Cost of Living in Ireland for Indian Students in 2025/26

The cost of living in Ireland is one of the most important factors you would want to consider when planning your study abroad journey, along with the degree programme and university you’re applying for.

Studying and living in Ireland can be more affordable compared to other popular study destinations like Canada, the UK, and the US, where the annual cost of living can range from INR 12–40 lakhs for Indian students. The cost of living in Ireland for an Indian student can range from €10,000 to €20,000 (INR 10–20 lakhs) per year, depending on where you are in Ireland and the type of accommodation you’ve chosen.

In this guide, we’ll walk through each cost factor associated with living in Ireland as a student. Read on to learn more about the cost of living in Ireland for Indian students, including living expenses like accommodation, food, transport, and utilities, the tuition fees for your studies, and the Ireland Study Visa and health insurance costs. We’ll also explore the scholarships available in Ireland for Indian students, the most affordable universities in Ireland for Indian students, and some steps you can take to manage your expenses while studying in Ireland.

Why study in Ireland

Ireland is home to several world-class universities offering high-quality education, student cities with friendly and affordable living environments, and a thriving job market where graduates from a wide range of subject areas can find high-paying employment. Here are some reasons why Ireland is especially suited for Indian students:

• Higher education institutions in Ireland offer lower tuition fees compared to other popular study destinations, such as the UK and the US.
• Cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway have safe, welcoming communities and excellent student support services for international students.
• The government of Ireland, Irish higher education institutions, and private benefactors offer scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and more for Indian students in Ireland.
• International students can stay in Ireland for up to two years after graduation to gain work experience and explore opportunities for long-term residency through the Critical Skills Employment Permit or the General Employment Permit.
• Globally recognised companies like Apple, Google, Intel, and Pfizer have their European headquarters in Ireland, creating lucrative work opportunities for graduates.

You can immerse yourself in Ireland’s beautiful coastal and mountain regions, explore the country’s ancient culture and elegant architecture, enjoy a variety of cuisines and festivals, and make the most out of your life as a student during your studies in Ireland. While the country is one of the best destinations for international students, the cost of living is a common concern that many international students have when choosing a destination for their studies. So, let’s explore the average cost of living in Ireland for Indian students.

Average cost of living in Ireland for Indian students

The average cost of living in Ireland for international students includes rent, utilities, food and groceries, transportation, and social expenses. These costs can range from €10,000 to €20,000 (INR 10–20 lakhs) per year, depending on your lifestyle and where you’re staying in Ireland.

Here’s a general breakdown of the living expenses you can expect when studying in Ireland.

These expenses mainly comprise your cost of living, so your average monthly cost of living will be around €815 to €1,700 (INR 83,000–170,000) during your studies in Ireland. Here’s a quick look at the funds you need to have in your possession for your first year in Ireland as a student.

Funds required to study and live in Ireland: Officially recommended amount

During the visa application process, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration in Ireland requires Indian students to show that they have direct access to a specified amount of money to support themselves financially in Ireland. To ensure you’re visa application is accepted by Irish immigration authorities, you must show you have direct access to:

• €10,000 (INR 10 lakhs) for courses resulting in residence of greater than 8 months
• €833 (INR 84,000) per month or €6,665 (INR 675,000) in total for courses resulting in residence of 8 months or less

You’ll need documentary evidence to prove that you have access to these funds when you arrive in Ireland. Get in touch with our visa application support team for expert support in navigating the visa application process to Ireland. Our team is ready to help you every step of the way so you can have a smooth, hassle-free visa application experience.

Next, let’s take a look at how the cost of living in Ireland compares to other popular study destinations in the world for Indian students.

Cost of living in Ireland vs. the rest of the world 

Ireland’s average monthly cost of living for Indian students is €990 (INR 90,000), significantly lower compared to destinations like the UK and the US. Coupled with the relatively affordable cost of tuition, Ireland is a great place for higher education.

Here’s how the cost of living in Ireland compares to other popular higher education destinations worldwide.

Overall, Ireland is either more affordable or comparable to most other popular study destinations in the world for Indian students. Being aware of the individual expenses that make up your cost of living in Ireland can help you budget better and lower these costs effectively. Next, let’s take an in-depth look at each expense you need to consider when planning your studies in Ireland as an Indian student.

