Cost of MBA in Ireland for Indian Students: Tuition Fees & Living Costs

Post-study work opportunities and high-quality education are some of the major reasons why Indian students flock to Ireland for an MBA program. An affordable fee structure and an attractive ROI also add to the huge influx of applications for the course in Irish b-schools. 

To know more about the ROI, let us delve deeper into understanding the cost of an MBA in Ireland for Indian students.

Why Study MBA in Ireland

Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the most prominent professional degree. It is designed to teach different aspects of business management. The course covers various aspects like accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, statistics, etc. Students can get employment opportunities in 27 other European countries with an MBA from Ireland. The cost of an MBA in Ireland for Indian students is also far more affordable than other countries. Hence, there is serious competition to get admission. MBA degrees from Irish institutions are valued by employers all across the world. Not only that, students with an Irish MBA degree get a significant hike in their annual salary.

Also Read: Cost of Studying in Ireland

What does MBA in Ireland Cost

The tuition in Irish universities is negligible for Irish and European students. To avail of the benefit, scholars need to apply for government scholarships and fulfill the criteria of nationality, immigration status, course requirements, and so on. Scholars do need to pay an annual fee of €2,500 for expenses like fees contributed for clubs, societies, sports, exams, etc.

For international students who are not residents of Europe, the tuition fees may vary according to choice of program, the field of study, and the chosen university. On average, tuition fees may vary between €9,000 and €45,000 per annum for undergraduate and €9,000–37,000 per annum for postgraduate programs.

Recommended Read: Cost of Living in Ireland

The MBA cost in Ireland is more reasonable and affordable than in other countries. It incurs an average cost of €14,000–35,000 per annum. University accreditation also affects the course fees in different institutions. Universities with multiple accreditations cost higher. There are mainly three bodies that decide the fees of international institutions:

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
• Association of MBAs (AMBA)

Like many global institutions, Irish universities also offer three types of MBA Programs – Full-Time, Part-Time, and Executive MBA. These programs differ in duration, course content, costs, and student qualification. You can opt for any of these based on your requirements. Some of the colleges might only offer a particular program. Executive and part-time MBAs are best for professionals with some work experience and who need to learn about specific areas of the industry or business. Full-time MBAs are best for students exploring career options. 

Also Read: Top Reasons to Study in Ireland

Below are some of the best Irish universities with varied MBA program types, duration, and approximate MBA costs in Ireland. 

Source: QS Global MBA Rankings 2024: Europe*
              University Official Website** 

Scholarships to Study MBA in Ireland

• Achiever MBA Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to both Irish and international students by the UCD Michael Smurfit Business School. The merit-based scholarships cover the full tuition fees for both MBA and Executive MBA programs.
• Séamus McDermott MBA Scholarship: Offered by Trinity College Dublin, this scholarship helps partially fund tuition fees for students and citizens of Ireland. 
• University of Limerick scholarships for Indian Students: These are based on merit and are a reduction in tuition fees. Once students apply for a program, they are automatically considered for a scholarship. Students don’t need to apply separately.

Academic Cycle: MBA in Ireland

Applications open at various stages throughout the year, but, in general, MBA applications open in October of the preceding year. The classes across the best MBA institutions begin in the September of the following year. 

Applications are mostly accepted on a rolling basis, and a decision is made soon after the receipt of the duly filled entry form.

Apart from these, Irish universities also offer scholarships to international students:

• Achiever MBA Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to both Irish and international students by the UCD Michael Smurfit Business School. The merit-based scholarships cover the full tuition fees for both MBA and Executive MBA programs.
• Séamus McDermott MBA Scholarship: offered by Trinity College Dublin, this scholarship helps with partial funding of tuition fees for students and citizens of Ireland. 
• University of Limerick scholarships for Indian Students: These are based on merit and are a reduction in tuition fees. Once students apply for a program, they are automatically considered for a scholarship. Students don’t need to apply separately.

Also Read: Part-Time Jobs in Ireland for International Students

Daily Expenses in Ireland:

The living expenses in Ireland vary across locations. As an overseas student, you can expect to spend around €1,000–1,200 monthly on your living expenses.

Some Irish universities offer lodging facilities for a minimal monthly fee. Also, you can reduce the expenses by sharing your accommodation with other students.

Further Read: Shedding some light on Indian MBA vs Foreign MBA

Cost of Living in Ireland: 

The cost of living in Ireland for an international student will vary across cities. However, the standard living costs must factor in rent, utilities, food, travel, medical, student charges, and others. The yearly living costs approximately come out to €14,000. 

Pre-Arrival Cost for an International Student in Ireland

The pre-arrival cost for an international student in Ireland is roughly €1,700-2,000. This includes visa charges, standard examination fees, university application fees, and travel fares.