Indian Student Guide to Master’s in Ireland: 2026

A master’s degree in Ireland is a great choice for Indian undergraduates with professional experience, offering advanced subject knowledge and practical career skills. Irish universities offer master’s degrees in a wide range of subjects, allowing you to improve your job prospects and explore new opportunities, or to continue your academic education towards a PhD.

If your goal of studying a master’s is to advance your career, studying in Ireland offers you lucrative career opportunities with some of the world’s leading companies in tech, finance, and pharmaceuticals operating in the country. If your goal of studying a master’s is to continue towards doctoral studies, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science in Ireland offers programmes to fund research in a wide range of disciplines. The country is one of the best destinations for international students looking to start their postgraduate studies, whatever their goal may be.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the types of master’s degrees offered in Ireland, top universities for postgraduate qualifications, the expenses associated with your studies, and scholarships available to Indian students. We’ll also explore the job opportunities open to you as an Indian master’s graduate in Ireland.

Why study a master’s degree in Ireland? 

Ireland is a fast-growing international education hub with world-class universities, a growing job market, and a high quality of life. You can experience vibrant student cities, a rich cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes in Ireland, making it a great destination for international students looking for a well-rounded learning experience.

Here are some reasons why Ireland is especially suited for Indian master’s students:

• Affordable tuition: Irish universities offer lower tuition fees compared to other popular study destinations, such as the UK and the US.
• Student-friendly cities: Cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway have safe, welcoming communities and excellent student support services.
• Post-study work rights: Students can stay in Ireland for up to two years after graduation to gain work experience.
• Immigration pathways: Graduates have opportunities for long-term residency through the Critical Skills Employment Permit or the General Employment Permit.

Affordable tuition, student-friendly cities, and streamlined PR pathways make Ireland one of the best master’s study destinations for Indian students. Next, let’s take a look at the types of master’s degrees you can study in Ireland.

Types of master’s degrees in Ireland 

Irish universities offer two main types of master’s programmes based on their curriculum. The type of master’s programme you want to choose can change depending on your academic and professional goals, so having an understanding of each can help you make a decision aligned with your plans.

• Taught master’s programmes

These courses are delivered through lectures and classwork, and you will be assessed via examinations, projects, and a dissertation. Taught master’s programmes in Ireland include Master of Arts (MA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Science (MSc).

• Research master’s programme

These master’s programmes are heavily research-focused, with a supervisor allocated to guide and advise you on your research. You can pursue Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Research (MRes), and MSc programmes focused on research in Ireland.

If you are interested in further studies or getting into academia, a research master’s is a great option. If you would like to pursue a career in your preferred field, a taught master’s can help you gain advanced knowledge and develop professional skills. Once you have chosen the type of master’s programme you want to pursue, you can start looking at a field of study to get into. In the next section, we’ll take a look at the most popular master’s specialisations in Ireland for Indian students.

Popular master’s specialisations in Ireland for Indian students 

Irish universities offer master’s degrees in a wide range of subject areas, from the arts to technical sciences. Here are some of the most popular master’s specialisations in Ireland for Indian students:

The subject area you choose for your master’s can make a great impact on your career, so your interest to learn the subject and the career outcomes of the chosen subject are important factors to consider when choosing what to study for your master’s degree. The university you’re applying to is another important factor you would want to consider when planning your master’s studies in Ireland. Let’s take a look at the top universities in Ireland to study for a master’s degree next.

Top universities for a master’s in Ireland for Indian students 

Irish universities are known for their high academic standards with state-of-the-art laboratories, well-resourced libraries, and research-driven campuses, making them an ideal choice for your master’s studies. Here are the best universities in Ireland for Indian students according to the QS World University Rankings 2026, and their average annual tuition fees for a master’s degree.

These universities offer some of the best master’s programmes in Ireland for Indian students, paired with expert faculty, diverse specialisation options, and excellent on-campus facilities. Next, let’s take a look at the prerequisites you need to meet to gain admission into one of Ireland’s top universities.

Admission requirements for Indian students to study a master’s in Ireland 

Admission requirements for master’s courses can vary significantly depending on your subject area, and the type of master’s programme and university you’re applying to. While each programme in Ireland will have its own set of admissions requirements for prospective master’s students, the general qualifications you need to study a master’s degree are as follows.

In addition to meeting these requirements, you’ll also need a Study Visa to be granted entry into Ireland for your master’s studies. Here’s how you can start the process to acquire an Ireland Study Visa.

Study visa and other requirements for a master’s in Ireland

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).

Here’s a list of documents you need when applying for the Ireland Study Visa:

• A valid passport
• Visa application letter
• Two passport-sized colour photographs
• Letter of Acceptance for your university
• Private medical insurance coverage
• Proof of course fee payment (minimum €6,000)
• Academic qualifications and proof of English language proficiency
• Proof of funds (minimum €10,000 for courses over 8 months)

Health insurance for studying in Ireland

You’ll need private medical insurance coverage when applying for your Study Visa in Ireland for your master’s studies. 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. Popular health insurance providers in Ireland you can consider for private medical insurance coverage include:

• Irish Life Health
• VHI Healthcare
• Laya Healthcare
• Study and Protect

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

In the next section, let’s go over the costs involved in following a master’s programme in Ireland, so you have an understanding of the expenses you can expect.

Funds required to study a master’s degree in Ireland

The cost of studying a master’s in Ireland can be divided into three main categories: your pre-arrival expenses, your tuition fees, and your living expenses. Your living expenses will include accommodation, transportation, and daily necessities, which can vary by city and your lifestyle, while your tuition fees depend on the university you select for your programme.

