Study in Ireland
Study in English in the European Union, with a choice of research universities, technological universities and specialist institutions. Ireland offers internationally recognised qualifications, but tuition, housing costs and immigration arrangements vary considerably. The right choice starts with your course, budget and eligibility.
Ireland may suit you if…
- You want an English-speaking study destination within Europe.
- You are considering a Bachelor's, Master's, doctoral or professionally focused programme.
- You value qualifications within the European Higher Education Area.
- You are interested in business, technology, engineering, life sciences, medicine, humanities or social sciences.
- You would like to work part-time during your studies, where your permission allows it.
- You want to explore a temporary post-study route to graduate-level employment, if eligible.
- You prefer a relatively compact country with several established student cities.
- You are a British citizen interested in the residence, study and work rights available under the Common Travel Area.
Advantages and trade-offs
Advantages
- Study in English. English is the main teaching language for most higher-education programmes.
- Recognised qualifications. Ireland's National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) covers Higher Certificates through to doctoral awards and aligns with European qualification frameworks.
- Different ways to learn. Universities, technological universities and specialist institutions offer academic, research-intensive, applied and professional routes.
- Work opportunities during study. Eligible non-EEA students on Stamp 2 can work within prescribed hourly limits without a separate employment permit.
- A possible graduate route. Eligible non-EEA graduates may qualify for temporary Stamp 1G permission to seek graduate-level employment.
- Common Travel Area rights. British citizens can live, study and work in Ireland without the student immigration permissions required by many other international students.
Things to consider
- Accommodation can be expensive. Housing is a major budget consideration, particularly in Dublin.
- Tuition fees vary widely. Non-EU fees depend on the course and institution; medicine and certain health programmes can be especially costly.
- Application routes differ. Some students apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), while others apply directly to institutions.
- Nationality matters. British and EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have different immigration arrangements from non-EEA students.
- Graduate permission is temporary. Stamp 1G is not permanent residence and does not guarantee a long-term right to remain.
What you can study
Ireland uses the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Typical full-time routes include:
| Qualification | NFQ level | Typical duration | Typical credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Certificate | 6 | 2 years | 120 ECTS |
| Ordinary Bachelor Degree | 7 | 3 years | 180 ECTS |
| Honours Bachelor Degree | 8 | 3–4 years | 180–240 ECTS |
| Higher Diploma | 8 | 1 year | 60 ECTS |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 9 | 1 year | 60 ECTS |
| Taught Master's Degree | 9 | 1–2 years | 60–120 ECTS |
| Research Master's Degree | 9 | Often around 2 years | Credit structure varies |
| Doctoral Degree | 10 | Normally at least 3 years | Research structure varies |
Some professional programmes take longer. A Higher Certificate or Ordinary Bachelor Degree may offer progression opportunities, subject to the next institution's entry requirements. A Higher Diploma can also provide a route into a new or more specialised subject.
Popular subjects
- Business, management, finance, economics and accounting
- Computer science, information technology, artificial intelligence and data science
- Engineering, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences and life sciences
- Medicine, nursing, health sciences and allied health
- Law, psychology, politics and international relations
- Arts, humanities, languages and social sciences
- Media, communications, education, architecture and design
- Hospitality and tourism
Compare course content, teaching style, placement opportunities and professional accreditation—not just university names.
Getting in
Bachelor's entry requirements
You normally need an accepted secondary-school qualification with the grades and subjects required for your chosen programme. Universities assess international qualifications individually. Competitive or regulated courses, including medicine, may require additional tests, interviews or specific subjects. There is no single national grade requirement for all applicants.
Master's entry requirements
You will generally need a recognised Bachelor's degree in an appropriate subject. Depending on the course, an institution may also consider your degree classification, previous modules, professional experience, references, personal statement, portfolio or research interests.
Doctoral entry requirements
Doctoral admission typically involves strong previous academic preparation and evidence of research potential. You may need a suitable research proposal, academic references and an available supervisor. Requirements differ by discipline and institution.
Language requirements
Most higher-education programmes are taught in English. Institutions set their own entry standards and may accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English qualifications, Duolingo where offered, or qualifying previous education in English. Requirements can be higher for regulated professions. Applicants who need immigration permission may also face separate language-evidence requirements.
There is no single IELTS score that applies to every Irish university or course. Check the exact programme requirements before arranging a test.
Typical intakes
- September: The main intake, with the widest choice of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
- January or other dates: Available for selected postgraduate and specialist courses at some institutions.
Always confirm your course's start date and application deadline.
When each stage happens
12–18 months before your intended start
Explore courses and institutions, compare academic requirements, check your fee status, confirm whether you apply through CAO or directly, and research accommodation and professional accreditation.
