Cost of Studying in Ireland: A Complete Guide

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Ireland has firmly positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing study abroad destinations for Indian students, with enrolments rising nearly 50% from around 4.7 K to over 7 K. This rapid growth highlights Ireland’s increasing appeal as a top choice for students seeking high-quality education and a vibrant cultural experience.

For Indian students considering their options, understanding the cost of studying in Ireland is key to making an informed decision. This guide will break down the key expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs. 

Whether you're starting your undergraduate journey or advancing to postgraduate studies, this blog will equip you with the financial insights you need for a smooth and successful experience in Ireland.

Cost of Studying in Ireland: Overview and Key Insights

The cost of study in Ireland for Indian students can feel overwhelming, with tuition fees ranging from INR 10.4 L to 26.6 L depending on the course and college. Besides tuition, you’ll need to budget for living expenses like rent, food, and transport while also meeting the financial requirements of the Ireland student visa process. 

The table below breaks down these crucial details to help you plan your finances confidently for studying in Ireland.

Criteria	Details
Medium of Instruction	English
Average Tuition Fees	€11,650 - €29,548  (INR 10.4L - ₹26.6L)
Accommodation	€1,620 - €2,500  (INR 1.4L – 2.2L)
Eligibility	IELTS, TOEFL

Now that you have an overview of the costs involved in studying in Ireland, let's take a closer look at the top universities in the country. Understanding the offerings and financial aspects of these institutions will help guide your decision-making process.

Top 8 Universities in Ireland for Indian Students

Top public universities in Ireland offer Indian students a wide range of academic programs with excellent education quality. These universities are globally recognized for their strong research, high graduate employability, and dedicated student support services.

Below is a detailed overview of the top 8 universities in Ireland, including their QS rankings and tuition fees to help you make an informed choice for your studies. I

University Name	QS World University Ranking 2025	Average Annual Tuition Fees
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)	87	€29,548 (INR 26.6L)
University College Dublin (UCD)	126	€9,200 (INR 8.3L)
University College Cork (UCC)	273	€16,300 (INR 14.7L)
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)	273	€7,790 (INR 7.0L)
Dublin City University (DCU)	421	€16,500 (INR 14.8L)
University of Limerick (UL)	421	€16,900 (INR 15.2L)
Maynooth University	801-850	€17,000 (INR 15.3L)
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)	851-900	€11,650 (INR 10.5L)

Now that we’ve explored the top universities in Ireland, let’s review the cost of study in Ireland for Indian students based on course and program types.

Also Read: Top 10 Cheap Universities in Ireland for International Students

Cost of Education in Ireland by Course and Program Type

The cost of education in Ireland varies by course and program type, with tuition fees generally ranging from INR 13.15 L to 22.27 L. This range covers most undergraduate and postgraduate programs, reflecting differences in fields of study and institutions. 

Knowing these costs helps Indian students plan their finances better and select programs that align with both their career goals and budget.

Course	Tuition Fees (€)	Tuition Fees (INR)
Business and Management (UG)	€13,500 – €16,900	INR 12.15L – 15.21L
Bachelor of Laws - LLB	€13,500 – €17,000	INR 12.15L – 15.30L
Engineering	€14,500 – €21,900	INR 13.05L – 19.71L
Medical Science and Dentistry (UG)	€13,500 – €51,000	INR 12.15L – 45.90L
Marketing and Management (PG)	€13,500 – €22,300	INR 12.15L – 20.07L
Architecture (PG)	€21,750 – €24,000	INR 19.57L – 21.60L
Master of Arts	€14,500 – €21,400	INR 13.05L – 19.26L

Note: 

• Tuition fees are approximate and subject to change. It's advisable to consult the official university websites for the most current information.​
• All cost values are in Euros, with approximate conversions to INR based on exchange rates.

Understanding tuition fees across different programs helps you plan your education budget more effectively. While tuition is a significant component of the cost of studying in Ireland, it’s just one part of your overall financial planning.

Next, let’s examine the cost of living in Ireland more closely to get a complete picture of what to expect as a student.

Must Read: Best Ways to Study in Ireland for Free in 2025

Cost of Living Expenses in Ireland

Managing your finances wisely is crucial for a smooth student life in Ireland. Beyond tuition fees, monthly living expenses like accommodation, food, travel, and study materials add up quickly and can vary widely based on the city and lifestyle you choose. For example, accommodation alone can range from INR 90K to 1.3 L monthly. 

The table below breaks down average monthly costs in Euros and INR to give you a clear picture of everyday expenses, helping you plan a realistic budget before you arrive.

