Cost of Studying in Ireland for Indian Students in 2025

The average cost of studying in Ireland for an undergraduate program typically falls within the range of €9,850 to €35,000 per year. Compared to the UK and other European nations, Ireland offers a more affordable education, making it an increasingly popular choice for international students, especially from India. However, tuition fees vary significantly depending on the course—programs like MBA and medicine tend to be more expensive. Additionally, students should be aware that tuition fees increase each year. For instance, an engineering degree that costs €10,000 in the first year may rise to €11,000 or €12,000 in subsequent years.

Ireland is known for its world-class education system, affordability, and strong career prospects. Unlike many countries where postgraduate programs last 16-24 months, several Irish courses have a 12-month duration, making them an attractive option for students seeking cost-effective and time-efficient education. The capital city, Dublin, ranks 32nd in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 Rankings, further solidifying Ireland’s reputation as a top study destination. Prestigious institutions such as University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, and University College Cork contribute significantly to the country’s academic excellence.

The Irish government has reaffirmed its commitment to education with a record €11.8 billion investment for Budget 2025, marking a 9% increase from last year. Additionally, Ireland offers numerous scholarships and funding opportunities to international students, further enhancing its appeal. This article will give you valuable insights into the cost of studying in Ireland, affordable universities, living expenses, and much more.

Cost of studying in Ireland Based on the type of University

In Ireland, there are three primary categories of educational institutions: Public Universities, Private Universities, and Institutes of Technology (IOTs). Tuition fees differ depending on the type of institution, as outlined in the table below.

Average Cost of Studying in Ireland 2025-26
Type of University	Tuition Fee per year in EUR
Public Universities	€14,000 - €21,000
Private Colleges	€12,000 - €14,000
Institutes of Technology (IOTs)	€10,000 - €12,500

Cost of studying in Ireland Based on Courses

The cost of Studying in Ireland includes tuition fees, accommodation, food, and various other costs. The table below provides a comprehensive breakdown of the associated expenses.

Average Fees of Popular Courses in Ireland 2025-26
Courses	Average Fee per year in EUR	Average fee per year in INR
Undergraduate Programs	€9000- €25,000	INR 8,01,871 - INR 22,27,421
Postgraduate Programs	€9000 - €35,000	INR 8,01,871 - INR 22,27,421
Master Programs	€4000 - €9000	INR 3,56,387 - INR 8,01,871
MBA	€20,000 - €35,000	INR 17,81,937 - INR 31,18,390
MBBS	€27,106 - €40,659	INR 24,15,059 - INR 36,22,589
Doctorate	€9,000 - €40,000	INR 8,01,871 - INR 35,63,874
English Language Course	€150 - €950	INR 13,364 - INR 84,642
Student Visa	€60	INR 5345

What is the Cost of studying in Ireland for Indian Students?

The cost of Studying in Ireland majorly includes tuition fees and student visa costs. The cost of studying in Ireland for Indian students is €9850- €35,000 per year. Tuition fees for Undergraduate (bachelor’s) degrees offered by public universities are free for citizens of Ireland, EU/EEA countries, and Switzerland. These costs are covered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Tuition fees can vary based on the course chosen and the tuition fee is comparatively low for subjects like humanities, and education when compared to fields like management, science, and medicine.

Programs	Average tuition fee per year	Average tuition fee per year in INR
UG	€9000 - €25,000	INR 8,01,871 - INR 22,27,421
PG	€9,950 - €35,000	INR 8,86,513 - INR 31,18,390
PhD	€9,950 - €35,000	INR 8,86,513 - INR 31,18,390
Student contribution fees like examination entry, support for clubs & societies	€3,000	INR 2,67,290
English Language Courses	€150 - €950	INR 13,364 - INR 84,642

Student Visa Cost

It is necessary to obtain the appropriate student visa in order to begin your educational journey in Ireland. Make sure to check the Naturalisation and Immigration Service Website for details on the Irish student Visa and initiate the online application through the AVATS Online Application Facility.  Depending on the duration of your program, you can opt for either type C or D visas.

