See all top, affordable and cheap tuition Universities in Ireland with tuition fees, cost of living and Visa application requirements; find out how to apply!
The undergraduate degree courses in Ireland are, usually, free for citizens of Ireland/EU. However, in order to benefit from the “free fees initiative”, you have to apply for the funding governmental programme and prove that you are eligible(e.g.: you apply for the first time, and your chosen programme lasts more than two years).Nationality, immigration status, residence and course requirements are also criteria that can qualify you for a tuition-free university degree.
However, all students have to pay around 2,500 EUR/year for student services, such as examination entries and support for clubs and societies.
Tuition fees for non-EU students
Undergraduate courses 9,000 – 45,000 EUR/year for undergraduate degree courses.
Postgraduate Master and PhD courses: 9,150 – 37,000 EUR/year.
Fees vary depending on your chosen field of study, programme and university.
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Cheap Tuition Universities in Ireland
1. University of Limerick
The University of Limerick (UL) is an independent, internationally focused university with over 11,000 students and 1,313 staff. The University has a proud record of innovation in education and excellence in research and scholarship.
Benefits of Studying in Limerick
UL offers 72 undergraduate programmes and 103 taught postgraduate programmes across four faculties: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Education and Health Sciences; Kemmy Business School; and Science and Engineering.
UL has close links with industry from undergraduate to postdoctoral level. The University runs one of the largest cooperative education (internship) programmes in the European Union. Cooperative education at UL is undertaken as an integral part of the academic programme. UL has an established network of over 1,700 cooperative education employers, and 2,000 undergraduate placements are secured annually in industry, commerce and the public service. Students are placed in Ireland and internationally, primarily inNorth America, Europe and South East Asia.
UL has an excellent Student Support Network with many supportive initiatives in place including a dedicated international student support officer, a Buddy programme and free academic support centres. With over 70 clubs and societies.
The University of Limerick has established its research distinctiveness through promoting a research ethos characterised by the convergence of discrete disciplines working together to achieve fundamental breakthroughs.
Average Tuition fees: 7,000-8,000 EUR/year.
2. University College Cork
Benefits Of Studying In University College Cork
The University College Cork (UCC) is Ireland’s leading Research Institute.
UCC is the first university in the world to be awarded the international Green Flag for environmental friendliness.
UCC is a long-established university with distinguished history, and students will benefit from being a member of such a prestigious university.
Students will benefit from an excellent support system at UCC and countless opportunities to develop academically through their programmes and personally through clubs and societies.
Average Tuition Fees 6,500 EUR/year.
3. St. Patrick’s College
Benefits Of Studying In St. Patrick’s College
Patrick’s College provides an inclusive service to support, guide and empower students to make informed career decisions to maximise your personal and professional development. Their Careers Service welcomes all undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Glasnevin, St Patrick’s and Mater Dei campuses.
Average Tuition fees: 4,500 EUR/year.
Top Universities in Ireland with Fees
- Trinity College Dublin– average tuition fees 7,500 EUR/year.
- University College Dublin– average tuition fees 6,700 EUR/year.
- National University of Ireland, Galway-– average tuition fees 6,000 EUR/year.
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – average tuition fees 6,000-8,000 EUR/year.
- Take note that usually, non-EU/EEA students will have to pay double the tuition charged to EU students.
Costs of Living in Ireland
Ireland is a country where you will enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Living costs are a bit below average for the European area. Total living costs for an international student are around 600 – 873 EUR/month.
Average living costs in Irish cities;
- Dublin and Cork: you will pay 730 – 873 EUR/month (without the accommodation costs)
- Galway and other smaller cities: 600 – 700 EUR/month
Costs of Accommodation in Ireland
Accommodation plays a major role when it comes to expenses as a student in Ireland. This means students spend around 38% of their total monthly budget on housing.
Universities accommodation in residence halls usually costs above the European average of 200 – 300
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EUR. Only 12% of the total international students enjoy accommodation in student halls, according to a
European study. However, 72% of them are satisfied with the rooms and services.
Apart from residence halls, you can rent/share an apartment or choose home stay housing.
The main accommodation prices for students in Ireland are;
- Student living alone: 414 EUR/month
- Student living with partner/child: 470 EUR/month
- Student living on campus: 375 EUR/month
Food Costs
Average monthly food costs are not high, these may cost around 240 EUR/month for grocery shopping. You can find cheaper food products in supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Dunnes or Superquinn.
You can also dine in a small restaurant and pay 15 EUR or enjoy a three-course meal for two in an average restaurant for 55 EUR.
Costs of Transportation
Students from Ireland can benefit from discounts for transportation especially if they use the Student Leap Card or the Bus Éireann services to travel around the country. Around 27% of the students use public transport in Ireland and a monthly pass with a special discount for students is around 50 – 55 EUR/month.
The most popular mode of transportation is the bicycle, chosen by 38% of the students. You can rent a bicycle to get around the city; rates start from 20 EUR/day.
Extra Costs
Some other small expenses you may need during your study;
- books, research magazines: 70 EUR/month
- medical insurance: 45 EUR/month
What is a Degree Program?
The Degree Programme refers to full-time, day-time academic courses leading to major awards as outlined below at or above Level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
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There are six types of major award available in Ireland at these levels;
- NFQ Level 7 = Ordinary Bachelor Degree (3 years duration).
- NFQ Level 8 = Honours Bachelor Degree (3-4 years duration).
- NFQ Level 8 = Higher Diploma (1 year duration).
- NFQ Level 9 = Postgraduate Diploma (1 year duration).
- NFQ Level 9 = Masters Degree (1-2 years duration).
- NFQ Level 10 = Doctoral Degree (approximately 4 years duration).