Best Universities in Ireland with Ranking & Fees

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s leading university and is a favorite amongst learners. Founded in 1592, the university excels in the fields of education, innovation, and research. With over 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the university has 24 academic schools specializing across three faculties – Engineering, Mathematics and Science;  Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; and Health Sciences. The university hosts staff and students from over 120 countries, earning a reputation for being extremely diverse and a global campus. 

The 47-acre campus is situated in Dublin, a vibrant city that is extremely safe for international students. Trinity College Dublin, Ireland has the biggest library in the whole country, which is now considered the greatest research library with more than six million printed volumes.

National University of Ireland Galway is one of Ireland's oldest and most prestigious universities, with a distinguished record in teaching and research. For over 175 years, NUI Galway has been welcoming students and researchers from all over the world. Ideally located in the city of Galway, the university offers a broad range of internationally recognised programmes in a welcoming academic community. Situated in Galway City in the West of Ireland, which is renowned for its unique culture, creative industries, medical technologies, marine ecology and economy, and innovation. With over 19,000 students, 17% of which are international students from 122 countries, we contribute to the diversity and dynamism of our region and further afield. We have an academic community of world-leading researchers working at the forefront of their fields and we offer our students opportunities to collaborate internationally. Our vision is to be a driver of transformational change for our people, our region and our world, where our values-based culture of excellence, ambition and the wellbeing of our communities is at our core.

University College Cork (UCC), nestled in the vibrant city of Cork, Ireland, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural richness. Established in 1845, UCC is renowned for its pioneering research, distinguished faculty, and a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across diverse disciplines. The university fosters a dynamic learning environment, emphasizing critical thinking and global perspectives. Students benefit from cutting-edge facilities, including modern libraries and research centers. UCC's commitment to community engagement and sustainability is evident in its numerous outreach programs and green initiatives. With a history steeped in tradition and an eye towards the future, University College Cork offers a transformative educational experience in one of Ireland's most dynamic cities.

Cork Institute of Technology Ireland was established in 1878 while becoming a school under this name in 1993. Cork Institute of Technology functions in a conservatory with five floors that opened its doors in 2007, designed by Buro Happold and Murray O’Laoire. It was eventually dissolved to become the Munster Technological University.

University College Dublin (UCD) is Europe’s one of best research-led universities, ranked in the top 1% of the higher education institutions worldwide. The university has been named among the best universities globally for 38 subjects offered. The University College Dublin, Ireland, has over 30,000 students enrolled from over 130 countries.

Since the beginning, the university has been focused on contributing to the growth of Ireland. The main campus of University College Dublin is spread over 133 hectares and has facilities including UCD Sutherland School of Law, UCD Moore Centre for Business, and UCD O’Brien Centre for Science. 

Dublin City University is an Irish institution situated in the northern part of the city. Originally established in 1975 as the National Institute for Higher Education, Dublin, it began accepting students in 1980 and became a university in September 1989 after a legislative act.  World-class Dublin City University (DCU) is a research-focused university that recognizes the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in the modern world. With 3,400 foreign students from 128 different countries and over 50,000 graduates, the institution is among the fastest-growing in Ireland.

Highlights of Dublin City University

The Latest About Dublin City University

The first officially recognized University of Sanctuary in Ireland, Dublin City University, has declared that the University of Sanctuary scholarship program would continue in 2024–2025. For the next academic year, five postgraduate taught part-time or full-time Master's scholarships will be offered to candidates for refugee and protection status who are not qualified for public assistance. The total number of DCU Sanctuary Scholarships given out to date now stands at 55.

History of Dublin City University

Dublin City University (DCU) has been offering flexible access to higher education for adult learners throughout Ireland and abroad for more than 40 years. The National Distance Education Centre was founded at DCU in 1982, and for a long time we provided university-level credentials using more conventional "distance education" delivery methods. The National Centre changed its name to "Oscail-DCU Online Education" in 2004 to better represent our pioneering use of innovative online delivery modalities for education and our leadership in doing so. By shifting to an online delivery model that is more faculty-led in 2022, DCU started a new chapter in its illustrious history. 

Mission: “To foster excellence in practice through leadership in teaching, the provision of professional development opportunities for staff, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.”

Dublin City University Courses

Technology, engineering, business, communications, humanities, science, and health degrees are among DCU's most well-known offerings. International students can choose from top-rated and highly ranked programs offered by DCU. Worldwide recognition and acceptance are accorded to its courses. Dublin City University  courses are popular among international students. Here are some of Dublin City University’s top-ranked courses:

Popular Courses

• Communication
• Accounting and Finance
• Business and Management
• Education
• Sports Science
• Engineering

Dublin City University Placements

Dublin City University is ranked #301–500 in QS's graduate placement rankings for 2022. Among DCU's highest-paid alumni were those who completed the following MBA courses. 85,000 EUR a year is the reported salary for an executive MBA program. DCU Placement is an initiative aimed at uniting the expert personnel who assist DCU students engaged in approved placement-related activities, such internships or overseas study opportunities. By providing a transformational educational and life-enhancing experience, they hope to encourage students to be the greatest versions of themselves.

Dublin City University Campus Life

A university education is about more than simply getting a degree; it's about developing yourself, meeting new people, and generating lifelong experiences. You will have a rewarding and interesting experience at DCU if you embrace the chances and challenges that come your way. Remember that you may still take part in events even if you don't reside on campus. Use the university's public transport system to get to campus, and consider sustainable ways to go about the campus to participate in the academic and social life of the institution. 

Dublin City University Alumni

Benefits available to DCU alumni include academic transcripts, athletic facilities, affinity credit cards, and membership in alumni groups. By applying for an "Alumni Benefit Card," alumni may save more than $1,000 on a range of products and services. Among the notable alums are Bernard Jackman, John Connolly, and Laura Whitmore.

