Ireland is a favourable study-abroad destination for international students pursuing an economics degree. Home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, international students will be provided with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts of macroeconomics, microeconomics, and econometrics.
One advantage of pursuing an economics degree in Ireland is that most schools have affordable tuition fees and also offer scholarships. The option of a post-study work visa and staying back post-graduation for up to two years enables students to start their careers in the progressive Irish economy.
Book a free consultation session with SI-Ireland today if you want to study economics at the best universities in Ireland.
Top Five Ireland Universities for Economics
Learn more about the best universities in Ireland for studying an economics degree (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Economics).
1. Trinity College Dublin
One of the oldest and most prestigious Irish universities, Trinity College Dublin, was established in 1592. The Department of Economics at TCD comes under the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy. It is one of the top-ranked schools in the country for teaching economics and is the best in Ireland. The department is known for its research expertise, particularly in applied economics and for offering world-class postgraduate programmes. Students can study the subject in combination with other subjects at the undergraduate level to earn a Joint Honours Economics degree. At the graduate level, the highest level of teaching standards is upheld apart from allowing students to conduct research at various levels.
- Suggested course: MSc in Economics
- Entry requirements: Candidates should have achieved at least a Grade 1 degree with single or joint honours in Economics or a large quantitative component. English language proficiency is a must for non-native speakers of the language.
- International fees: €19,237
- Faculties: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Campus: Dublin
2. University College Dublin
University College Dublin is one of the top-ranked universities in Ireland. The UCD School of Economics is the leading institution for higher education in the subject, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees considered among the best in the country. At the undergraduate level, high-quality education is provided in various topics such as applied microeconomics, econometrics, international trade, health economics, behavioural economics and economics history. The faculty at the university includes economists with an international reputation and research scholars. The graduate courses include master's and PhD degrees that are offered to students from all educational backgrounds and lead to specialised knowledge of the subject.
- Suggested course: BSc in Economics
- Entry requirements: Candidates must have educational qualifications equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate with H5 in Mathematics and O6/H7 in English and three other recognised subjects. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers of the language.
- International fees: €22,600 per year
- Faculties: UCD School of Economics
- Campus: Dublin
3. University College Cork
The Department of Economics at UCC offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degrees, allowing students to gain exceptional knowledge and skills. Economics degrees can be earned at the undergraduate level by pursuing a BSc Hons Finance, BComm Suite, and BA. Much of the teaching and research of the department is organised around three thematic groups, including Business Economics, Finance Economics and Health Economics. The department also provides a diverse range of practice-oriented and research-based courses in the form of Master's and Doctoral study options. The curriculum at the university emphasises transformational learning by engaging students in various practices that can enhance their professional lives.
- Suggested course: BA Honours Economics
- Entry requirements: Candidates must have educational qualifications equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate, and non-native speakers of the English language need to show proficiency in the language.
- International fees: €21,300
- Faculties: College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences
- Campus: Cork
4. University of Galway
Through its J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, the University of Galway offers various undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics. The department provides a flourishing academic environment integrating research, teaching and empirical applications in an interdisciplinary manner. Some of the best courses on economics at the university include combinations with environmental economics, international finance, and health economics. The university also offers a higher diploma course in Economic Science. The research-based programmes at the university are conducted with excellence through the exceptional facilities of the department.
- Suggested course: MSc in Global Environmental Economics
- Entry requirements: Candidates must hold graduate degrees in Economics with NFQ Level 8 or equivalent. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers of the language.
- International fees: €19,000
- Faculties: J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics
- Campus: Galway
5. Dublin City University
Dublin City University is one of the top-ranked educational institutions, particularly known for being among the top 50 young universities in the world. DCU offers some of the most interesting programmes in various disciplines. The university has Ireland's only degree in Economics that integrates the subject with Politics and Law disciplines, making it a unique option for students. This course opens the doors to many professional opportunities for students and helps develop communication skills, critical thinking, research and team abilities. Students can further specialise in Regional and Urban Economics, Issues in American Politics and Family Law to maximise their learning graph.
- Suggested course: BA in Economics, Politics and Law
- Entry requirements: Candidate must have educational qualifications equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate with 04 or H6 in Mathematics. English language proficiency is also required for non-native speakers of the language.
- International fees: €16,000
- Faculties: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Campus: Dublin
Study Economics in Ireland
If you want to study an economics degree in Ireland, arrange a free consultation with SI-Ireland today.
