Study in Ireland
Ireland is the only English-speaking country left in the EU and hosts the European headquarters of most large US technology and pharmaceutical firms. Master's graduates may remain for two years to look for work.
- Tuition
- US$11,500/yr
- Living
- US$10,800/yr
- Total
- US$22,300/yr
- Work rights
- 20 hours/week during term
- Post-study
- 2 years after a master's
Current position
Policy for international students
- Graduates of level 9 (master's) programmes may stay for up to two years under the Third Level Graduate Programme; level 8 (bachelor's) graduates get one year.
- Students may work 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours during official holiday periods.
- Proof of funds of at least 10,000 EUR per year of study is required for the study visa.
- Ireland's technology and pharmaceutical sectors continue to recruit heavily from graduate pipelines.
Cost
What a year in Ireland costs
Adjust the level, city and scholarship percentage to see the effect on your annual total.
Scholarships: Government of Ireland scholarships cover full fees plus a stipend; universities offer merit awards of 2,000-6,000 EUR.
Estimated annual cost
US dollars, indicative
Indicative US dollars per year. Actual fees depend on the institution and programme; confirm before you commit.
Admission
Entry requirements
- Completed Grade 12 with a strong average, or a recognised foundation year
- IELTS from 6.0
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
- IELTS from 6.5
- Work experience for some business and management programmes
Funding
Scholarships & financial support
Government of Ireland scholarships cover full fees plus a stipend; universities offer merit awards of 2,000-6,000 EUR.
Awards are almost always decided at the point of admission rather than afterwards, and most pools are allocated on a rolling basis. Applying early in the cycle is the single biggest thing within your control.
At a glance
- Work during study
- 20 hours/week during term
- After graduation
- 2 years after a master's
- Baseline tuition
- US$11,500/yr
- Baseline living
- US$10,800/yr
Subjects
What Ireland is strong in
- Computer Science & IT
- Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences
- Business & Finance
- Engineering
- Data Analytics
- Hospitality & Tourism
Immigration
The Ireland student visa
- Vietnamese students need a Study Visa (Long Stay 'D') applied for online through the AVATS system before travelling.
- You need a letter of acceptance, evidence that tuition has been paid, private medical insurance and proof of 10,000 EUR per year.
- Processing typically takes four to eight weeks from the date the supporting documents reach the embassy.
- On arrival you register with immigration and receive an Irish Residence Permit covering the duration of your course.
Questions
Frequently asked
Why study in Ireland rather than the UK?
Ireland is in the EU, which matters for onward mobility, and the two-year stay-back after a master's is currently longer than the UK's Graduate Route will be from 2027.
What English level do I need?
IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate entry and 6.5 for most master's programmes, with sub-scores usually specified.
How much does a year cost?
Around US$22,300 per year including tuition and living, with Dublin at the top of that range.
Do I need to prove finances?
Yes — at least 10,000 EUR per year of study, plus evidence that tuition for the first year has been paid or is available.
Can I stay after graduating?
Master's graduates may stay two years, bachelor's graduates one year, under the Third Level Graduate Programme.
Planning Ireland for 2026–27?
We will check your profile against the entry requirements, size the real budget and map the scholarship rounds worth applying to.