• Ireland C- Study Visa: This is applied for pursuing study programs which is of 3 months or less. Extending this visa is highly unlikely, so applicants should ensure to apply for a visa that covers their entire stay abroad.
• Ireland D- Study Visa: Is applied for pursuing a study program of duration more than 3 months.

Both types come at a similar cost of approximately €60 (equivalent to INR 5,500) for a single entry and €100 (equivalent to INR 9,050) for multiple entries.

Tuition Fees for English Language Courses in Ireland

International students looking to improve their English proficiency can enroll in specialized English language courses offered by recognized language schools in Ireland. These courses come with separate tuition fees based on the type and duration of the program. Below is an overview of the costs:

Course Type	Duration	Cost
General English Standard	20 lessons per week	€475 - €600 per week
One-to-One Tuition	Hourly	€70 - €80 per hour
Examination Preparation Programmes	20 lessons per week (4 weeks)	€700 - €950 (total)
International Foundation Course	Varies	€6,500 - €13,200

Living Cost in Ireland

When it comes to living costs in Ireland, accommodation, food, and travel costs play a crucial role. The costs vary depending on the lifestyle chosen by individuals in Ireland. An overview of the costs is given below.

Living Costs	Average expenses per month	Average expenses per month in INR
Accommodation Cost	Hostel: €200-300 per month Apartment: €400-900 per month or €450-550 per month	Hostel: INR 17,820 -26,729 per month Apartment: INR 35,638-80,187 per month or INR 40,093-49003 per month
Food Cost	€250-350 per month	INR 22,274 - 31,183 per month
Utilities Cost( electricity, heater, cooling, water, garbage)	€550- 1,000 per month	INR 49,003 - 89,096 per month
Travel Cost	€50 – 55 per month	INR 4454 - 4900 per month
Flight Cost	€751 one way	INR 66911 per month
Monthly expenses on campus	€300-650 per month	INR 26,729 - 57,912 per month
Social Cost	€60 – 100 per month	INR 5,345 - 8909 per month
Books & Class Materials	€70	INR 6236
Mobile phone monthly plan with call and internet	€20.29	INR 1781

Accommodation

Accommodation costs are influenced by factors such as location, property size, and the number of residents. Usually, international students have access to on-campus housing options at numerous Irish universities. Students also have other options like off-campus housing where they can rent an apartment or explore private hotels. A detailed breakdown of expenses for various accommodation types is provided below.

Type of Accommodation	Average Rent per month	Average expenses per month in INR
Apartment for a single person	€400-900 per month	INR 35,638 - 80,187 per month
Shared apartment	€450-550 per month	INR 40,093- 49,003 per month
Apartment (1 bedroom in the city center)	€1,450 per month	INR 1,29,190 per month
On-Campus Accommodation	€300 – 650 per month	INR 26,729 - 57,912 per month
University hostels	€200 -300 per month	INR 17,819 - 26,729 per month

Food Cost

The food expenses for studying in Ireland are not excessively high when compared to other European countries. Eating out in Ireland comes with varying costs based on the restaurant type.  If you opt for three meals at an average restaurant, the cost can range around €80 per month for 2 people. On groceries, you might spend an average of €250-350 per month. Monthly food costs are reasonable, and there are more affordable food options at supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Dunnes, or Superquinn. Overall, cost-effective strategies include bulk buying and utilizing special offers.

Transportation Costs

When it comes to transportation costs, approximately 38% of students prefer cycling as their mode of transport.  International students can also rent a bicycle that costs €20 per day, but if they prefer to stay on campus this cost is negligible. It is usually advisable for students to utilize public transport for commuting to university or college to reduce expenses. Ensure you acquire a monthly pass for buses, offering discounted rates at approximately €50-100 per month. 

Students can also enjoy transportation discounts by using the Student Leap Card or utilizing Bus Éireann services for travel across the country.

Utilities

In addition to the overall cost of studying in Ireland, international students need to account for extra expenses like utilities. This includes costs for electricity, water, gas, laundry, and more, which typically range from €120 to €500 per month. Internet with unlimited data costs around €50 and a mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ Data costs €15-€30 per month.

