Popular Universities in Ireland for 2024
So, finally, you have decided to move abroad and have chosen Ireland to pursue your studies. But now you might be wondering which one to choose among various universities in Ireland where you can find your desired course and high-quality education. You’ll have to look for the fee structure and application process to apply for these universities as well.
In this blog, you will learn about a list of universities in Ireland, the nuances needed to apply for these universities, and why they are the most popular among all other universities in Ireland.
Why Study In Ireland?
Ireland is becoming a popular country for students to pursue higher studies. The Irish government has been consistently working on improving its policies for international students, like the Irish Education Globally strategy, through which the number of international students will increase to 44,000 by 2025.
Students are choosing Ireland because of their attractive offerings and quality of education. There are various universities in Ireland, but you should select the ones that will give you marvelous career opportunities. Here is a list of top-ranking universities in Ireland, along with their fee structure:
| University | QS World University Rankings | Tuition fee |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin | 81 | €24,000 - €45,000 |
| University College Dublin | 171 | €18,000 - €28,000 |
| University of Galway | 289 | €15,000 - €25,000 |
| University College Cork | 292 | €15,000 - €25,000 |
| University of Limerick | 426 | €3,000 - €30,000 |
| Dublin City University | 436 | €13,500 - €17,000 |
| Maynooth University | 801-850 | €13,000 - €20,000 |
| Technological University of Dublin | 851-900 | €12,500 - €19,500 |
Research Program Offered by Top Ranking Universities in Ireland
Many universities in Ireland offer research programs. Have a look at the popular research program offered by these top-ranking universities in Ireland:
| University | Research Program |
|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin | PhD in Neuroscience |
| University College Dublin | PhD in Computer Science |
| University of Galway | PhD in Biomedical Engineering |
| University College Cork | PhD in Energy Engineering |
| University of Limerick | MS (Engineering and Technology) |
| Dublin City University | PhD in Electronic Engineering |
| Maynooth University | PhD in Anthropology |
| Technological University of Dublin | PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
Intakes in Ireland
Universities in Ireland have two intakes for international students:
Autumn
The autumn or fall intake, which usually begins in September/October in Ireland, is the primary intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the country. This means that if you apply for this intake, you will have a wider range of courses and programs to choose from. The deadlines for applying to the autumn semester are typically in February/March, although they may differ depending on the school or program.
Spring
The spring semester usually begins in January/February and is primarily for graduate programs in Ireland. Certain universities and colleges provide a limited number of undergraduate programs during the spring semester. Deadlines for the spring intake typically fall in September/October of the previous year, although they may vary depending on the institution and program.
Note: It is advised to check the official website of the universities in Ireland, as the intake program might differ for different courses. Also, apply as early as possible to improve your chances of acceptance.
Also read – Ways to Fund Overseas Education
Overview of Top Universities in Ireland
Since you know the ranking of top universities in Ireland, you might wonder why these universities are popular among the students. Here’s a brief overview of the best universities in Ireland:
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity is one of the best universities in Ireland for masters and other courses. Famous for its distinguished former students such as Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, the university is a paradise for students who love English literature.
Trinity College offers students a rare chance to experience a renowned literary ambiance through its famous library, which contains approximately 7 million books. Additionally, Trinity College Dublin offers scholarships designed specifically for non-EU international students, granting access to outstanding educational prospects.
University College Dublin
It is also a renowned college for sports, with thriving teams in rugby, soccer, and hurling, and offering opportunities for studying and playing. If you’re not into sports, more than 60 student clubs are available focusing on areas such as politics, religion, art, economics, writing, and community service.
From an academic perspective, UCD offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as arts, humanities, STEM, social sciences, business, and medicine. UCD is home to one of seven American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) approved vet medicine programs in Europe.
University of Galway
Established in 1845, the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), has a campus that has been recognized as one of the top 30 most stunning campuses in Europe and accommodates students from more than 100 countries worldwide.
Volunteering is a significant aspect of campus life at NUIG, with more than 4,000 volunteers registered at the university, making it the top university for volunteerism in Ireland. NUIG offers scholarships to international students depending on their academic achievement and nationality.
