Ireland is an increasingly popular destination for international students looking for quality education and the chance to experience life in a beautiful country. As with any new venture, it’s important to consider the cost of living and studying in Ireland before making the leap. This blog will take a look at the costs associated with studying in Ireland as an international student.
Ireland is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, welcoming culture, and beautiful landscapes. If you are considering studying in Ireland as an international student, there are a few things you should know.
First, you will need to apply to an Irish institution of higher education and be accepted in order to study in Ireland. You will need to provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, and possibly test scores as part of your application. You may also need to prove your English language proficiency by taking a test such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
Cost of Tuition
- First, let’s consider the cost of tuition. Tuition fees in Ireland vary depending on the institution and the course of study, but in general, they tend to be higher for international students than for domestic students.
Let’s take a look at the tuition fees for international students across top universities in Ireland
University College Dublin (UCD) – Public University
According to information available on the UCD website, the tuition fees for international students in the 2021-2022 academic year are as follows:
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | PhD | |
| Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences | €16,000 – €20,000 per year | Average fee range €20,000 – €30,000 per year | Average fee range €15,000 – €20,000 per year |
| Business, Law, and Economics: | €20,000 – €25,000 per year | ||
| Health Sciences | €16,000 – €20,000 per year | ||
| Science | €20,000 – €25,000 per year | ||
| Engineering and Architecture | €20,000 – €25,000 per year |
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) – Public University
According to information available on the TCD website, the tuition fees for international students in the 2021-2022 academic year are as follows:
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | PhD | |
| Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences | €17,000 – €20,000 per year | Average fee range €20,000 – €30,000 per year | Average fee range €15,000 – €20,000 per year |
| Business, Law, and Economics: | €22,000 – €27,000 per year | ||
| Health Sciences | €17,000 – €20,000 per year | ||
| Science | €20,000 – €24,000 per year | ||
| Engineering and Architecture | €22,000 – €27,000 per year |
National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway) – Public University
According to information available on the NUI Galway website, the tuition fees for international students in the 2021-2022 academic year are as follows:
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | PhD | |
| Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences | €14,000 – €18,000 per year | Average fee range €15,000 – €20,000 per year | Average fee range €15,000 – €20,000 per year |
| Business, Law, and Economics: | €18,000 – €22,000 per year | ||
| Health Sciences | €14,000 – €18,000 per year | ||
| Science | €16,000 – €20,000 per year | ||
| Engineering and Architecture | €18,000 – €22,000 per year |
University College Cork (UCC) – Public University
According to information available on the UCC website, the tuition fees for international students in the 2021-2022 academic year are as follows:
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | PhD | |
| Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences | €14,000 – €18,000 per year | Average fee range €15,000 – €20,000 per year | Average fee range €15,000 – €20,000 per year |
| Business, Law, and Economics: | €18,000 – €22,000 per year | ||
| Health Sciences | €14,000 – €18,000 per year | ||
| Science | €16,000 – €20,000 per year | ||
| Engineering and Architecture | €18,000 – €22,000 per year |
University of Limerick – Public University
According to information available on the UL website, the tuition fees for international students in the 2021-2022 academic year are as follows:
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | PhD | |
| Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences | €14,000 – €17,000 per year | Average fee range €12,000 – €20,000 per year | Average fee range €15,000 – €20,000 per year |
| Business, Law, and Economics: | €16,000 – €20,000 per year | ||
| Health Sciences | €14,000 – €17,000 per year | ||
| Science | €16,000 – €20,000 per year | ||
| Engineering and Architecture | €16,000 – €20,000 per year |
- It’s important to note that these fees do not include additional fees, such as registration and examination fees.
Cost of Living in Ireland
- In addition to tuition fees, international students need to factor in the costs associated with living in Ireland.
- Accommodation is the most significant expense, and the cost varies depending on the type of accommodation chosen.
- For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin can cost anywhere from €700 to €1,500 per month.
- Utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, will also need to be factored in. Other living costs include food, transportation, books and materials, and entertainment.
- Evidence of at least €7,000 for supporting the initial stay must be declared through fund proof.
Working in Ireland as an international student
- When it comes to working in Ireland as an international student, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind.
- International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time during holidays.
- However, it’s important to note that international students are not allowed to take up permanent employment in Ireland, and must return to their home countries upon completion of their studies.
Part-time jobs in Ireland for international students
- When it comes to finding a job in Ireland, there are a few options available to international students.
- The most popular option is to find a part-time job on campus.
- Most universities in Ireland offer a range of part-time jobs, such as administrative roles, teaching assistants, laboratory technicians, and library assistants, which are open to international students.
- Alternatively, international students can look for part-time jobs off campus.
- Many bars, restaurants, and coffee shops in Ireland are willing to hire international students, though it’s important to note that the wages in these jobs tend to be lower than those on campus.
- It’s also important to remember that international students must have a valid work permit from their home country in order to legally work in Ireland.
How to find a part-time job in Ireland as an international student
Finding a part-time job as an international student in Ireland can be challenging, but there are several ways to go about it:
- Check with the university’s career centre: Many universities in Ireland have a career centre that can help students find part-time jobs. They may have a list of current job openings or can provide resources for searching for jobs.
- Look online: There are many job search websites, such as Indeed, LinkedIn and Glassdoor, that list part-time jobs in Ireland. You can also check with specific online recruitment sites that list jobs for students, such as StudentJob.ie or StudentJobs.ie
- Network: Reach out to your classmates, professors, or alumni from your university and let them know that you are looking for a part-time job. They may have leads on job opportunities or be able to provide valuable advice.
- Register with recruitment agencies: They may have job opportunities for students looking for part-time work.
- Part-time jobs on campus: You can also check with your university to see if there are any part-time jobs available on campus, such as working in the library, a campus café or as a research assistant.
- Make use of internships: Some internships may be able to provide you with relevant work experience, as well as the opportunity to make industry contacts.
In summary, the cost of living and studying in Ireland as an international student can be quite high. Tuition fees for international students tend to be higher than for domestic students, and living costs (accommodation, food, transportation, etc.) need to be factored in. International students are allowed to work in Ireland, though there are restrictions on the type of work they can take up and the hours they can work.