Top Universities in Ireland for Master’s | Fees, Courses & Intakes
If you’re planning to study for a Master’s in Ireland, you will find several reasons why international students prefer it. On one hand, there are world-ranked universities such as Trinity College Dublin and UCD. On the other hand, there are more recent technological universities which are career-oriented and practical. Add to that low tuition fees, good employment opportunities and a welcoming atmosphere and Ireland becomes a smart choice to pursue your higher education.
This guide will take you through the best universities, their fees and intake information so that you can make the next step with confidence.
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
Trinity is the oldest and most prestigious university in Ireland, located in the heart of Dublin. It is the best university in Ireland and is known globally as an academic institution of high standards and a rich history. Furthermore, the campus has produced Nobel Prize winners, world-famous authors, and innovative research.
Popular programs: Sciences, Engineering, Business, Arts, and Dentistry.
Eligibility: A good academic record, typically 60 percent in your undergraduate degree, with evidence of English language proficiency, is required of postgraduates.
Tuition fees – international students: Typically €20,000–€25,000 for most programs.
Intakes: September is the primary intake. A smaller January intake is offered in some courses.
Living Cost Breakdown (approximate)
Accommodation (shared/student housing): €600
Utilities (heating, electricity, etc.): €80
Food & groceries: €250
Transport (Student Leap Card): €60
Books & supplies: €40
Clothing & hygiene: €40
Internet & mobile: €20
Social / personal: €10
Miscellaneous: €0
Total monthly: €1,100
Total yearly: ~€13,200
University College Dublin (UCD)
UCD is one of Europe’s leading research universities and has the largest student community in Ireland. Its business school is highly ranked in Europe, and the university is especially well known for its global connections, diverse student population, and modern campus facilities. Moreover, it offers students an environment that blends academic excellence with cultural diversity.
Popular programs: Business, Veterinary Science, Computer Science, Engineering, and Medicine.
Eligibility: A recognized bachelor’s degree with good grades, plus English language test scores.
Tuition fees – international students: Ranges from €20,000–€25,000 applies
Intakes: September is the primary intake. Some postgraduate programs also start in January.
Living Cost Breakdown (Estimates for Dublin)
- Based on UCD’s global guidance, here’s a realistic monthly budget:
Accommodation: €750
Utilities: €100
Food: €400
Transport: €60
Books & supplies: €50
Clothing & hygiene: €80
Internet & mobile: €30
Social / personal: €50
Miscellaneous: €50 - Total monthly: €1,570
Total yearly: ~€18,840
University College Cork (UCC)
UCC is a research-driven university with a lively campus in a charming city. It’s known for producing impactful research and offers students a close-knit academic environment alongside a vibrant cultural experience. Additionally, it provides a wide range of opportunities for both academic and personal growth.
Popular courses: Science, Food Technology, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Commerce, and Arts.
Eligibility: A bachelor degree in a related field with English proficiency test scores.
Tuition fees – international students: Ranges from €20,000–€25,000.
Intakes: September (with January options on some postgraduate programs).
National University of Galway
The University of Galway is located on the west coast of Ireland and is a combination of tradition and innovation. It is a QS five-star university, which is known by its research institutes and student-friendly environment. In addition, the campus is vibrant with clubs, cultural activities and places to explore.
Popular programs: Humanities, Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
Eligibility: Good academic standing in your undergraduate degree and English proficiency.
Tuition fees – international students:
- Arts/Business/Law: €17,000/year (2025/2026)
- Science/Engineering: €20,500/year (2025/2026)
- Other programs range from €13,000–€24,000 depending on program and level
Intakes: September is the primary intake, with January/February options on some master programs.
University of Limerick
University of Limerick is famous for connecting classroom learning with real-world experience. Notably, it pioneered Ireland’s cooperative education program, where students gain paid work placements as part of their degree. Graduates from UL enjoy some of the highest employability rates in Ireland.
Popular programs: Artificial Intelligence, Business, Health Informatics, and Engineering.
Eligibility: A strong academic background and English language certification, depending on the course.
Tuition fees – international students:Rough estimate: ~€15,500/year to € 25,000/year
Intakes: September is the primary intake, with January available for select programs.
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
TU Dublin is Ireland’s first technological university, offering a modern and practical learning approach. Also, it has over 28,000 students from more than 140 countries and is especially known for career-focused education.