Dublin City University Faculty

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science and Health, the Institute of Education, the Business School, and the Faculty of Engineering and Computing are the five faculties at Dublin City University. Some of the distinguished faculty members of the university are Prof. Joe O’Hara, Dr. Martin Brown, Dr. Shivan O’Brien, and Dr. Aideen Cassidy, among many others. 

Situated in Limerick, Ireland, the University of Limerick (UL) has been a leading name in higher education since 1979. It is the only Irish institution with a 5-star rating from QS Rankings for its emphasis on innovation, employment, and teaching. UL was founded in 1972 as National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick and it became a university in 1989 in accordance with the University of Limerick Act 1989. The university offers high-quality and innovative degree programs which are relevant. The broad range of full and part-time postgraduate programs combine innovative teaching methods as part of their pedagogy. University of Limerick (UL), Ireland, is an institution that has links with industry, commerce, and the public sector. With over 16,500 students, the university campus is spread over 367 acres, including eight residential villages for accommodation.

Maynooth University in Ireland is a leading academic institution near Dublin and the fastest-growing university in the whole country. Maynooth University is one of the four constituent universities of the acclaimed National University of Ireland. 

TU Dublin is Ireland's first Technological University - an exciting new milestone in Irish Higher Education. With campuses in Dublin City, Tallaght and Blanchardstown, it spans the largest population centres of Ireland's capital city. Building on the rich heritage of its founding organisations - DIT, IT Blanchardstown and IT Tallaght - TU Dublin will be inclusive and adaptable, creating educational opportunities for students at all stages of their lives. Academic excellence in science, the arts, business, engineering and technology converge in TU Dublin to create the leaders of tomorrow. Our 28,500 students learn in a practice-based environment informed by the latest research and enabled by technological advances, with pathways to graduation from Apprenticeship to PhD.

Waterford Institute of Technology or WIT is a leading public institution that was founded in 1970. Waterford Institute of Technology Ireland is located in the southeastern part of the country and is one of the country’s biggest and most academically renowned colleges. 

Institute of Technology Sligo Ireland is one of the country’s foremost third-level educational institutions and has held onto a sterling reputation for more than five decades. Institute of Technology Sligo is home to a whopping 8,600 students throughout various academic programmes. 

Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) is one of the most reputed and progressive Irish institutions. Letterkenny Institute of Technology was established in 1971 and is known for its academic prowess over the years.

Dublin Business School is situated in the Ireland of the United Kingdom. It is considered one of the most famous business schools in the world and a significant number of international students enroll themselves in the undergraduate and postgraduate programs of this university. Since the cost of studying in this renowned business school is comparatively more economical than other business institutions of the province, it is the first preference of several students across the globe and the territory as well. Talking about the alumni, Robin Copeland, Terrace Flanagan, Shane Jennings, and so on are most famous.

In Ireland, Athlone Institute of Technology and Limerick Institute of Technology merged to establish The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS: Midlands Midwest). It was founded in 2021 and is a focal point for innovation, academic quality, and local growth. TUS provides a wide variety of programs in many different academic fields, such as engineering, business, science, and the arts. In order to prepare students for dynamic jobs, it places an emphasis on industry partnership, research, and practical skills. TUS, which is based in the heart of Ireland, makes a substantial contribution to the cultural and economic life of the Midwest and Midlands, promoting a vibrant learning environment.

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest Highlight 

The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS: Midlands Midwest) is a beacon of academic excellence and regional development. TUS provides a wide variety of programs in many different academic fields, such as engineering, business, science, and the arts. In order to prepare students for dynamic jobs, it places an emphasis on industry partnership, research, and practical skills. Here are the highlights of the university. 

South East Technological University (SETU) is a public technological university with campuses in Carlow, Waterford, and Wexford. Established after the amalgamation of Waterford IT and IT Carlow, it has a rich heritage spanning over five decades in higher education, research, innovation, and collaborative engagement with stakeholders. SETU Carlow has firmly established itself as a key player in the academic landscape and currently serves a diverse community comprising more than 18,000 students and employs a dedicated team of over 1,500 staff members. 

SETU Carlow has a stellar reputation for its research endeavors, both nationally and internationally, and international students are presented with a wide array of innovative, career-focused programs encompassing undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundation courses. In addition to its academic offerings, SETU Carlow boasts an extensive range of services and facilities, ranging from robust academic support to recreational amenities. The vibrant campus life is enriched by numerous clubs and societies, and the university is renowned for its outstanding achievements in competitive sports.

Located just 85 kilometers from Dublin and 97 kilometers from Dublin Airport, the Carlow campus is nestled in the picturesque Irish countryside. The Waterford campus is situated 170 kilometers from Dublin and 177 kilometers from Dublin Airport. As Ireland's oldest city, Waterford offers a blend of history and modernity, allowing students and visitors to experience the quintessential Irish charm.

SETU Carlow prides itself in fostering an inclusive campus environment, where students can pursue their academic aspirations and cultivate lifelong friendships, and is an ideal location for those aspiring to successful careers in various fields such as business, law, humanities, science, sports, or engineering.

South East Technological University Carlow Highlights 

Griffith College Ireland is one of the best universities you can apply to for the next step in your academic career.  As one of the leading universities in Ireland, Griffith College should be on your list of potential institutions to study at. It has a growing international presence and, interestingly, was founded by Professor Diarmuid Hegarty. 

Griffith College was established in 1974. The campus buildings date back 200 years, constructed in 1813. Moreover, the College was purchased in 1991 by Griffith, and ever since, it has been a site full of rich history.