When you are considering studying abroad, tuition fees and the cost of living make a considerable impact on what decision you make. As an international student, it's important to have all the relevant information regarding the cost of your study programme before you apply so that all the necessary funding arrangements can be made in time and you are able to start your academic journey on a positive note.
Tuition fees at universities in Ireland vary and are dependent on whether you are an EU or international student. Irish and EU students pay lower fees compared to other international students. All overseas students from outside the EU have to pay non-EU tuition, which depending on the type of course you have taken - foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate - tuition fees can range from €5,500 to €55,000.
Medicine, dentistry, and other highly specialised courses tend to have higher fees. Other costs that need funding to study in Ireland include living costs, transportation, food and groceries, entertainment and leisure costs, and healthcare costs, for which all students are required to have insurance.
Tuition fees for undergraduate students under the Free Fees Initiative are paid for by the Higher Education Authority, which is the statutory regulatory body for higher education governance in Ireland. To qualify for the Free Fees scheme, you must meet the following criteria:
You have lived in the EU for at least three of the previous five years
You are enrolling on your first undergraduate course
Your course lasts at least two years and is full-time
Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Free Fees Initiative will have to pay tuition fees categorised as EU Fees for Higher Education at Irish universities. These may vary at each university, and students should refer to university websites for more details.
Use the table below to compare undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees in Ireland for full-time international students.
| University | Undergraduate Courses | Postgraduate Courses |
|---|---|---|
| University of Limerick | €5,000 - €45,000 | €6,000 - €40,000 |
| Maynooth University | €12,000 - €13,500 | €6,500 - €15,000 |
| University College Dublin | €18,000 - €53,000 | €5,000 - €31,000 |
| Trinity College Dublin | €10,000 - €45,000 | €7,000 - €49,000 |
| University of Galway | €12,750 - €31,000 | €13,250 - €15,000 |
| Dublin City University | €10,800 - €12,600 | €9,425 |
Irish universities offer a range of scholarships and financial aid options to international students. These scholarships can help alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees and other costs, if applicable. Scholarships may cover partial or full tuition fees, and eligibility criteria vary for each scholarship.
All students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities through the universities' websites or contact the international student office for more information.
Do you need help with your application to study at an Irish university? If so, arrange a free consultation today. Our application team can help you study the course of your dreams.
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