9–12 months before
Prepare English-language evidence if required, collect transcripts and certificates, arrange certified translations, prepare references and personal statements, and investigate scholarships.
6–10 months before
Apply by your institution's or CAO's deadline. Complete any admission tests, interviews or portfolio submissions, and monitor decisions. Some deadlines may fall earlier than this suggested timeframe.
After receiving an offer
Accept your place, understand any conditions, confirm tuition-payment and refund policies, explore accommodation, prepare your budget and check immigration requirements if applicable.
Before travel
Complete any required visa process, arrange appropriate medical insurance, organise accommodation and carry the documents requested for travel, registration and university enrolment.
What it costs, realistically
Tuition fees
Non-EU tuition varies substantially by subject and institution. Education in Ireland's latest published national planning ranges are for 2025/26, not 2026/27 or 2027/28. Always obtain the current fee schedule for your actual course and year.
Living costs
Accommodation is often the largest expense. Trinity College Dublin estimates €19,937–€29,050 annually for undergraduates and €21,050–€27,050 for postgraduates living in Dublin, excluding tuition. Costs elsewhere, and your own spending, will differ.
Scholarships
Universities offer merit-based, international, course-specific and research funding. The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship also supports eligible postgraduate study. Scholarship applications can have separate and earlier deadlines.
Plan beyond the immigration minimum: Ireland's €10,000 student-finance requirement for certain longer courses is an immigration threshold, not a guarantee that €10,000 will cover your actual living costs.
Visa process overview
Irish immigration requirements depend on nationality. British citizens can rely on Common Travel Area rights; EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not use the non-EEA student visa and Stamp 2 system. Other international students may need an entry visa and registration permission. Eligible programmes must be checked against the applicable ILEP or TrustEd Ireland list. Visa-required students normally apply through AVATS up to three months before travelling.
Working during study and after graduation
Eligible non-EEA students on Stamp 2 may work up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours per week during specified holidays. After graduation, eligible students can apply for temporary Stamp 1G permission: normally up to 12 months at NFQ Level 8 or a potential 24 months at Level 9 or above, subject to conditions. These permissions do not guarantee a job or permanent residence.
Applying for undergraduate study: CAO and direct applications
The Central Applications Office (CAO) handles many undergraduate applications, but not all international applicants use it. The correct route depends on your nationality or applicant category, fee status, school qualifications, institution and programme. Irish, British and many EU applicants normally use CAO for standard undergraduate entry; some non-EU applicants apply directly to universities. For example, RCSI uses different undergraduate Medicine application routes for Irish/EU and most non-EU applicants.
Key CAO dates for 2027 entry
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| 5 November 2026, 12 noon | Online applications open |
| 20 January 2027, 5pm | Discounted application deadline |
| 1 February 2027, 5pm | Normal application deadline |
| 1 March 2027, 5pm | Deadline for certain paid course-choice amendments and supplementary requirements |
| 5 March–1 May 2027 | Late application facility, subject to restrictions |
| Expected 5 May–1 July 2027 | Change of Mind period; confirm dates and restrictions with CAO |
Restricted courses can involve tests, interviews or portfolios and generally require selection by the main February deadline, subject to limited amendment rules. Early offer rounds may apply to certain non-standard applicants. Confirm exact conditions and offer dates in the official 2027 CAO Handbook, as dates and eligibility can change.
Postgraduate applications
Postgraduate applications are usually made directly to the institution or through its designated system. Some programmes use rolling admissions and may close when places are filled. Check course-specific deadlines early; a September start does not mean applications remain open until September.
International tuition fees
The following 2025/26 non-EU planning ranges are published by Education in Ireland. They are indicative national ranges, not fixed prices or confirmed fees for later intakes.
| Subject | Undergraduate per year | Postgraduate per year |
|---|---|---|
| Business | €10,300–€29,000 | €14,000–€40,000 |
| Engineering | €14,500–€28,500 | €15,000–€30,000 |
| Science and technology | €14,500–€28,500 | €15,000–€31,000 |
| Arts and humanities | €13,500–€28,200 | €12,000–€23,000 |
| Medicine and health sciences | €50,135–€62,500 | €11,000–€30,000 |
Some specialist courses exceed these ranges. For example, RCSI lists €62,000 tuition for non-EU undergraduate Medicine for 2027/28, plus a separate once-off NUI fee. Your offer letter and the institution's current fee schedule should determine your final budget.
