Public Universities in Ireland: Tuition Fees, Top Courses & Admission in 2025

If you study at Public Universities in Ireland, you get far more than a world-class, globally recognized education. Far more than attractive career opportunities that are the envy of other countries. You also get amazing, life-improving, life-transforming experiences every day. Experiences that will help you grow personally and professionally your whole life. 

Ireland is one of the popular destinations among Indian students for higher studies. Many Indian students ask if they can study at top Public Universities in Ireland with second-class or higher marks. Many also ask how they study and work in Ireland. What are the popular courses offered by Public Universities in Ireland? Here, we will discuss these questions. Going forward, this will help you make a firm decision, and you may wonder how to study at one of the top public universities in Ireland with low marks and affordable costs. Let’s explore! 

Study In Ireland for Indian Students: An Overview

Why Study in Ireland?

According to MEAI, a report showed that in 2022, around 5k Indian students moved to Ireland for higher studies. Let’s see why studying in Ireland is the best option. 

• Strong economy and lower unemployment 
• Job opportunities in various sectors
• Top-class education and world-class Universities
• 100+ masters programs on top subjects
• Top 7 universities as well as 14 institutes of Technology
• Bespoke infrastructure, amicable people, and a safe environment
• Affordable tuition fees for various programs than in the UK and the USA
• World-class faculties and departments
• Multiple courses on UG, PG, and doctoral levels
• Excellent scholarship/financial aid opportunities for students

Embarking on higher education in Ireland is a monumental step that holds the potential to shape your future. Choose the top public Universities in Ireland for UG and PG courses for international students.

Study in Ireland for international students, a progressive and innovative country with promising career growth and global opportunities. Know the cost of education, top universities, English language exams accepted, application process, and scholarships for Indian students. 

Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Ireland

The average cost to study at public Universities in Ireland varies from institute to institute. Also, the immigration status, nationality, and program requirements qualify you for tuition-free institute courses. The exact course fees/tuition fees differ from course to course. Tuition fees for UG and PG differ, and the tuition fees for science, business, economics, medical science, and media sciences are higher. 

• Cost of UG Program: The average cost of tuition for the UG courses/programs in Ireland is around EUR 9850 to 55000/year. 
• Cost of PG Program: The average tuition fee for PG and doctoral programs in Ireland is around EUR 9000 to 35000 yearly.

• Cost of Accommodation: Euro 13,600 for on-campus living or Euro 20,000 for off-campus living
• Cost of Food and utilities: Euro 6,840 for on-campus living and Euro 7,380 for off-campus living
• Cost of Textbooks: Euro 1,500 for both on and off-campus living
• Cost of Utilities: Euro 30–50 around per month
• Cost of Internet: Up to Euro 60 per month
• Cost of Food: Euro 250 around per month
• Cost of Transportation: Euro 50–55 around per month

International students from the European Union and European Economic Area - citizens are to pay a student contribution fee of a maximum of EUR 3k per month for student service. This service fee differs from University to University. 

Top Public Universities in Ireland

Ireland is a destination for world-renowned Universities that are known for global excellence in education, training, and research. There are a great many choices. How do you choose one of the top Public Universities in Ireland? How do you choose the best UG and PG courses? How do you choose a University that offers scholarships for international students? Here is a list of the public universities in Ireland that provide scholarships for Indian students. 

Popular Courses Offered by Public Universities in Ireland

• Data Analytics 
• Business Analytics
• Data Science
• Big Data 
• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Cloud Computing
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence

Eligibility Criteria To Study At Public Universities in Ireland

Normally, top UG and PG programs at public universities in Ireland are competitive. You need to go through the eligibility criteria before you move. Here are they:

• A UG or Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% score/ a first-class bachelor’s degree
• 2–3 years of work experience is preferred
• GMAT/GRE but not mandatory for all applicants
• A mandatory English Proficiency test, such as IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL: 90+

Intakes for Public universities in Ireland 

Public universities in Ireland follow multiple intakes throughout the academic year. The Ireland intakes allow domestic and international students flexibility to commence their studies that suit them best. These intakes (Fall, Spring, and Summer) are designed to accommodate various academic calendars. Thus, it helps to meet students the growing demand for quality education.

Broadly, there are three primary intakes in most Public Universities in Ireland.

• Fall Intake (September/October): The most popular and widely chosen intake in the country. Most UG and PG courses commence during this intake.

• Spring Intake (January/February): This intake referred to the Ireland Jan intake and is the 2nd most prominent intake in the country, catering to domestic and international students who missed the fall admissions.
• Summer Intake (May/June): This intake is less common among students but offers some specialized or short-term courses, mainly catering to niche domains.

Understanding these 3 Ireland intakes is important for choosing the best pathway to academic success for international students.

Documents Required to Study in Ireland

The Public Universities in Ireland normally require the documents to be the same as in the USA or the UK. Let’s see the documents you need for admission into a graduate program.

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a recognized university
• A minimum of two to three years of relevant work experience
• Proof of English proficiency, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo
• A score on the GMAT or GRE
• Official transcripts of undergraduate or postgraduate degrees
• Two academic referees
• A well-written statement of purpose
• An up-to-date resume

Application Process to study in Ireland

For UG courses, you must apply through the CAO, i.e., Central Applications Office. For PG courses, you must apply directly to the college or university. 

• Research and Shortlist Courses: Identify colleges or universities and programs that align with your career objectives.
• Meet Academic Requirements: Ensure that you have GPA, subjects, and other eligibility criteria specified by the colleges or universities.
• English Language Proficiency: If you are an international student, and English is not your mother language, then standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE are compulsory.
• Submit Applications: Most colleges and universities in Ireland have an online admission system. You need to pay close attention to the admission process and deadlines.

Top Five Scholarships Offered By Public Universities in Ireland

Final Words

Bespoke education, high-end infrastructure, training, development, and research exposure set public Universities in Ireland apart from other nations. If you plan to study abroad and find an affordable study destination, Ireland is second to none. You can choose top Universities in Ireland that offer a range of UG, PG, and doctoral-level programs. 

We, Education Vibes, one of the trusted study abroad consultants dealing with public Universities in Ireland, can be your help. Before you move, you must know the tuition fees/program costs you choose and living expenses. Don’t worry; we are here to help you. Our expert counselors will help you set a budget and also help you fix your career goals beforehand. Why worry? Talk to us now!