Living expenses in Ireland for Indian students

Living expenses for Indian students in Ireland mainly include rent, utilities, food and groceries, and transportation. You may also want to account for other relatively small expenses like mobile phone plans, stationery and textbooks, and leisure-related expenses to get a better idea of your monthly expenses. Here’s a closer look at each of these costs.

Accommodation

Your accommodation costs can change depending on accommodation type, such as hostels, on-campus accommodation, and rentals, and where you’re staying in Ireland. Here’s a breakdown of monthly accommodation costs, including utilities like electricity, water, laundry, Wi-Fi, and gas, in popular student cities across Ireland.

Rent and utility costs are generally cheaper for students living outside of Dublin, Ireland’s capital city. Utilities can cost around €40 (INR 4,000) in Dublin and €80 (INR 8,100) in the rest of Ireland.

Food and groceries

Food and groceries are another major expense for Indian students in Ireland, and can cost between €250 (INR 25,000) and €400 (INR 40,000) monthly, depending on your city of residence.

Generally, supermarkets offer the best value for money for most ordinary groceries in Ireland. Shopping in affordable stores like Aldi and Lidl and planning your meals can help you manage your food and grocery costs more effectively.

Transportation

Travelling in Ireland is easy, as many transport options are available to international students, from walking and cycling to public transportation. There are also several private companies operating buses, coach services, and tours in Ireland that you can use for your transportation needs.

One of the best options for transportation in Ireland is Irish Rail, the national railway network of Ireland. You can comfortably get around Ireland’s main cities through its InterCity, Commuter and Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) train services. Student travelcards like the Transport For Ireland (TFI) Young Adult or Student Leap Cards give you exclusive discounts of up to 40% off on Irish Rail, so you can lower your transport costs further.

TFI also offers monthly tickets for rail and bus services in several cities and regions in Ireland. Here are the most affordable monthly ticket options for each city.

Miscellaneous costs

Understanding other relatively smaller costs like mobile phone plans, stationery and textbooks, and even the cost of a movie ticket or a restaurant outing can help you plan your monthly budget and set some of your money aside for leisure activities.

Here’s a list of these smaller expenses that you may want to keep track of, so you can budget better.

Budgeting for your monthly living expenses before you start your studies in Ireland can provide a realistic view of the costs associated with accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials. Next, let’s take a look at another major expense that makes up your cost of studying in Ireland—the tuition fees for your degree programme.

University tuition fees in Ireland for Indian students

The cost of tuition for international students in Ireland can vary based on the university, the type and duration of the programme, and the level of study. Irish universities typically have lower tuition fees compared to the UK and the US while offering the same quality of education, making Ireland an attractive study destination for international students.

Here are the average annual tuition fees of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees offered by Irish higher education institutions:

Next, let’s take a quick look at a few Irish universities offering affordable degree programmes to international students.

Affordable universities in Ireland for Indian students

Many Irish universities and other higher education institutions offer affordable degree programmes at all levels of study for international students. Here are some of the most affordable Irish universities for international students, along with their average cost of tuition.

Several of these universities also appear in the top global universities category of QS World University Rankings 2026, reflecting their high academic reputation, research quality, and employability. Get in touch with one of our higher education counsellors for expert guidance on selecting the right university and programme for your goals.

Now that we’ve taken a look at tuition costs, let’s break down additional expenses, such as visa application fees and mandatory private health insurance.

Ireland Study Visa cost for Indian students

Indian students must apply for the Study Visa to be granted entry into Ireland for their studies. Ireland’s visa processes are managed through the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System under Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD). You can apply for the Ireland Study Visa through the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS).

The cost of applying for an Ireland Study Visa is €60 (approx. INR 6,100). You must also show proof of your fee payment to the college you’re studying at (minimum €6,000 or INR 600,000) and your ability to support yourself financially for the duration of your studies when you’re submitting your visa application.

You’ll also need to have private medical insurance coverage when applying for your Study Visa in Ireland.