British students and the Free Fees Initiative
Under the Common Travel Area arrangements, Irish higher-education institutions process British citizens' fees on the same basis as Irish students, including postgraduate study. This does not mean every British student receives free tuition. The Free Fees Initiative has additional nationality, residence, course and previous-study conditions. For qualifying Level 8 courses, a key requirement is ordinarily having lived in the EU/EEA, Switzerland or the UK for at least three of the preceding five years.
Even eligible students may pay charges. For 2026/27, University College Cork lists a €2,500 student contribution and €210 capitation fee for undergraduates eligible for the Free Fees Initiative. Ask your chosen institution to assess your individual fee status.
Living expenses and budgeting
Trinity College Dublin's published annual Dublin estimates, excluding tuition, are:
- Undergraduates: €19,937–€29,050.
- Postgraduates: €21,050–€27,050.
Allow for accommodation, utilities, food, transport, insurance where needed, course materials, phone and internet, clothing, personal spending and travel. Costs depend on location, housing and lifestyle; Dublin estimates should not be treated as a national average.
Scholarships and funding
Scholarships may be awarded for merit, international status, specific courses or research. Check eligibility, application requirements and deadlines at each institution.
The 2026 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) scheme offered 60 awards for eligible full-time NFQ Level 9 or 10 study. Each award included a €10,000 stipend and a full fee waiver for one year from the host institution. Applicants needed a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the UK and had to meet further conditions. The 2026 call is closed; future terms may change.
Student visas and immigration permission
Who needs student immigration permission?
- British citizens: Common Travel Area rights allow British citizens to live, work and study in Ireland without an Irish student visa or Stamp 2 permission.
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: They do not use the standard non-EEA student visa and Stamp 2 system.
- Other international students: Requirements depend on nationality, course duration and immigration status. Some need an entry visa; non-EEA students staying more than 90 days normally need to register their permission.
Check programme eligibility
For long-term study under Ireland's non-EEA student immigration system, check whether your exact programme appears on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP) or the relevant TrustEd Ireland eligible-programmes list. Ireland is transitioning from ILEP to TrustEd Ireland, administered by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). Check both lists and the current rules; institutional recognition alone is not a substitute for confirming programme eligibility.
Long-stay study visa
Visa-required students planning to study for more than three months normally use the online AVATS application system. Applications can generally be made up to three months before travel. Follow the instructions on your application summary and submit supporting documents within the applicable deadline; the standard process requires submission within 30 days of creating the AVATS application.
Supporting evidence can include your passport, signed application summary, institution's acceptance letter, academic and language qualifications, tuition-payment evidence, proof of finances, private medical insurance, details of previous visa refusals, and explanations of relevant study or employment gaps. Individual cases may require additional documents.
Financial and payment requirements
| Requirement | Current published position |
|---|---|
| Courses resulting in residence of more than 8 months | Access to at least €10,000 for living expenses |
| Courses resulting in residence of 8 months or less | €833 per month, capped at €6,665 |
| Multi-year studies | Evidence of funds for subsequent years as well as tuition |
| Tuition below €6,000 | Normally pay the full fee before the visa application |
| Tuition above €6,000 | Normally pay at least €6,000 before the visa application |
| Standard visa fee | €60 single-entry or €100 multiple-entry; exemptions and local charges may apply |
| Typical processing guidance | Approximately 8 weeks after receipt, but individual cases can take longer |
| First immigration registration | Normally within 90 days of arrival; standard fee €300, subject to exemptions |
Visa-required students normally demonstrate finances during the visa process; non-visa-required students who need immigration permission must also be ready to demonstrate sufficient finances at the relevant stage after arrival. Institutions may require more tuition to be paid than the immigration minimum. Do not rely on part-time earnings to meet the required proof of funds.
These figures and rules are general information, not individual immigration advice. Always confirm your position with Immigration Service Delivery before paying fees or making travel commitments, and avoid non-refundable travel bookings until the required permission is issued.
Working while studying and after graduation
Working during study: Stamp 2
Eligible non-EEA students with Stamp 2 permission can normally work without a separate employment permit for:
- Up to 20 hours per week outside specified holiday periods.
- Up to 40 hours per week during June, July, August and September, and from 15 December to 15 January.
A qualifying placement integral to an NFQ Level 7 or higher programme may exceed the usual term-time limit when it earns academic credit, contributes to the final award and meets immigration and employment-law conditions. The placement must not exceed half the programme duration and cannot be self-employment.
After graduation: Stamp 1G
Ireland's Third Level Graduate Programme may allow eligible non-EEA graduates of recognised Irish programmes to remain temporarily while seeking graduate-level employment.
- NFQ Level 8: Up to 12 months, subject to the overall student-pathway time limit.
