Study MS in Ireland – Top Universities, Eligibility & Cost

Updated on 22 August, 2024

What image does Ireland bring to mind? Castles, lighthouses, and natural beauty? Or even tasty brews and lip-smacking food? Ireland is truly one of the best places for international students with its vibrant culture. If you wish to do your MS in Ireland, you’ll also be happy knowing that the country is ranked #3 in the Global Peace Index 2024. On that note, here’s looking at the key aspects of a master’s in Ireland for Indian students.

MS in Ireland: Highlights 

Here are some of the key facts that you should know if you wish to pursue a master’s degree in Ireland. 

Number of Universities 17
MS in Ireland Cost  €15000 to €40000
Part-Time Work Opportunities Up to 20 hours per week during the session and 40 hours per week during holidays
Post-Study Work Permit  Third-level graduate program allows stays in Ireland for 12-24 months
Number of Indian Students 10,000 (as of 2024)

MS in Ireland- Top MS Colleges in Ireland 

Here are some of the leading institutions to pursue your MS in Ireland based on the QS World University Rankings 2024 list. 

Institution Name QS WUR Rank 2025 Average Fees (Per Year) Courses 
Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin 87 €13,300-26,880  Law and Finance, Clinical Speech and Language Studies, Economics, Global Mental Health, Bioengineering, Social Work, Energy Science, Immunology, Engineering
University College Dublin 126 €10,174-29,100 Accounting and Financial Management, Advanced Software Engineering, Animal Science, Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Biological and Bimolecular Sciences, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity 
University of Galway 273 €14,500-27,000  Business Analytics, Business and Hospitality, Corporate Finance, Health Economics, International Management, Computer Science- Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Zoology
University College Cork  273 €14,700-€23,100 Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation, Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, Science, Food Microbiology 
University of Limerick 421 €5446-20,700 Business Analytics, Human Resource Management, International Management and Global Business, Bioprocessing, Public Health, Aeronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering

Popular MS Specializations in Ireland

There are numerous specializations for master’s in science degrees in Ireland. Some of them include the following: 

  • Human Resource Management
  • Civil Engineering
  • Aeronautical Engineering
  • Business Analytics
  • Computer Science and Information Technology
  • Public Health
  • Chemistry
  • Zoology
  • Biotechnology
  • Microbiology
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Science
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Earth and Ocean Sciences
  • Economics
  • Law
  • Accounting and Finance Management

Eligibility Requirements for Studying MS course in Ireland

If you are looking to pursue education abroad, Here are the usual eligibility criteria for MS programs in Ireland (may vary across universities and courses). 

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Letter of recommendation (LOR)
  • Statement of purpose (SOP)
  • Program-specific requirements may also have to be met. 
  • Candidates should also meet the English language proficiency requirements (IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in every section or equivalent). 
  • Student visa
  • Health insurance
  • Updated resume
  • Include a letter of recommendation from your employer in case you have work experience.

Cost and Duration of Studying MS Course in Ireland 

When considering an education abroad in Ireland, it's essential to understand both the financial investment and the time commitment required. Here's a breakdown of the cost and duration of pursuing an MS in Ireland:

Cost of Studying MS in Ireland

Tuition

The tuition for MS in Ireland varies depending on the course and the university. The following are some of the top universities in Ireland, along with their average tuition per annum.

University Fee (per annum)
Trinity College Dublin €36,600 
University College Dublin €27,450 
National College of Ireland €17,000
University of Limerick €24,414
Dublin City University €25,000

Source: Official University Websites

Cost of Living in Ireland

The cost of living in Ireland is approximately €985.1 per month, excluding rent. A monthly transportation pass costs €100.

Duration of MS Course

The duration of an MS course in Ireland is normally one to two years. This depends on the program and the university. Here are some examples of MS courses with their durations:

University

MS Course Example

Program Duration

Trinity College Dublin

Management (M.Sc.)

1 year

University College Dublin

Advanced Software Engineering

2 years

National College of Ireland

Finance

1 year

University of Limerick

Public Health

1 - 2 years

Dublin City University

Public Policy

1 - 2 years

Scholarships to Study MS courses in Ireland

To cover MS in Ireland costs, here are some scholarship options worth considering (there are many other options available in the country). 