Health insurance for studying in Ireland

A basic medical expenses insurance policy for students in Ireland can cost around €160 (approx. INR 16,000). Certain universities in Ireland arrange private medical insurance for their students through a Group Insurance Scheme. If your university offers this service, the details of your insurance coverage will be included in your letter of acceptance. You’ll need to arrange private medical insurance yourself if medical insurance is not arranged by your university through a Group Insurance Scheme.

You have to provide proof of your private medical insurance coverage in Ireland when applying for your Study Visa to complete the visa application. If you need help applying for your Study Visa in Ireland, get in touch with a StudyIn counsellor for expert support.

Now that we’ve looked at most of the costs associated with your study-abroad journey to Ireland, let’s take a look at some steps you can take to lower the cost of living in Ireland as an Indian student.

Tips to manage the cost of living in Ireland for Indian students

Managing tuition fees and the cost of living in Ireland can be challenging, but with a few smart strategies, you can budget effectively and make the most of your finances. Here are some practical tips to help you manage your costs while studying in Ireland.

• Consider shared accommodation

Sharing accommodation, whether on or off-campus, can significantly reduce your cost of living in Ireland. It’s a practical option that allows you to split bills, making both rent and utilities more affordable.

• Use public transport and student travel cards

Using public transportation can help keep travel costs down. Student travel cards like the TFI Young Adult or Student Leap Cards can considerably lower your cost of transportation in Ireland.

• Shop smart and plan your meals

Shopping at affordable grocery stores like Aldi, Lidl, Asda, and Tesco can help you keep food costs low. Some supermarkets also have their own brand of food items, which are cheaper than regular brands and are usually of good quality.

• Take on part-time work

As a Study Visa holder, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time if you’re enrolled in a full-time degree programme. A part-time job can provide extra income to help manage living expenses and give you valuable work experience.

• Create a budget

Setting a weekly or monthly budget that includes rent, food, travel, and other essentials can help keep your spending low. Having a realistic estimate of your monthly expenses will help you track your spending and adjust as needed.

Apart from these options, scholarships are also a great way to support your studies in Ireland. There are several scholarship opportunities in Ireland for Indian students, which can help cover tuition fees, living allowances, and visa costs.

Scholarships in Ireland for Indian students

The Government of Ireland, universities, and other institutions offer a range of scholarships, tuition fee waivers, and discounts for international students, based on merit and need. Here are some of the top scholarship opportunities you can explore in Ireland as an Indian student.

Applying for these scholarships can make your education more affordable, with many scholarships granting full or partial coverage of tuition fees. You can visit the awarding institution’s website for more information on eligibility criteria and the application process.

Conclusion

While the cost of living, tuition fees, and other expenses in Ireland can seem overwhelming at first, understanding and planning for these expenses can help you make the most of your study abroad experience and help you work towards your academic and professional goals with minimal stress.

Studying in Ireland is an investment that can open you up to a world-class education, global career opportunities, and a rich cultural experience. Book a free counselling session with a StudyIn counsellor to explore your options for universities, courses, and scholarships in Ireland with expert support.

FAQs

How much does it cost to live in Ireland as an Indian student?

Indian students can expect to spend between €10,000 and €20,000 (INR 10–20 lakhs) per year on living expenses in Ireland. This includes rent, food, transport, utilities, and miscellaneous costs like books and study materials, clothes, and entertainment.

What is the average rent for students in Ireland?

Student accommodation costs range from €800 to €1,300 per month in Ireland, depending on the city and the type of accommodation you choose. Rent tends to be highest in Dublin and more affordable in cities like Galway or Limerick.

What is the cost of a student visa for Ireland?

The Ireland Study Visa application fee is €60 (approx. INR 6,100). You’ll also need to show proof of your fee payment to the college you’re studying at (minimum €6,000) and purchase private medical insurance coverage when applying for the Study Visa.

Is health insurance mandatory for Indian students in Ireland?

Yes, students must have private medical insurance to apply for the Irish Study Visa, which costs around €160 per year. Some universities provide group insurance plans included in your offer letter.

Can Indian students work part-time in Ireland while studying?

Yes, if you’re enrolled in a full-time programme at an Irish educational institution, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during holidays.