- NFQ Level 9 or above: Initially 12 months, with a possible further 12 months if the graduate demonstrates appropriate efforts to obtain suitable graduate-level employment and meets the conditions.
Applicants must normally hold valid Stamp 2 permission, have written confirmation of the completed award, and apply within six months of being notified of that award. Provisional results alone are not sufficient. An overall seven-year student-pathway limit generally applies to Level 8 graduates; an eight-year limit may apply to eligible Level 9+ graduates.
Stamp 1G permits eligible graduates to work full-time and seek employment that could lead to an appropriate work permission. It does not allow self-employment or operating a business. Remaining after Stamp 1G normally requires a different valid immigration permission. A job, work permit or permanent residence is not guaranteed.
Popular student cities
Dublin
Ireland's capital has the country's widest selection of higher-education institutions, including Trinity College Dublin, UCD, DCU, TU Dublin and RCSI. It offers choices across business, technology, medicine, engineering and the humanities, alongside significant accommodation and living-cost pressures.
Cork
Cork combines a substantial student population with a smaller urban setting than Dublin. University College Cork and Munster Technological University offer broad academic and applied routes, including science, health, engineering, business and creative subjects.
Galway
A compact west-coast student city, Galway is home to the University of Galway. It may appeal to students interested in arts and humanities, science, health, engineering and social sciences.
Limerick
Limerick offers a campus-focused alternative outside Dublin, with the University of Limerick and Technological University of the Shannon in the wider region. Relevant strengths include engineering, computing, business and professionally oriented study.
Maynooth
This smaller university town in County Kildare is home to Maynooth University and provides access to Dublin. It offers programmes across humanities, social sciences, business, education and science.
Waterford
Waterford offers an applied-study environment, with South East Technological University (SETU) offering courses in technology, engineering, computing, business and related fields.
Sligo and the west/north-west
Sligo and surrounding areas offer access to Atlantic Technological University (ATU), including applied programmes in engineering, science, technology and environmental subjects.
Selected institutions and education providers
These are examples of Irish higher-education institutions, not a ranking or a list of Study With FM partners. All ten were included in the first group authorised to use the TrustEd Ireland quality mark in 2026. Entry requirements and available programmes should be checked with each institution.
- Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin — Dublin. A comprehensive university offering arts, humanities, law, business, engineering, computing, sciences and health-related study.
- University College Dublin (UCD) — Dublin. Broad programmes including business, agriculture, architecture, engineering, law, science and social sciences.
- University College Cork (UCC) — Cork. Undergraduate, postgraduate and research routes spanning arts, business, engineering, medicine, health and science.
- University of Galway — Galway. Offers arts, business, law, engineering, science, medicine, nursing and social sciences.
- University of Limerick (UL) — Limerick. Offers engineering, technology, science, business, education, health and the humanities.
- Dublin City University (DCU) — Dublin. Offers computing, communications, engineering, business, science, education and social sciences.
- Maynooth University — Maynooth. Offers humanities, social sciences, business, computer science and other sciences.
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences — Dublin. A specialist provider focused on medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy and health sciences.
- Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) — Dublin. Offers business, computing, engineering, hospitality, science and creative disciplines.
- Munster Technological University (MTU) — Cork and Kerry. Offers business, computing, engineering, science, creative subjects and applied programmes.
Studying in Ireland: frequently asked questions
Official sources and further information
- Quality and Qualifications Ireland — National Framework of Qualifications
- Central Applications Office — 2027 Handbook and application guidance
- Education in Ireland — undergraduate tuition fees
- Education in Ireland — postgraduate tuition fees
- Immigration Service Delivery — student finances
- Immigration Service Delivery — long-term study visa
- Immigration Service Delivery — planning to study in Ireland
- Immigration Service Delivery — Third Level Graduate Programme
- Immigration Service Delivery — eligible courses and ILEP
- QQI — TrustEd Ireland authorised providers
- Higher Education Authority — Free Fees Initiative
- Government of Ireland — Common Travel Area
- Higher Education Authority — Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
- Trinity College Dublin — cost of living
- University College Cork — 2026/27 student fees
- RCSI — undergraduate Medicine fees
- Government of Ireland — entry from other EU countries and Schengen information
Related reading
- Choosing the Right Course, University and Study Destination — A practical approach to comparing courses, universities and countries.
- Writing a Personal Statement That Is Actually About You — How to explain your interests, preparation and motivation clearly.
- Budgeting for a Degree Abroad, Beyond the Tuition Fee — Build a budget that covers the real costs of studying overseas.
- Education Systems Explained — Understand qualification levels, credits and international study routes.
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Content owner: Tolu-Tom Adeyemo, Student Counsellor
Last reviewed: 15 October 2026