30 Best Universities in Ireland for International Students

There are so many universities in Ireland for international students to choose from, to aid your search we have listed the 30 best universities in Ireland for international students.

Ireland is a top-tier destination for international students due to its exceptional higher education institutions, high-quality education system, abundant course options, and affordable cost of living.

Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland is a global hub for scientific research. Major corporations like Google, Microsoft, and DELL have established their headquarters in Ireland, making it a popular choice for international students.

The country also offers affordable housing options, with many universities offering on-campus accommodations and off-campus options like shared apartments, private rooms, and hostels. 

Ireland’s job market and economy offer excellent employment opportunities, with sectors such as finance, healthcare, science and technology, and entrepreneurship.

The Irish government has launched initiatives to support entrepreneurship and innovation, including startup accelerators and incubators.

Part-time jobs are available through the green card program or work visa, and loans and scholarships are available through the Irish government.

Ireland is a friendly and welcoming country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse society. According to the Global Peace Index 2020, Ireland is the 12th most peaceful country in the world.

Students can also find support services such as academic advising, career guidance, and mental health counseling through universities and colleges.

Popular Courses in Ireland

Ireland is a popular destination for international students, offering a wide range of high-quality courses and programs.

Some of the most popular courses in Ireland include:

• Business and Management
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Engineering and Technology
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Law
• English Literature
• History
• Creative Writing
• Film and Media Studies
• Fashion Design
• Music
• Art and Design

Criteria for Selecting the Best Universities in Ireland for International Students

Several factors were considered when creating the list of the best universities in Ireland for international students to ensure a thorough selection.

• Academic Excellence
• Global Reputation
• Student Support Services
• International Student-Friendly Policies
• Program Diversity
• Graduate Employability
• Research Opportunities

List of the Best Universities in Ireland for International Students

Below is a list of the best universities in Ireland for international students:

• University College Dublin
• Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin
• University College Cork
• National University of Ireland, Galway
• Dublin City University
• University of Limerick
• Maynooth University
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
• Dublin Institute of Technology
• Cork Institute of Technology
• Waterford Institute of Technology
• National University of Ireland, System
• Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
• Dundalk Institute of Technology
• Athlone Institute of Technology
• Institute of Technology Sligo
• National College of Ireland
• Institute of Technology Carlow
• Limerick Institute of Technology
• Institute of Technology Tallaght
• Letterkenny Institute of Technology
• Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth
• National College of Art and Design
• Institute of Technology, Tralee
• Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
• Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
• Marino Institute of Education
• All Hallows College
• Royal Irish Academy of Music
• Shannon College of Hotel Management.

Best Universities in Ireland for International Students

1. University College Dublin

• Founded: 1854
• Location: Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
• Ranking: #236 in the QS World University Rankings 2023
• Accreditation: UCD is accredited by the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB) and the Higher Education and Training Quality and Standards Agency (HETQA).
• Financial aid: UCD offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

UCD is a public research university in Dublin, Ireland. It is the largest university in Ireland and a National University of Ireland member institution.

2. Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin

• Founded: March 1592
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Ranking: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 (101-125)
• Accreditation: The University of Dublin is accredited by the Irish Universities Association and the European University Association.
• Financial aid: Trinity College Dublin offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Trinity College Dublin is a research university in Dublin, Ireland. It is the oldest university in Ireland and one of the oldest in the English-speaking world.

3. University College Cork

• Founded: 1845
• Location: Cork, Ireland
• Ranking: #397 in Best Global Universities (US News)
• Accreditation: The University is accredited by the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB) and the Higher Education and Research Quality Agency (HERQA).
• Financial aid: UCC offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

UCC is a public research university in Cork, Ireland. It was founded in 1845 and is one of the constituent universities of the National University of Ireland.

4. National University of Ireland, Galway

• Founded: 1845
• Location: Galway, Ireland
• Ranking: Times Higher Education World University Rankings (601-800)
• Accreditation: The National University of Ireland, Galway is accredited by the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB).
• Financial aid: NUI Galway offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Courses

NUI Galway offers a wide range of courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including:

• Arts and humanities
• Business and economics
• Engineering
• Law
• Medicine
• Science
• Social sciences

NUI Galway is a public research university located in Galway, Ireland. It was founded in 1845 and is the third-oldest university in Ireland.

