Global Study Compass
All destinations
🇮🇪

Destination guide

Ireland

One-year masters, English-speaking, and Europe's top tech-employer hub.

Ireland combines UK-style one-year masters with EU access and is the European HQ for Google, Meta, LinkedIn and Pfizer. The Third Level Graduate Programme gives up to 2 years of post-study work rights.

Tuition
EUR 10,000 – 30,000 / year
Living cost
EUR 12,000 – 15,000 / year (Dublin higher)
Intakes
September primary · January limited

Popular programmes

Long Stay 'D' Study Visa

Application fee
EUR 60
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Work rights
20 hrs/week term, 40 hrs/week vacations
Post-study
Third Level Graduate Programme — up to 2 years

Application timeline

  1. 1Apply via the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) or direct
  2. 2Accept offer and pay deposit (~EUR 5,000)
  3. 3Show EUR 10,000 in funds + private health insurance
  4. 4Apply online (AVATS) then submit documents to consulate
  5. 5Register with the GNIB within 90 days of arrival
  6. 6Get your IRP card to work and travel within Schengen

Insider tips

  • Dublin housing is the bottleneck — secure accommodation before flying.
  • Stamp 2 lets you work; freelancing is restricted — use that for upskilling.
  • The Critical Skills Employment Permit fast-tracks PR in tech/STEM roles.
  • Apply for the Government of Ireland International Scholarship by March.

Tests accepted

IELTSTOEFLPTE AcademicDuolingo

Official resources

Cost of studying in Ireland

Tuition, monthly living costs, visa fees and a rupee funding-gap calculator.

Long Stay 'D' Study Visa document checklist

Every document you need, as a tickable list you can save.

Studying in Ireland — FAQs

How much does it cost to study in Ireland?

Tuition typically runs EUR 10,000 – 30,000 / year, and living costs come to roughly €1,590 per month in a mid-range city — about ₹37.5 lakh for a typical first year including living costs. Use the Ireland cost calculator to model your own numbers.

What visa do I need to study in Ireland?

You need the Long Stay 'D' Study Visa. The application fee is EUR 60 and processing usually takes 4–8 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before travel; register for your IRP after arrival.

Can I work while studying in Ireland?

20 hrs/week term, 40 hrs/week vacations After graduating: Third Level Graduate Programme — up to 2 years

Which tests do universities in Ireland accept?

Commonly accepted tests are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo. Requirements vary by university and programme, so always confirm on the programme page.

When are the intakes for Ireland?

September primary · January limited Applications generally open 9-12 months before the intake starts.

How much money do I need to show for a Ireland student visa?

About €10,000 per year of living costs, plus paid tuition.