Living costs — particularly accommodation in Dublin — are a significant part of the budget, so it is worth comparing cities and arranging housing early.
Why Indian students consider Ireland
- One-year taught master’s degrees in many subjects
- English-speaking environment within the EU
- Part-time work allowed for eligible students
- A graduate permission (Stamp 1G) for eligible graduates
Popular fields of study
- Computer science and data analytics
- Business and finance
- Pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences
- Engineering
- Marketing
Common qualifications
- Bachelor’s (Level 8, usually 3–4 years)
- Postgraduate diploma
- Taught master’s (Level 9, often 1 year)
- PhD (Level 10)
Entry and English language requirements
Academic entry requirements
Universities set their own academic requirements. Postgraduate programmes usually ask for a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum classification; some business programmes value work experience.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic and other recognised tests are accepted. Universities publish the minimum scores for each programme.
Intakes and application timeline
September is the main intake. A smaller number of programmes start in January.
- 110–12 months before: shortlist programmes
- 26–9 months before: apply (some programmes use rolling admission)
- 3After an offer: pay the deposit and arrange accommodation
- 4Apply for the study visa with proof of funds and fees
- 5After arrival: register with immigration and receive your residence permission
Tuition fees and living costs
Tuition for non-EU students varies by university and programme. Accommodation in Dublin is expensive and in high demand. Immigration rules require you to show access to a set amount of funds — check the current figure with Irish Immigration Service Delivery.
- Indicative tuition (our database)
- €12,000 – €35,000/year
- Indicative living costs (our database)
- €10,000 – €15,000/year
Indicative ranges only. Check each university’s fee page and the official visa funds requirement.
Scholarships
Funding includes the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships and university awards such as merit-based fee reductions for international students.
Browse all scholarshipsStudent visa overview
Indian nationals need a study visa (long stay D) to study in Ireland for more than three months. After arrival you register your permission (Stamp 2) with immigration. You must show acceptance on an eligible programme, payment of fees and access to funds.
Working while you study
Students with Stamp 2 permission on eligible full-time programmes may work part-time during term and full-time during set holiday periods. Check the conditions on the Irish Immigration website.
After graduation
The Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) allows eligible graduates to remain in Ireland to look for work. The length depends on the level of your qualification.
Popular student cities
- Dublin
- Cork
- Galway
- Limerick
- Maynooth
Choosing a course and university
- Arrange accommodation as early as possible
- Check that your programme is on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP)
- Compare one-year master’s content carefully, as there is little room for electives
Studying in Ireland: common questions
Is a one-year master’s in Ireland enough to apply for jobs?
Many graduates apply for roles after a one-year master’s. Outcomes depend on your field, experience and the job market; no programme guarantees employment.
What is Stamp 2?
Stamp 2 is the immigration permission given to non-EU students on eligible full-time programmes.
Is Dublin the only option?
No. Cork, Galway and Limerick have well-regarded universities and are often less expensive to live in.
Official sources
- Irish Immigration Service Delivery
- Education in Ireland
- Higher Education Authority — Government of Ireland Scholarships
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