Expense	Average Monthly Cost (€)	Average Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation	€1,000 – €1,500	INR 90K - 1.3L
Food	€300 – €500	INR 27.0K - 45.0K
Utilities	€80 – €100	INR 7.2K - 9.0K
Internet and Mobile	€50 – €60	INR 4.5K - 5.4K
Travel (Leap Card)	€40 – €50	INR 3.6K - 4.5K
Books & Class Materials	€100 – €150	INR 9.0K - 13.5K
Miscellaneous	€50 – €100	INR 4.5K - 9.0K

Note:

• INR values are estimates. Final costs may vary with currency conversion rates at the time of transaction.
• These are estimated costs. Actual expenses may vary depending on lifestyle, location, and currency fluctuations.

Understanding the cost of study in Ireland for Indian students is crucial for planning your education journey in Ireland. While expenses can vary depending on your lifestyle and location, it's clear that budgeting wisely is essential. Fortunately, there are several scholarships and financial aid options available specifically for Indian students, which can significantly ease the financial burden.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Indian Students in Ireland

Finding ways to manage the cost of study in Ireland for Indian students can be challenging, but there are numerous partially and fully funded scholarships available. Offered by the Irish government and universities, these supports help ease the financial burden. 

The table below highlights some of the most notable government-funded and university-specific scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Benefits	Eligibility
Government of Ireland (GOI) Scholarships	Irish Higher Education Authority (HEA)	Full tuition fee waiver + €10,000 stipend for one year	Non-EU/EEA students with an offer for a one-year taught Master’s or PhD program.
Irish Research Council Scholarships	Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland	Tuition, stipend & research cost support for research degrees	Master’s and PhD applicants
National College of Ireland Scholarships	National College of Ireland	Up to €2,000 towards tuition fees	Indian students with an LOA, GPA 2.8+, and 12th grade score 70%+; applicable to full-time bachelor’s degrees;
Trinity College Dublin Undergraduate Scholarships	Trinity College Dublin	Varies; typically covers a portion of tuition fees	High-achieving international students with an offer from Trinity College Dublin.
UL India Scholarship	University of Limerick	Up to €5,000 towards tuition fees	12th Grade Score: 70% or higher (with mandatory Maths and Science subjects)
University College Dublin Global Excellence Graduate Scholarships	University College Dublin (UCD)	Up to €25,000 towards tuition fees	Indian nationals with a strong academic record applying for graduate programs at UCD

To give yourself the best chance at securing financial support, begin exploring scholarship opportunities as early as possible, preferably before you submit your course applications.

Most scholarships will ask for some or all of the following:

• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of purpose(SOP)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL scores)

While scholarships and financial aid can ease the burden of tuition fees, there are additional mandatory expenses you’ll need to account for. Let’s now break down the student visa and immigration costs to help you plan ahead.

Also Read: Education System in Ireland

Student Visa and Immigration Costs for Indian Students

Indian students planning to study in Ireland should budget for visa fees ranging from INR 2K to 8.9 K. After arrival, immigration registration usually costs about INR 26 K. 

Before applying for the visa, you may need to pay a minimum tuition amount of INR 5.34 L if your course fee exceeds this. Additional expenses like visa extensions and document processing can vary. 

The table below breaks down these costs to help you prepare.

Expense	Cost	Details
Visa Application Fee	Single Entry- INR 5.3K Multi Entry- INR 8.9K Transit- INR 2.2K	Based on the type of visa and travel needs.
Immigration Registration	INR 26.7K	Required after arrival for students staying more than 90 days.
Minimum Tuition Payment	INR 5.34L	Required before visa application if the total fee exceeds this amount.
Visa Extension (if needed)	Varies	It applies if the course extends beyond the duration of the visa.
Document Processing	Varies	Costs for notarisation, attestation, or translation, if applicable.

Understanding the Ireland student visa process and related costs is key when planning to study abroad. Many Indian students manage expenses by working part-time during their studies.

Part-Time Jobs to Help Manage the Cost of Studying in Ireland

Working part-time is a practical way to manage the cost of studying in Ireland. You can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term, and up to 40 hours per week during fixed holiday periods. The following dates are fixed, regardless of your college's academic calendar. 

Here are some typical part-time job opportunities you can consider while studying in Ireland:

• Retail Jobs: Positions like cashier, sales assistant, or stock clerk at stores such as Tesco or SuperValu provide flexible hours and valuable customer service experience.
• Hospitality Roles: Working in cafés or restaurants like Starbucks or McDonald’s helps develop communication and multitasking skills in a fast-paced setting.
• Warehouse & Delivery: Jobs at companies like Amazon or local delivery services offer hands-on work with flexible shifts suitable for student schedules.
• Office Positions: Part-time data entry or administrative support roles improve organizational skills and often come with fixed, study-friendly hours.
• Tutoring: Offering tutoring in subjects like Coding, Math, or English, either online or in person, allows you to earn while sharing your expertise with flexibility.

The minimum wage in Ireland depends on your age. Students aged 20 and above are entitled to the full rate of €13.50 per hour, while younger students receive a lower rate according to national guidelines. 