5. Dublin City University

• Founded: 1975
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Ranking: World University Rankings 2023 (#917)
• Accreditation: The Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB)
• Financial aid: DCU offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Dublin City University (DCU) is a public university in Dublin, Ireland. It was founded in 1975 as the National Institute for Higher Education, Dublin, and was granted university status in 1989.

6. University of Limerick

• Founded: 1972
• Location: Limerick, Ireland
• Ranking: Times Higher Education World University Rankings (701-750)
• Accreditation: The University of Limerick is accredited by the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB) and the Higher Education

The University of Limerick is a public research university in Limerick, Ireland. It was founded in 1972 as the National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick, and became a university in 1989.

Here are some additional details about the University of Limerick:

• The university has a student body of over 17,000 students, of which over 3,000 are international students.
• The university has a strong focus on research and innovation.
• UL is a member of the European University Association and the Coimbra Group.

7. Maynooth University

• Founded: 1795
• Location: Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
• Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2024 (#801-850)
• Accreditation: The Irish Universities Association
• Financial aid: Maynooth University offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and student loans.
• Courses: Maynooth University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various subjects, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, and technology.

Maynooth University is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland.

8. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

• Founded: 1784
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Ranking: Times Higher Education World University Rankings (401-500)
• Accreditation: RCSI is accredited by the Irish Medical Council and the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom.
• Financial aid: RCSI offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Courses: RCSI offers a wide range of health sciences courses, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and nursing.

RCSI is a private university in Dublin, Ireland, that is exclusively focused on health sciences education and research.

9. Dublin Institute of Technology

• Founded: 1992
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Ranking: QS World University Rankings 2024 (#851-900)
• Accreditation: The Irish Universities Association
• Financial aid: TU Dublin offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Courses

TU Dublin offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Business
• Engineering
• Science
• Humanities
• The arts

TU Dublin is a public university located in Dublin, Ireland. It was established in 1992 and is the largest third-level institution in Ireland. 

10. Cork Institute of Technology

• Founded: 1974
• Location: Cork, Ireland
• Ranking: CIT is ranked 3rd in Ireland for technological universities by the Sunday Times University Guide.
• Accreditation: CIT is accredited by the Irish Universities Association and the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education.
• Financial aid: CIT offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Courses

CIT offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of fields, including:

• Engineering
• Science
• Business
• Arts
• Music
• Computing
• Nursing
• Education
• Tourism
• Hospitality

CIT is a public university located in Cork, Ireland. It was founded in 1974 and has over 17,000 students.

11. Waterford Institute of Technology

• Founded: 1970
• Location: Waterford, Ireland
• Ranking: Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022: 801-1000th
• Accreditation: The Irish Government
• Financial aid: SETU offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Courses

SETU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including:

• Business
• Engineering
• Science
• Health sciences
• Education
• Humanities

Southeast Technological University (SETU) is a public university located in Waterford, Ireland. It was founded in 1970 as Waterford Institute of Technology and is now one of the largest institutes of technology in Ireland.

12. National University of Ireland, System

• Founded: 1908
• Location: The four constituent universities are located in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Maynooth, respectively.
• Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the NUI System ranges from €8,000 to €12,000 per year.
• Ranking: The NUI System is ranked among the top 200 universities in the world.
• Accreditation: The NUI System is accredited by the Irish Government and the European University Association.
• Financial aid: The NUI System offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Courses: The NUI System offers a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The NUI is a federal university system comprising the largest element of the Irish university system.

13. Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

• Founded: 1971
• Location: Galway City, Mayo, Connemara, and Mountbellew, Ireland
• Ranking: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 (801-1000)
• Accreditation: The Irish Universities Association
• Financial aid: GMIT offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

GMIT is a public technological university in Galway, Ireland. It was founded in 1971 and has four campuses in Galway City, Mayo, Connemara, and Mountbellew.

14. Dundalk Institute of Technology

• Founded: 1971
• Location: Dundalk, Ireland
• Ranking: DkIT is ranked 3rd in Ireland for Institutes of Technology by the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
• Accreditation: DkIT is accredited by the Irish Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC).
• Financial aid: DkIT offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Courses: DkIT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of fields, including engineering, business, computing, science, and the arts.

