Study in Ireland — Complete Guide
Expanded academic, financial and immigration details for international students. Verified with Irish official sources.
Language Study in Ireland
Ireland is a popular destination for English language study, with hundreds of schools and university-affiliated language centres.
Types of Courses
- General English (short/long-term)
- Academic English & IELTS/TOEFL prep
- Pathway/Foundation programmes for university entry
Costs
| Course | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| General English (per week) | €150 – €250 |
| Foundation / Pathway (per year) | €8,000 – €12,000 |
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor (undergraduate) programmes in Ireland usually last 3–4 years. Fields include business, technology, medicine, humanities and more.
Tuition fees (annual)
| EU/EEA | €3,000 – €4,000 (student contribution) |
|---|---|
| Non-EU | €9,000 – €25,000 depending on course (Medicine at higher end) |
Living Costs
- Accommodation: €500 – €900/month
- Food & transport: €250 – €400/month
- Total typical: €10,000 – €16,000 per year
Master’s Degree
Most Master’s programmes last 1–2 years. Ireland is renowned for MScs in technology, business, medicine, and creative industries.
Tuition fees (annual)
| EU/EEA | €4,000 – €9,000 |
|---|---|
| Non-EU | €10,000 – €34,000 |
Scholarships
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
- University-specific merit awards
- Erasmus+ mobility schemes
PhD Degree
Doctoral programmes usually take 3–4 years. Many are structured with coursework + research. Funding is often provided through stipends or teaching/research assistantships.
Funding
- Irish Research Council scholarships (Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship)
- University-funded PhD fellowships
- EU Horizon Europe projects
Visa & Residence
Non-EU/EEA students must apply for a study visa (D visa) if staying more than 90 days.
Steps
- Secure an offer letter from an Irish institution (on the ILEP list).
- Apply online via the INIS portal.
- Provide required documents: passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds (€10,000+ per year), medical insurance, accommodation details.
- On arrival, register with Immigration/Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to get Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
Costs
| Visa application | €60 (single entry) / €100 (multi-entry) |
|---|---|
| IRP card fee | €300 |