Taxes

To handle expenses in the country, students are permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. Those participating in part-time employment in Ireland are liable for income tax on their earnings, directly deducted from their salary. Part-time workers typically earn incomes that fall below the €34,550 per year threshold. In such cases, their income is taxed at the standard rate of 20%.

Other Expenses

There are other expenses to be borne by students along with studying costs. Entertainment typically amounts to €60 - €100 per month, while books and study materials come to around €70 per month. Medical insurance is an additional expense at €45 per month.

Affordable and Reputed Universities in Ireland

Ireland is home to 18 universities, offering students a wide selection of over 2,000 unique programs. Education expenses in Ireland, particularly at leading universities, constitute a substantial portion of a student's study abroad costs. This cost varies based on their chosen institution.

Average Tuition Fee at Universities in Ireland 2025-26
Universities	Undergraduate Courses (EUR per Year)	Undergraduate Courses (INR per Year)	Postgraduate Courses (EUR per Year)	Postgraduate Courses (INR per Year)
Trinity College Dublin	€7,884–€35,800	₹7,17,400 – ₹23,46,500	€12,750 – €35,800	₹11,60,600 – ₹32,57,000
University College Dublin	€6,840–€26,400	₹6,22,400 – ₹24,00,000	€13,000 – €25,000	₹11,82,300 – ₹22,73,700
National University of Ireland, Galway	€16,216-€23,666	₹14,75,600 – ₹21,53,000	€17,000 – €24,000	₹15,46,000 – ₹21,82,800
University College Cork	€16,080 – €22,130	₹14,62,300 – ₹20,14,300	€16,500 – €22,500	₹15,00,700 – ₹20,49,400
St. Patrick’s College	€4,500	₹4,09,300	€4,500	₹4,09,300
University of Limerick	€7,000	₹6,36,700	€7,000	₹6,36,700
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland	€6000 - €8000	₹5,45,700 – ₹7,27,600	€6,000 – €8,000	₹5,45,700 – ₹7,27,600
Cork Institute of Technology	€3,500	₹3,18,300	€3,500	₹3,18,300
Maynooth University	€10,000 - €17,000	₹9,09,500 – ₹15,46,000	€10,000 – €17,000	₹9,09,500 – ₹15,46,000
Dublin City University	€6,900 - €25,000	₹6,27,600 – ₹22,73,700	€15,000 – €25,000	₹13,64,000 – ₹22,73,700

Scholarships & Financial Support

Ireland offers diverse scholarships to support international students in covering their study costs. Students can apply for a variety of scholarships offered by academic institutions, charitable organizations, and the government. However, the criteria or eligibility for receiving these scholarships vary and depend on the specific organizations offering them. The following is a list of scholarships accessible to students in Ireland.

• The Government of Ireland Scholarships
• The Walsh Fellowships
• DIT Centenary Scholarship Programme
• The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 
• Galway Mayo Institute of Technology Scholarships
• FDC Group Scholarships for EU Students at University College Cork in Ireland
• National College of Ireland Scholarships
• IAA Geoffrey O’ Byrne White Memorial funding for International Students in Ireland
• NUI Galway International Student Scholarships
• Full MSc Food Security Policy and Management Scholarships in Ireland
• DCU International Student Scholarships
• Global Business Program funding for Non-EU Students at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
• Maynooth University Scholarships
• UCD Scholarships
• National College of Ireland International Higher Diploma Scholarship
• Smurfit Business School of Scholarships
• University of Limerick Scholarships
• Trinity College Dublin Scholarships
• Waterford Institute of Technology Scholarships

Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Costs in Ireland

The cost of studying in Ireland can be divided into pre-arrival and post-arrival costs. Let us look at it in detail below.

Pre-Arrival Costs

The costs incurred before moving to Ireland are pre-arrival costs. This includes visa charges, university application fees, transportation fare, standardized tests, english courses, etc.

