The impact of research in Ireland is visible in natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. The international environment is visible in this English-speaking country that matches the charm of the UK, while keeping costs close to European averages. Below you will find more information about the university tuition fees and living costs in Ireland for an international university student!

Tuition fees in Ireland

The undergraduate degree courses in Ireland are, usually, free for citizens of Ireland/EU through the Higher Education Authority (HEA). However, in order to apply to the “free fees initiative”, you have to apply for the funding governmental programme and prove that you are eligible. Below you will find some of the most important criteria of choice:

  • The programme targets full-time undergraduate degree courses that last for more than two years and is held in some of the institutions.
  • The student must apply for a degree course for the first time and must not have repeated any school year.
  • 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. Non-EU student have to pay fees of 9,000 – 45,000 EUR/year for undergraduate degree courses. Master’s courses have prices of 9,150 – 37,000 EUR/year, depending on your chosen field of study and programme, for EU/non-EU students.

Student living costs 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.

In larger cities, such as Dublin or Cork, you will pay 730 – 873 EUR, while in smaller towns like Greystones, Ballina or Thurles you will need about 600 – 700 EUR monthly budget.

Accommodation costs 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 offer on-campus accommodation in residence halls, but these may be hard to find for an international student and usually the costs are above the European average of 200 – 300 EUR. Other possibilities include student hostels and private rental single or shared apartments. Accommodation costs for students are found below:

  • 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, if you pay attention to the products you buy and you focus on groceries from small shops and cooking. This may cost around 240 EUR/month. Groceries shops usually have temporary discounts. Also, 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.

Transportation costs. 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. Without any discounts, a transport pass in Ireland has an average price of 100 EUR/month.

Around 27% of the students use public transport in Ireland. Meanwhile, the most popular mode of transportation is the bicycle, chosen by 38% of the students.

Funding & student support

While you study in Ireland you also have the chance to find some possibilities to support yourself financially. Besides working, you can also apply for programmes provided by universities. There are funding programmes targeted at students from the U.S. or China, but also general programmes. You can choose from:

  • Scholarships offered by the state
  • Grants and financial aid programmes given by universities.

After you have all the information packed, get ready for a unique study experience in Ireland!

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