life:
Limerick is significantly more affordable than Dublin or Galway when it comes to rent and daily living expenses. The university is also known for its vibrant student life, with over 70 student-run clubs and societies ranging from debate to hiking.
Griffith College is one of Ireland’s largest and longest-established private colleges, with campuses in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. Its flagship campus in Dublin offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as journalism, computing, design, and business.
Why choose Griffith College?
• Strong reputation in media, journalism, and creative fields.
• Central campus located near key industries and cultural landmarks.
• Excellent faculty-to-student ratio for personalised learning experiences.
Tuition Fees:
• Undergraduate Programs: Approx. €12,000 per year
• Postgraduate Programs: €12,000 – €14,000 per year
Griffith College also offers early bird discounts and scholarships of up to €2,000 for high-performing students from non-EU countries.
What sets it apart?
Unlike larger public universities, Griffith has a more intimate learning environment with smaller classes. Their programmes are often structured around hands-on projects, ensuring students graduate with a strong portfolio and practical experience.
Living in Dublin as a Griffith student:
While Dublin can be pricey, students at Griffith can often find affordable housing in shared apartments or college-managed accommodations. Monthly living costs typically range between €1,200 and €1,500, but students often find part-time work in hospitality, retail, or tutoring to help cover expenses.
As Ireland’s first Technological University, TU Dublin is known for its practical and vocational approach to education. The university was formed by the merger of three existing institutes of technology, and now operates across multiple campuses in Dublin, including the state-of-the-art Grangegorman campus.
Why choose TU Dublin?
• Strong reputation in STEM, design, hospitality, and engineering fields.
• Focus on real-world learning through labs, apprenticeships, and industry partnerships.
• Multicultural student body and supportive international student services.
Tuition Fees:
• Undergraduate Programs: €13,500 – €27,000 per year (depending on course)
• Postgraduate Programs: From €13,500 onwards
Although the upper end of the fee range is higher, many undergraduate and postgraduate courses fall in the €13,500 – €15,000 range, making them relatively affordable for a capital-city university. Scholarships of up to €3,000 are available based on academic merit and country of origin.
What else to expect?
TU Dublin places a strong emphasis on employability, and many of its courses include mandatory internships, capstone projects, and guest lectures from industry leaders. Their new Grangegorman campus offers modern amenities, creative studios, collaborative spaces, and great public transport links.
(Now known as University of Galway)
Located on Ireland’s scenic west coast, NUIG is a research-driven university that combines academic rigour with a vibrant student culture. The university consistently ranks among the top institutions in Ireland for graduate employability and student satisfaction.
Why choose NUIG?
• Research-intensive environment with international collaborations and cutting-edge facilities.
• Strong offerings in health sciences, humanities, law, and environmental studies.
• Supportive learning ecosystem with mentorship, counselling, and career services.
Tuition Fees:
• Undergraduate Programs: €13,000 – €23,000 per year (non-EU)
• Postgraduate Programs: €15,000 – €18,000 per year
The range in tuition depends on the program, with humanities courses on the lower end and specialised fields such as medicine or engineering on the higher end.
Living in Galway:
Galway is known for its artistic vibe, friendly community, and scenic views. Rent and living expenses here are lower than in Dublin but slightly higher than Limerick. Expect monthly costs of around €1,000 – €1,300, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Scholarships and support:
NUIG offers a number of merit-based and country-specific scholarships for international students, with some covering up to 50% of tuition fees. The International Office also provides guidance on part-time jobs and internship opportunities during your stay.
While tuition fees play a big role in selecting a university, it’s important to think about other factors that influence your total cost of living and your academic experience:
1. Cost of Living
Cities like Dublin are more expensive than others like Limerick or Galway. Consider rent, food, transport, and healthcare when budgeting. On average, monthly living expenses for a student in Ireland can range from €900 to €1,400 depending on the city.
2. Scholarships
Most Irish universities offer scholarships to international students. These may be based on academic merit, need, nationality, or even early application. Make sure to check the university’s international office website for the latest scholarship opportunities.
3. Work Opportunities
Non-EU students in Ireland can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours during holidays. This allows students to earn extra income while gaining valuable work experience.
4. Visa Requirements
You’ll need a valid student visa to study in Ireland. Visa approval typically requires proof of admission, financial capability, and medical insurance. It’s important to apply well in advance and have all required documents ready.
Ireland stands out as a welcoming and affordable destination for international students, particularly for those looking to get a high-quality education in a culturally rich and English-speaking environment. Whether you prefer the bustle of Dublin or the laid-back charm of Galway or Limerick, there’s an institution that suits your academic goals and financial plans.
The five universities listed above—Dublin Business School, University of Limerick, Griffith College, TU Dublin, and University of Galway—offer a compelling mix of affordability, academic credibility, and student-friendly environments.
Take your time to research courses, compare costs, explore scholarship options, and consider the city you’ll be living in. With the right planning, your study abroad journey in Ireland can be as affordable as it is enriching.