Here’s a more detailed view:

Age	Hourly Wage (€)	Hourly Wage (INR)
Under 18	€9.45	INR 850
18 years old	€10.80	INR 970
19 years old	€12.15	INR 1k
20 and above	€13.50	INR 1.2k

In addition to managing your finances with part-time work, it's essential to be aware of the health insurance and support requirements for your stay in Ireland. Here's what you need to know about securing health coverage during your studies.

Health Insurance and Support Requirements for Indian Students in Ireland

Health insurance is an essential part of the overall cost of studying in Ireland for Indian students. Along with tuition and living expenses, maintaining valid private medical coverage is mandatory, with costs typically ranging from around INR 29 K up to 2 L. 

The table below breaks down the estimated health insurance costs for Indian students in Ireland to help you get a clearer picture of these expenses. 

Parameter	First Year	Second Year and Beyond
Accepted Insurance	Travel/medical insurance from India	Private medical insurance from an Irish provider
Insurance Criteria	Valid in Ireland   Active for full stay (up to 12 months)   Minimum cover: €25,000 / INR 2.2 L for accident & disease   Covers hospital stays and emergencies   Documents in English with clear coverage details	Travel insurance from India not accepted  Must meet Irish immigration standards
Estimated Cost	INR 150–1K per day (approx. €1.7–€11.5/day)	€152–€499 per year (approx. INR 13.5K–44.5K)
Key Requirement	Must maintain valid insurance for visa and immigration compliance	Mandatory for re-registration and continued legal stay in Ireland
Risk of Non-Compliance	Penalties or issues with visa/immigration status	Non-compliance may result in legal issues and impact your ability to remain in the country

With health insurance being a mandatory expense, managing your budget becomes even more important. Up next are some smart, practical tips to help Indian students save money while studying in Ireland.

Budget-Saving Tips for Indian Students in Ireland

Managing expenses wisely is key for Indian students studying in Ireland. Implementing certain practices can help you save 20% to 35% on your overall education and living expenses, making your study abroad journey more affordable and stress-free. 

The tips below will help you reduce day-to-day expenses, make the most of student benefits, and keep your overall budget under control.

• Choose Affordable Cities such as Limerick, Galway, or Cork instead of Dublin to save on rent and daily expenses while still receiving quality education.
• Book Student Housing Early by applying for university dormitories or student residences at institutions like University College Cork or University of Limerick, which are often more affordable and secure than private rentals.
• Use Public Transport with Student Discounts by obtaining a Student Leap Card, which offers discounted fares on buses, trains, and trams across Ireland, helping reduce your commuting costs.
• Cook at Home and Shop Wisely by purchasing groceries from budget-friendly stores like Lidl or Aldi and taking advantage of weekly discounts to save money compared to eating out.
• Work Part-Time for up to 20 hours per week during term time, which is permitted for international students, allowing you to cover living expenses and gain work experience.
• Apply for Scholarships such as the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships or university-specific merit-based scholarships available at institutions like Trinity College Dublin.
• Track Spending using budgeting apps like Mint or YNAB to monitor your expenses and plan your finances effectively throughout the academic year.

By planning ahead and making informed choices, you can significantly reduce your living expenses in Ireland. Smart budgeting will allow you to focus more on your studies and less on financial stress.

Why Choose Ireland for Higher Education?

Reasons to study in Ireland go beyond its strong academic reputation. Affordable tuition, excellent work opportunities, and promising career prospects make Ireland a top choice for Indian students seeking quality education and future success.

Below is a focused look at what makes Ireland stand out.

• English-Speaking Advantage: Ireland’s English-speaking environment makes it easier for Indian students to adapt quickly, enhancing both academic learning and everyday communication. This advantage helps build strong skills valued by global employers.
• Affordable Tuition Fees: Tuition costs in Ireland range from INR 8L to 22L, lower than many other popular destinations. Scholarships are also widely available, making quality education more accessible.
• Moderate Living Expenses: While Dublin can be expensive, cities like Cork, Galway, and Limerick offer more affordable living options. Students generally budget between INR 6.2 L and INR 10.6 L per year for living costs.
• Work Opportunities During Studies: International students can work part-time during semesters and full-time during holidays, helping to offset expenses and gain valuable work experience in the local job market.
• Post-Graduation Work Visa: After completing studies, graduates can stay in Ireland for up to two years under the Third Level Graduate Scheme, allowing time to find employment and gain international experience.
• Strong Industry Connections: Ireland is home to leading global companies like Google, Apple, and Pfizer. These connections provide excellent internship and job opportunities for students and graduates.

With these advantages in mind, here’s how upGrad can help you take the next step towards studying in Ireland.

How Can upGrad Help You Study in Ireland?

upGrad is your trusted partner in making your dream of studying in Ireland a reality. From helping you choose the right university to guiding you through the application process, we offer expert advice and support at every step. 

Our services include personalized university selection, scholarship opportunities, and visa assistance to ensure you’re fully prepared for your academic journey.

With upGrad, get expert guidance to make your move to Ireland smooth and stress-free. Book a free 1:1 counseling session today and start your study journey confidently.