DkIT is a public institute of technology located in Dundalk, Ireland. It was founded in 1971 as the Dundalk Regional Technical College and was re-designated as an institute of technology in 1998.

15. Athlone Institute of Technology

• Founded: 1970
• Location: Athlone, Ireland
• Accreditation: Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC)
• Financial aid: AIT offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

AIT is a public technological university located in Athlone, Ireland. It was established in 1970 as the Athlone Regional Technical College and was granted Technological University status in 2021.

Here are some additional information about AIT:

• The university has a student body of over 7,000 students, of which 10% are international students.
• AIT has strong industry links and many of its courses are designed in collaboration with employers.
• The university has a good reputation for research and has several research centers and institutes.

16. Institute of Technology Sligo

• Founded: 1971
• Location: Sligo, Ireland
• Accreditation: The Institute of Technology Sligo is accredited by the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB).
• Financial aid: ATU Sligo offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Courses: ATU Sligo offers a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including business, engineering, computing, science, arts, and social sciences.

Atlantic Technological University Sligo (ATU Sligo) is a public university in Sligo, Ireland.

17. National College of Ireland

• Founded: 1951
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Ranking: NCI is ranked 48th in the world for business and management studies by the Eduniversal Best Masters Ranking 2023.
• Accreditation: NCI is accredited by the Irish Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
• Financial aid: NCI offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

NCI is a not-for-profit, state-aided third-level education institution in Dublin, Ireland. It was founded in 1951 as a joint venture between Irish Jesuits and Irish trade unions and was originally named the Catholic Workers College, Dublin.

Here are some additional information about NCI:

• NCI has a student body of over 6,000 students, including over 1,000 international students.
• NCI has a strong reputation for teaching and research.
• NCI graduates are highly sought-after by employers.

18. Institute of Technology Carlow

• Founded: 1970
• Location: Carlow, Ireland
• Accreditation: Technological Higher Education Authority (THEA)
• Financial aid: Available for both domestic and international students
• Courses: IT Carlow offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various disciplines, including business, engineering, science, computing, and the arts.

IT Carlow is a technological university in Carlow, Ireland.

19. Limerick Institute of Technology

• Founded: 1975
• Tuition fee: €9,000-€12,000 per year for EU students, €20,000-€25,000 per year for non-EU students
• Ranking: Ranked 13th in Ireland and 3673rd in the world by UniRank
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Irish Universities Association and the Quality and Qualifications Ireland
• Financial aid: LIT offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

LIT is a technological university in Ireland with campuses in Limerick, Thurles, Clonmel, Ennis, and Athlone.

Here are some additional details about LIT:

• The university has six campuses, with the main campus located in Limerick city.
• LIT has a strong focus on research and innovation. It is home to over 20 research centers and institutes.
• LIT is a member of the European University Association and the Coimbra Group.
• The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.

20. Institute of Technology Tallaght

• Founded: 1992
• Location: Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
• Ranking: 33rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 (young universities)
• Accreditation: IT Tallaght is accredited by the Irish Universities Association and the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
• Financial aid: IT Tallaght offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Courses: IT Tallaght offers over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various disciplines, including business, engineering, science, health, and the arts.

IT Tallaght is a public technological university in Tallaght, Ireland.

21. Letterkenny Institute of Technology

• Founded: 1971
• Location: Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland
• Tuition fee: International students; €10,000-€20,000 per year (2022-2023)
• Ranking: 22 out of 32 institutions in Ireland (2022)
• Accreditation: LYIT is accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Council (INAC) and the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).
• Financial aid: LYIT offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Courses

LYIT offers over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of fields, including:

• Business
• Engineering
• Computing
• Science
• Arts
• Education
• Nursing
• Tourism
• Hospitality

LYIT is a public institute of technology in Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland.

22. Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth

• Founded: 1795
• Location: Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
• Ranking: #1 in Ireland for Theology and Religious Studies (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• Accreditation: The Pontifical University of Maynooth is accredited by the Irish government and is a member of the European University Association.
• Financial aid: The college offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Courses: The college offers a wide range of courses in theology, philosophy, canon law, and other subjects.

St Patrick’s College, Maynooth is a pontifical university in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland. It is the national seminary for Ireland and is also a constituent college of Maynooth University.