  1. Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Program- This scholarship is offered for all disciplines, and the selection committee looks for pioneering research proposals from meritorious candidates. The benefits include an annual stipend of €19,000, direct research costs of €3,250 per year and a contribution to tuition fees (maximum €5,750 per year). 
  2. University College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarships- University College Dublin offers coverage for 100% and 50% of tuition fees for selected candidates under this scholarship program. 
  3. Trinity College Dublin Postgraduate Scholarships- These scholarships are provided in the form of a reduction in tuition fees by €2,000-5,000 for the first year of the course. 

Doing your MS in Ireland can be a good step for studying at a reputed higher education institution and setting the tone for a fulfilling global career ahead.

Career Scope after Studying MS Courses in Ireland

Studying for an MS in Ireland can offer diverse and promising career opportunities, thanks to the country's educational system, strong economy, and a significant presence of multinational corporations. 

After completing MS in Ireland, you can land jobs in various sectors like Project Management, Finance, and Accounting.

Average Salaries after Studying MS Courses in Ireland

Average salaries after studying MS in Ireland vary significantly based on the industry and job role. The following are the average salaries of some prospective job roles:

Job Title Average Salary
Process Engineer 45,182 
Marketing Executive 28,571 
Data Analyst 37,879 
FrontEnd Developer/Engineer 44,657 
Software Engineer 50,315 
Quality Assurance Manager 62,021 
Project Manager (General) 48,303 
Digital Marketing Specialist 31,150 

Source: Payscale 2024

Work Permit After Studying MS in Ireland 

International students can benefit from the Third Level Graduate Program, which enables them to stay in Ireland after completing their studies for up to 12 months if pursuing a bachelor’s degree and 24 months for a master’s. However, graduates should have current Stamp 2 student immigration permissions with updated registration cards. They should not have crossed the limit of seven years as non-EEA nationals in the country. 

The purpose of the initiative is to enable graduates to find work and apply for general employment/critical skills employment permits. The award/qualification from the institution should be presented along with some other documents like medical insurance and a copy of your passport for applying. 

A fee of €300 is payable (per individual) for registration under the scheme. The permit may be renewed for another twelve months, subject to several conditions. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, pursuing an MS in Ireland provides several opportunities, from exceptional world-class education and diverse specializations to promising career prospects and competitive salaries. With its vibrant culture and welcoming environment, Ireland provides a solid foundation for personal and professional growth. 

FAQs

Is a study gap acceptable in Ireland?

Study gaps or gap years are mostly accepted by universities in Ireland while screening applicants for various programs. However, there has to be a reasonable explanation behind the same.  

Are salaries higher in Ireland as compared to the UK?

Salaries usually depend on several factors like location, work experience, etc. However, the average annual salary in Ireland is €46K(41,91,842.00 INR), while the UK holds an average annual salary of £41K (44,52,828.30 INR).

What food is Ireland famous for?

Ireland is known for several interesting preparations, including the iconic Irish stew and Irish soda bread, along with Colcannon Mash and Champ, Ulster Fry, Irish White Pudding, Potato Faris, and Bacon and Cabbage. 

What is MS in Ireland cost?

An MS degree in Ireland may cost around €15,000 (approx) per year. 

Can I get a job after MS in Ireland?

Yes, Ireland has a thriving job market with numerous opportunities, especially in sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and finance. International graduates can benefit from the Third Level Graduate Scheme, which grants them the ability to stay in Ireland for up to 12 months for employment. 
 

Is Ireland's MS degree valid in India?

Yes, degrees obtained from Irish universities are recognized worldwide. For this reason, a large number of Indian students wishing to study abroad are choosing Ireland for their higher education.
 

Is IELTS enough for MS in Ireland?

Most Irish universities require international students to demonstrate English language proficiency and the IELTS is widely accepted for this purpose. Score requirements vary across universities. For example, Trinity College Dublin requires a minimum score of 6.5. 
 

Does Ireland accept PTE?

Ireland accepts the Pearson Test of English (PTE) for admission to MS programs. Many Irish universities like Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, Dorset College, and National University of Ireland (Galway) recognize PTE as a valid English language proficiency test for international students. 
 

Is GRE compulsory for MS in Ireland?

While some specific courses may require the GRE, it is not generally compulsory for most MS programs in Ireland. Most Irish universities, like Trinity College Dublin and the University of Limerick, do not require GRE scores for admission to their postgraduate programs.
 

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Vageesha Shrivastava

Vageesha is a versatile content writer dedicated to producing high-quality, engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. With a strong research background and creative flair, Vageesha develops compelling articles, blog posts, and more that drive results and exceed expectations.

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