Popular courses: Optometry, Computer Science, Engineering, Architecture, Business, Culinary Arts, and Media.
Eligibility: Undergraduate entry is normally via the Central Applications Office (CAO) with specific subject requirements. Postgraduates require a relevant degree and English test scores.
Tuition fees – international students: Ranges likely in the €20,000–€25,000 range as common across Irish universities
Intakes: The majority of programs begin in September, with some postgraduate programs in January.
List of Universities with Tuition Fee
Institution | Approx. Annual Master’s Tuition (Non-EU Students) | Notes / Source |
|---|---|---|
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) | €10,000 – 35,000 | General estimate for public unis in Ireland |
University College Dublin (UCD) | €7,000 – 22,000 (most programs) | According to Wikipedia entry, covering program-specific variations |
University College Cork (UCC) | €10,000 – 29,000 | Estimate for public universities |
University of Galway | €10,000 – 31,000 | Same general range for public unis |
Maynooth University | Approx. €12,000 – 20,000 | Based on recent estimates for international students |
Dublin City University (DCU) | €13,000 – 20,000 (general); some programs €15,000–19,000 | Estimated range plus specific program fees (e.g., MSc Management, Accounting, etc.) |
University of Limerick (UL) | €10,000 – 32,000 | General public uni range |
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) | €10,000 – 30,000 | No specific tuition found, so using public uni estimate |
Munster Technological University (MTU) | €15,000 (Data Science/AI/Cybersecurity), €13,500 (other programs) | Official 2025/26 fee list |
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) | €10,000 – 33,000 | Public uni estimate, since specific data not sourced here |
South East Technological University (SETU) | €10,000 – 28,000 | Same general estimate |
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) | €10,000 – 35,000 | General public estimate |
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) | €10,000 – 35,000+ (medicine and healthcare likely higher) | Estimate plus note that specialist programs cost more |
Dublin Business School (DBS) | €10,000 – 31,000 | Estimate from broader range |
Griffith College | €10,000 – 28,000 | Same public estimate |
IBAT College Dublin | €10,000 – 32,000 | Estimated range |
National College of Ireland | €10,000 – 30,000 | Estimate based on range |
Language Profeciency
All Irish universities require proof of English language proficiency since the medium of instruction is English. The exact requirements vary slightly by university and program, but here’s a clear breakdown of the common criteria:
Accepted English Tests
- IELTS Academic – the most widely accepted
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- Duolingo English Test (some universities, especially after COVID, accept this)
- Cambridge English qualifications
Undergraduate:
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (with no band less than 5.5 or 6.0, depending on university)
- TOEFL iBT: 79–90
- PTE: 55–63
Postgraduate:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: 90+
- PTE: 63+
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Popular programs in Ireland for Indian Students are:
Data Analytics & Computer Science
- Why popular: Ireland is the tech hub of Europe with such companies as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple having their headquarters in Dublin.
- Specializations: Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Machine Learning. Top colleges: Trinity College Dublin, UCD, University of Limerick.
Business & Management (MBA / MSc)
- Why popular: Irish business schools are globally ranked, plus Ireland has strong links with finance, consulting, and global trade.
- Specializations: MBA, MSc in Management, MSc in Marketing, International Business, Supply Chain & Logistics.
- Top universities: UCD Smurfit Business School, Trinity Business School, University of Galway.
Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
Popularity: Ireland is referred to as the Pharma capital of Europe and 9/10 of the world leading pharma companies are based here.
Specializations: Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biopharma Engineering.
Top universities: UCD, Trinity, University of Limerick, UCC.
Finance & Accounting
- Why popular: Dublin is a European financial hub with big banks and investment firms. High employability for graduates.
- Specializations: MSc in Finance, Financial Risk Management, Accounting, FinTech.
- Top universities: Trinity, UCD, TU Dublin.
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Popularity: Ireland is a world tourist destination and there is a great demand of skilled hospitality managers.
Specializations: Hospitality Management, Tourism & Event Management.
Top universities: TU Dublin (world-famous in the field of hospitality studies), Shannon College of Hotel Management.
Why Indian Students Prefer These Programs
- High employability: Most programs are accompanied by a 2-year post-study work visa (Stay Back Option).
- Industry connections: Universities in Ireland have close connections with companies and provide internships and placements.
- International acceptance: Degrees are accepted in India and globally.
- Cheaper than the UK/USA: The fees are cheaper and living costs are affordable.