University College Cork
University College Cork was founded in 1845 and has more than 22,000 students enrolled. UCC takes great pride in being a Green Campus, as it was the first campus worldwide to be awarded a “Green Flag” by the Foundation for Environmental Education. This title indicates that the university is firmly committed to sustainability in education, research, and campus activities. In addition to a forward-thinking environment, UCC students can participate in more than 100 clubs and societies and engage in meaningful research.
University of Limerick
University of Limerick, established in 1972, is among the more recent universities in Ireland. In a recent survey, Ireland’s most famous university was voted as having a student satisfaction rating of 85%. University of Limerick’s campus is renowned for its outstanding sports facilities, including a fully equipped gym, an Olympic-sized pool, and extensive outdoor fields. UL maintains solid relationships with the business and industry realms in academia, showcasing an outstanding track record in research.
Dublin City University
Dublin city university is an excellent option for students interested in pursuing communications, journalism, or business studies degrees. Apart from academics, numerous club sports teams and societies are dedicated to various interests, such as Harry Potter, Dungeons and Dragons, jazz, and DJing. Dublin city university offers merit scholarships for non-EU students and master’s scholarships for alums studying abroad.
Maynooth University
Maynooth University is part of the National University of Ireland system and was officially founded in 1997. Even though it is still young, Times Higher Education ranked it 85th in the world in its 2023 list of young universities. It provides top-notch programs in social sciences, humanities, and STEM.
Although it is compact, it accommodates more than 2,000 international students from 95 different countries. International students at UCC can receive undergraduate scholarships worth €2000 ($2,200) annually.
Technological University of Dublin
The establishment of the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) was formed by combining three existing institutions. Ranked between 851-900 in the QS World University Rankings 2024, the university provides various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like engineering, science, business, and the arts.
Admission Requirement For Ireland Universities
All universities in Ireland have their application process and eligibility criteria, but here is some general information that will be helpful to you to get an overview of the application requirements:
| Academic Qualification | Students should be passed from a recognised secondary education with good grades and can be required to have a specific course for certain programs. |
|---|---|
| English Language Proficiency | Students who’s first language is not English will have to prove his proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL. |
| Standardized Tests | Depending upon the program some universities in Ireland might ask you the score of GRE/GMAT or SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs. |
| Application Form | This is the mandatory thing as without this your candidature will not be considered. |
| Supporting Documents | Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay and a CV |
| Application Fee | Most universities ask for application fees at the time of application. |
Also read – Cost of Living in Ireland 2024
Application Process in Ireland Universities
While applying to universities in Ireland for masters or any other program, you must follow a step-by-step process. The steps are:
- Research the university to see if it offers you the desired course, and look for the eligibility criteria for these universities.
- Complete the application process online or via paper application. Remember, universities in Ireland may ask for separate applications for specific courses.
- Submit all the relevant documents before the deadline.
- Pay the application fee.
- Prepare for the interview as some universities in Ireland interview online, in person, or on call.
- If your candidature is suitable for the university, you’ll receive a response. Depending on the program, this may take weeks to months.
- After receiving the response, you’ll have to give acceptance and pay a deposit to secure your place in the program. You’ll also need to apply for a student visa and enroll in courses before the start of the semester.
Documents Required In Ireland Universities
The following documents are essential for the application process for the universities in Ireland:
- Academic certificates and transcripts from all previous educational institutions attended.
- Standardized test scores such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation.
- 1-2 Statements of Purpose.
- CV or Resume.
- 2 Passport-sized photographs.
- Valid Passport.
- Non-refundable application fee ranging from €125 to €180, if required.
- Identity Card.
- Health Insurance documentation.
- Bank Statement
Conclusion
Universities in Ireland are popular because of their policies, quality of education etc. You can now decide which university to choose. Look for the scholarship programs, part-time jobs as well so that will help you in managing your finances in Ireland. Despite the differences between universities, you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by a diverse international student body in addition to your Irish classmates.
FAQs
Which university best in Ireland for masters?
There are many universities which offers master’s courses in Ireland. You need to choose the one which aligns with you the most in terms of fee and scholarship offered.
What is the cost of living in Ireland for international students?
Cost of living in Ireland depends on the lifestyle of the student. On an average it will take €10,000 to €12,000 per year for accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.
Can international student work while studying?
Yes, students can find part-time jobs in Ireland to manage their finances.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