Here’s a breakdown of each cost you can expect when pursuing a master’s in Ireland, so you can start planning your finances early.

Pre-arrival expenses to Ireland 

Pre-arrival costs for master’s study in Ireland include the Irish Study Visa fee, language proficiency test fees, private health insurance costs, and the university deposit that may be required to confirm your placement. These expenses can vary for each student, but a general breakdown may look like this:

• Ireland Study Visa fee – €60 (Approx. INR 6,100)
• Language proficiency test fee – Approx. €200 (Approx. INR 20,000)
• Private health insurance cost – Approx. €160 (Approx. INR 16,000)
• Initial deposit paid out to the university to confirm your place in the programme – Approx. €3,000 (Approx. INR 300,000). This depends on the programme, and some universities do not charge this fee

Tuition fees for a master’s degree in Ireland 

Your tuition fees in Ireland will vary depending on your university and the type of master’s programme you wish to study. A master’s degree can cost between €9,000 to €35,000 (approx. INR 9–35 lakhs) per year for international students in Ireland.

Tuition fees for master’s programmes in Ireland are lower compared to the UK and the US, where a master’s programme usually costs over INR 19 lakhs per year for international students.

Cost of living in Ireland

When considering the cost of living in Ireland, you’ll have to account for multiple expenses like accommodation, food and living, and transport costs. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration in Ireland requires Indian students to show proof of funds of €10,000 when applying for the Ireland Study Visa, the estimated cost of living in Ireland for a student for one academic year.

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

Based on this information, your monthly living cost while studying your master’s in Ireland can range from €700–1,360 (INR 71,000–138,000). Budgeting properly, finding part-time work opportunities, and applying for the many scholarships Irish institutions offer to international master’s students can help you manage your expenses better. Let’s take a look at a few scholarships you can use to offset the cost of studying your master’s in Ireland next.

Master’s 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’s a list of the top master’s scholarships in Ireland for Indian students:

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.

Next, we’ll take a look at what you can do in Ireland after completing your master’s studies–applying for a work permit and working your way towards permanent residency in Ireland.

Work permit after master’s in Ireland for Indian students 

The Third Level Graduate Scheme allows you to stay and work in Ireland for up to two years after graduation. This allows graduates to seek graduate-level employment and apply for a general employment permit, a critical skills employment permit, or a research hosting agreement. Here’s what you need to register for the Third Level Graduate Scheme:

• A copy of the award granted to you by your university
• Your passport
• Medical insurance

You will also need to pay a €300 fee to complete your registration.

Graduates with job offers in high-demand sectors can apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, which allows them to apply for a Stamp 4 permission to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit after 21 months. After five years of legal residence, individuals with Stamp 4 may qualify for Irish citizenship through naturalisation.

Ireland offers many opportunities for Indian master’s graduates with the right skills and knowledge to explore a diverse job market, find exciting career opportunities, and work towards permanent residency in the country. Next, let’s take a look at the career outcomes after completing your master’s in Ireland.

Career prospects and salary in Ireland after your master’s degree

Master’s graduates in Ireland can explore lucrative career opportunities with some of the world’s leading companies in tech, finance, and pharmaceuticals operating in the country. Here are some high-paying roles Indian master’s graduates can pursue, along with the average annual salaries.

*Salary data accessed from PayScale in July 2025.

Top employers of master’s graduates in Ireland include Amazon, Apple, Google, IBM, KPMG, Microsoft, Pfizer, and Volkswagen, creating a diverse job market where graduates can explore a wide range of career paths.

Interested in studying your master’s in Ireland and opening yourself up to these lucrative job opportunities? Here’s how we can help.

Steps to study in Ireland with StudyIn 

At StudyIn, we provide end-to-end support for your master’s journey in Ireland, making the process fast, smooth, and stress-free. Here’s how we can help you:

• Set up a free consultation for you to meet with a university counsellor in our office or online to discuss your study options in Ireland
• Provide a list of recommended universities for you to apply to based on your academic requirements and preferences
• Offer assistance with completing and reviewing your university application forms to ensure they’re accurate
• Refine your personal statement to showcase your strengths and motivations
• Assist with compiling the documents you need to submit with your application, such as academic transcripts and reference letters
• Help you find available scholarships and funding opportunities to help finance your studies in Ireland
• Provide expert guidance on evaluating and selecting the best university offer based on your academic and career goals
• Offer assistance throughout the entire application process, from submission to enrolment at your chosen university

Book a free counselling session with a StudyIn counsellor today and take the first step toward studying your master’s degree in Ireland with confidence.

FAQs

What are the best cities in Ireland for Indian master’s students?

Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick are popular cities for Indian students studying in Ireland. These cities are home to some of Ireland’s top universities, and they have large international student communities and strong job markets for graduates.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for a master’s in Ireland?

Most universities in Ireland require an IELTS score between 6.5 and 7.5, depending on the programme. Universities may also accept equivalent scores from other popular English language proficiency tests, such as PTE and TOEFL.

Do I need work experience to apply for a master’s in Ireland?

Work experience is not mandatory for all master’s programmes in Ireland, but some universities may ask for three to five years of relevant work experience for certain courses, like MBA or specialised business programmes.

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

Yes, international students in Ireland on a valid Study Visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during holidays. This can help you manage your expenses while completing your master’s degree in Ireland.

Can I stay in Ireland after completing my master’s degree?

Yes. After graduating, you can stay in Ireland for up to two years under the Third Level Graduate Scheme to seek employment and apply for a general employment permit, a critical skills employment permit, or a research hosting agreement.