23. National College of Art and Design

• Founded: 1746
• Location: Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
• Ranking: QS World University Rankings (97th)
• Accreditation: Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
• Financial aid: NCAD offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Courses

NCAD offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the following areas:

• Design
• Fine Art
• Education
• Visual Culture

NCAD is Ireland’s oldest art institution, offering the largest range of art and design degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the country.

24. Institute of Technology, Tralee

• Founded: 1977
• Location: Dromtacker, Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland
• Ranking: It is also ranked 151-200 in the world for engineering and technology by THE.
• Accreditation: IT Tralee is accredited by the Irish Government and the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
• Financial aid: IT Tralee offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Courses

IT Tralee offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of disciplines, including:

• Business
• Computing
• Engineering
• Health and social sciences
• Hospitality and tourism
• Science and technology

IT Tralee is a public institute of technology in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland.

25. Institute of Technology Blanchardstown

• Founded: 1999
• Location: Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland
• Accreditation: The Irish Higher Education Authority (HEA)
• Financial aid: TU Dublin offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Courses: ITB offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields, including business, engineering, computing, science, and the arts.

ITB is a public university in Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland. 

26. Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

• Founded: 1997
• Ranking: 1st in Ireland for art and design (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• Accreditation: IADT is accredited by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) and the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
• Financial aid: IADT offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Courses

IADT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in art, design, and technology. Some of the popular courses include:

• Animation
• Fashion design
• Film and television
• Game design
• Graphic design
• Interior design
• Photography
• Product design
• Visual communication

IADT is a public institute of technology with a focus on art, design, and technology. It is located in Deansgrange, near Dún Laoghaire, Ireland.

27. Marino Institute of Education

• Founded: 1889
• Location: Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9, Ireland
• Accreditation: Marino Institute of Education is accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB).
• Financial aid: The Marino Institute of Education offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, bursaries, and grants.

Marino Institute of Education is an Irish college of education, an associated college of Trinity College Dublin.

28. All Hallows College

• Founded: 1842
• Location: Drumcondra, Dublin, Ireland
• Courses: The college offered a variety of courses in theology, philosophy, education, and social sciences.

All Hallows College was a college of higher education in Dublin. It was founded in 1842 and was run by the Vincentians from 1892 until 2016.

29. Royal Irish Academy of Music

• Founded: 1848
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Tuition fee: Undergraduate tuition fees range from €4,000 to €9,000 per year. Postgraduate tuition fees range from €5,000 to €12,000 per year.
• Ranking: The RIAM is not ranked in international university rankings. However, it is considered to be one of the leading music conservatoires in Ireland.
• Accreditation: The RIAM is accredited by the Irish Music Conservatories Council (IMCC).
• Financial aid: The RIAM offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and bursaries.

The RIAM is one of Europe’s oldest music conservatoires, specializing in classical music and the Irish harp.

30. Shannon College of Hotel Management

• Founded: 1951
• Location: Shannon Airport, County Clare, Ireland
• Ranking: Top 2% of universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• Accreditation: The Irish Universities Association (IUA), the Hotel, Catering and Tourism Education Institute (HCTIE), and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
• Financial aid: Available for both domestic and international students

Courses

• Bachelor of Commerce in International Hotel Management
• Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management
• Master of Science in Hospitality Management
• Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management
• Certificate in English Language Studies

Shannon College of Hotel Management is Ireland’s only dedicated hotel management college.

FAQs on the Best Universities in Ireland for International Students

What are the typical admission requirements for international students in Irish universities?

Admission requirements vary by university and program. Generally, you'll need to provide academic transcripts, English language proficiency test scores (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL), a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Check the specific university's website for detailed requirements.

Are there scholarships available for international students in Irish universities?

Yes, many Irish universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. These can range from partial tuition fee waivers to full scholarships based on academic merit. Be sure to explore scholarship opportunities on the university websites.

Can I work part-time while studying in Ireland?

Yes, international students in Ireland are generally allowed to work part-time during term time (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during university holidays. This can help cover living expenses and gain work experience.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Ireland offers a high-quality education system, a safe and friendly environment, a strong English-speaking community, and excellent post-study work opportunities. It’s also known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

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