Education in Ireland

PROFILE EDUCATION IN IRELAND

locationIrlandia

Ranked #1

Education performance among 43 OECD and EU countries in a UNICEF wellbeing report that placed Irish teenagers first for academic achievement

Ranked #1

Education among 14 EU countries in a 2025 sustainable development and wellbeing assessment that compared EU member states

Ranked #5 Globally

Education Index value (0.968) in a 2025 comparison of national education systems

Education in Ireland is the official national brand managed by Enterprise Ireland that promotes Irish higher education institutions to international students, offering access to universities, technological universities, colleges, English language schools and pathway providers across Ireland with globally recognised qualifications, strong graduate employability and a safe English speaking environment. The brand helps students connect with a wide range of programmes from foundation to PhD, supports participation in virtual and in person fairs, and highlights benefits such as Ireland’s high quality education ranking, innovative economy, post study work opportunities and Ireland’s position as a leading education performer in Europe.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Education in Ireland has helped position Ireland as a high performing and attractive study destination, reflected in Ireland’s top tier performance in education indicators, the presence of multiple globally ranked universities, and a strong reputation for graduate employability and research in areas such as technology, business and health sciences.

  1. Ireland is consistently ranked among the top countries worldwide for overall education quality and schooling outcomes, supported by a very high Education Index value.
  2. Irish universities regularly appear in the top 500 of major world rankings, with Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin among the globally top ranked institutions that attract large international student populations.
  3. Ireland offers extensive post study work and career opportunities in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals and finance, which are important selling points in Education in Ireland promotion activities

FACILITIES

Irish higher education institutions promoted under Education in Ireland generally provide modern campuses with well equipped libraries and study spaces, specialist laboratories and studios, student support centres, sports facilities and a wide range of clubs and societies designed to support international students. These facilities are complemented by campus wide Wi Fi, student health and counselling services, and career centres that connect students to internships and graduate roles in Ireland’s dynamic economy. Many institutions also offer on campus residences and access to dedicated international offices to assist with visas, orientation and academic integration.

LOCATION

INTAKE & PROGRAMMED OFFERED

Intake

PRE UNIVERSITY

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 6.0

UNDERGRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 6.5

POST GRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 6.5

Programmes

List of all diploma programmes

  1. Business and management diploma and higher diploma pathways
  2. Computing, data and information technology diploma pathways
  3. Engineering, science and technology diploma pathways
  4. Social sciences, humanities and creative arts diploma pathways

List of all foundation programmes

  1. International foundation programmes in business, economics and social sciences
  2. International foundation programmes in engineering, science and technology
  3. International foundation programmes in health, medicine and life sciences
  4. University specific foundation and access programmes in arts and humanities

List of all pathway programmes

  1. International foundation year with guaranteed progression to Irish universities and technological universities
  2. Pre master’s pathway programmes for business, management and social sciences
  3. Pre master’s pathway programmes for engineering, computing and data analytics
  4. English language plus academic pathway packages for undergraduate entry

List of undergraduate programmes

  1. Bachelor programmes in business, commerce, economics, accounting and finance
  2. Bachelor programmes in engineering, computing, information technology and data science
  3. Bachelor programmes in natural sciences, environmental sciences and health related fields
  4. Bachelor programmes in arts, humanities, languages, design and creative media
  5. Bachelor programmes in social sciences, law, education and public policy

List of postgraduate programmes

  1. Master programmes in business, management, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship
  2. Master programmes in engineering, computing, data science, artificial intelligence and technology
  3. Master programmes in health sciences, pharmaceutical sciences and biomedical fields
  4. Master programmes in education, social sciences, public policy and development studies
  5. Master programmes in arts, humanities, design, media and cultural studies

List of other programmes

  1. English language training and academic English programmes
  2. Study abroad and exchange semesters for international students
  3. Short professional certificates and executive education in business and technology
  4. Summer schools in areas such as culture, language, business, STEM and creative arts

TUITION FEE & LIVING COST

TUITION FEE

APPLICATION FEE

EUR 0 to EUR 55 per application

PRE UNIVERSITY

UNDER GRADUATE

POSTGRADUATE

EUR 7,500 to EUR 20,500 per year

EUR 10,000 to EUR 30,000 per year

EUR 10,000 to EUR 35,000 per year

Living Cost

Approximately EUR 800 to EUR 1,800 per month including accommodation

ACCOMODATION

on-campus
Typical university owned student residences

on campus residences are available at many Irish universities and technological universities, offering furnished rooms or apartments within walking distance of teaching buildings and campus facilities for international students.

  1. Benefit: close access to lectures, libraries, sports facilities and student services with a strong campus community
  2. Room: options from single rooms with shared facilities to en suite rooms and self contained apartments
  3. Facilities: Wi Fi, study spaces, laundry, security, common rooms and on site support staff
  4. Price range: typically from about EUR 300 to EUR 1,600 per month depending on city, room type and institution.
off-campus
Typical private student apartments and shared housing

Off campus accommodation for international students in Ireland commonly includes private purpose built student residences, shared apartments and houses in surrounding neighbourhoods, particularly in cities such as Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick.

  1. Benefit: wider choice of locations, room types and budgets, often with opportunities to live with local or other international students
  2. Room: individual rooms in shared apartments, studios and one bedroom units offered by private providers or landlords
  3. Facilities: furnished rooms, shared kitchens and living areas, internet access, utilities sometimes included, access to local shops and public transport
  4. Price range: approximately EUR 400 to EUR 1,800 per month depending on city, distance from campus, and type of accommodation.