Entrance exams

Students planning to study in Ireland need to take some of the english proficiency tests and aptitude exams like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo, GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT.

Entrance Exams	Cost in INR
IELTS	INR 17,000
TOEFL	INR 16,096
PTE	INR 15,900
Duolingo	INR 4,045
GRE	INR 17,579
GMAT	INR 22,703
SAT	INR 8,586
ACT	INR 6,754

Transportation fare

The travel fare from India to Ireland costs around INR 77,530 which is €860. The price you pay can vary depending on factors such as your departure location, chosen airline, booking dates, departure city, and the specific destination within Ireland where you'll be arriving.

Post-Arrival Costs

The post-arrival costs include your expenditure during your study journey in Ireland. This majorly includes tuition fees and cost of living. 

Tuition fee

The average tuition fee in Ireland ranges from 9,950 EUR – 35,000 EUR. However, this cost may vary based on the university and the course you pursue.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Ireland includes accommodation, food, utilities, and travel expenses which cost around €8,766 per year.

Part-time jobs for Students

In Ireland, students have access to part-time job opportunities. According to recent statistics, approximately 400,000 part-time workers are employed in Ireland, working around 20 hours per week. Students in Ireland have the opportunity to work while studying, allowing them to gain valuable work experience. This part-time work can also contribute to supporting their living costs in the country.
 
Here are the lists of part-time jobs students can take up while studying.

• Tutor
• Sales
• Assistants
• Service at restaurants, cafes or bars
• Translator
• Research
• Assistants
• Office
• Assistants
• Retail
• jobs in malls or shopping centers
• Staff at events or concerts

Conclusion

Certainly, the cost of studying in Ireland is not only the most budget-friendly but also offers convenient part-time job options, along with hosting world-class universities featuring exceptional courses. The country further provides outstanding employment prospects for international students. With these benefits, studying in Ireland becomes an attractive option for students looking to pursue education abroad. For any questions or additional assistance about studying abroad, feel free to consult our overseas education experts.

FAQ

1. Is Ireland costly to study?

Ireland's education is thought to cost a little bit more than that of other European nations. This is due to the fact that it is a small island country with a high import rate and relatively high taxes. International students' expenses to study in Ireland, however, also differ depending on the university, with an average monthly cost of about €1,000.

2. How much does it cost for international students in Ireland?

Tuition fees for the programs offered by Universities in Ireland are given below.

Programs	Average Annual Tuition fees
Undergraduate programs	€9000- €25,000
Postgraduate programs	€9,950 - €35,000

3. Is it cheaper to study in Ireland or the UK?

Ireland offers lower tuition fees and an affordable cost of living when compared to the UK.

4. Is Ireland or Canada better for Indian students?

Each country possesses distinct advantages. Canada is known for its immigrant-friendly environment, lower living expenses, and a diverse range of universities and academic programs. On the other hand, Ireland offers affordable tuition fees and opportunities to delve into its rich culture and history. 

5. Are salaries higher in Ireland or the UK?

Salaries in Ireland tend to be higher on average than in the UK. The typical annual salary for full-time employment in Ireland is around €45,000 ($49,099), while in the UK, the average is about £33,000 ($41,015) per year.

6. Name a few universities in Ireland offering minimum study costs.

 The universities with minimum study costs in Ireland are

• University College Dublin
• Trinity College Dublin
• National College of Ireland
• University College Cork

7. Is education free in Ireland for Indian students?

EU residents are exempt from tuition fees, enjoying free education. However, international students are required to cover their course expenses. Tuition fees typically range from €10,500 to €30,000 per year, depending on various factors.

8. Is IELTS required for Ireland?

Taking the IELTS is not mandatory, as many Irish universities offer exemptions. Moreover, if your prior education was conducted in a school where English was the primary language of instruction, you are also exempt from taking IELTS.

9. Is Ireland worth it for Indian students?

Yes. Ireland offers Indian students an appealing and comprehensive package, featuring top-quality institutions, a diverse array of learning options, affordable living costs, cultural diversity, and an exceptional quality of life.