Indian Student Guide to Studying an MBA in Ireland: 2026

A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) is a postgraduate qualification that gives you a comprehensive understanding of management, administration, and entrepreneurial skills required for business operations. MBAs are highly sought-after qualifications from top employers all around the world, especially for managerial-level job roles.

Ireland is one of the best destinations in the world for pursuing your MBA, with several world-renowned universities and business schools offering high-quality MBAs for affordable fees. The country also has a thriving job market for MBA graduates, with several multinational companies operating in cities like Dublin, Cork, and Limerick.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at how Indian students can gain admission into an MBA in Ireland, the best universities in Ireland for MBAs, the funds required, scholarship opportunities, and salary prospects for Indian students with an MBA in Ireland.

Why Study an MBA in Ireland?

World-class universities, high quality of life, and lower tuition fees compared to the UK and the US make Ireland one of the top study destinations for Indian students. Here are some reasons why Ireland is especially suited for MBA students.

• Irish MBA programmes, especially part-time MBAs and executive MBAs, have shorter course durations compared to the UK and the US.
• The tuition fees for MBA programmes are lower in Ireland compared to other popular study destinations, such as the UK and the US.
• The government of Ireland, Irish business schools and universities, and private benefactors offer scholarships of up to 50% of tuition fees for Indian MBA students.
• International MBA graduates can stay up to two years in Ireland after completing their MBA to gain work experience.
• Globally recognised companies like Apple, Google, Intel, and Pfizer have their European headquarters in Ireland, creating lucrative work opportunities for MBA graduates.

Shorter course durations, lower tuition fees, and easier access to post-study work opportunities make Ireland one of the best destinations for Indian students to pursue their MBA. Next, let’s take a look at the types of MBAs you can study in Ireland.

Types of MBA in Ireland

Universities and business schools in Ireland offer different types of MBA programmes to meet the demand and interests of international students. The three main types of MBAs that Indian students can pursue in Ireland are:

• Full-time MBA

This MBA programme typically lasts one to two years, and allows you to build a complete understanding of business and management. However, you won’t have any time to pursue part-time work or career opportunities while pursuing this type of MBA programme.

• Part-time MBA

Irish universities offer part-time MBA programmes typically lasting two years. This type of MBA is ideal if you are a professional who wants to earn an MBA while continuing to work.

• Executive MBA

The Executive MBA (EMBA) curriculum places a particular focus on developing your strategic thinking and decision-making skills. EMBA programmes in Ireland are typically two-year part-time programmes, allowing you to continue working while earning your MBA.

Certain institutions also offer MBA programmes where you can attend a majority of the lectures online. The different types of MBA programmes offered by Irish institutions give you the flexibility to pursue your MBA, whether you are a working professional or a full-time student. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to study as an MBA student in Ireland next.

MBA Curriculum in Ireland

Irish universities and business schools offer carefully designed MBAs to give students a comprehensive understanding of business management, leadership, and strategic decision-making. An MBA in Ireland typically includes the following components.

These components can change depending on the specialisation you choose for your MBA. Let’s take a quick look at the most popular MBA specialisations in Ireland.

Popular MBA specialisations in Ireland

Irish universities and business schools offer a wide range of specialisations that Indian students can follow as part of their MBA studies. Here are some of the popular MBA specialisations in Ireland.

These specialisations give you valuable, timely, and industry-specific insights to deepen your knowledge in your chosen field of study. Admission requirements for these programmes can change depending on the type of programme you’re pursuing, the specialisation, and the institution you’re applying to. Next, let’s take a look at the criteria you need to meet as an applicant from India to be accepted into an MBA in Ireland.

MBA in Ireland for Indian Students: Eligibility Criteria

Indian students must meet specific academic and language requirements to be eligible for an MBA in Ireland. While each institution in Ireland will have its own set of admissions requirements for prospective MBA students, the general qualifications you need to enter an MBA are as follows.

Making sure you meet these academic and work experience requirements is a great first step for starting your MBA journey in Ireland. If you need assistance finding and applying for an Irish MBA programme that matches your qualifications, you can book a free counselling session with a StudyIn higher education counsellor.

Next, let’s take a look at the top universities and business schools in Ireland where you can pursue your MBA.

Top MBA Universities and Business Schools in Ireland for Indian Students

Irish universities and business schools offer MBA programmes with a wide range of specialisations, high academic standards, flexible learning options, and excellent career prospects, making Ireland an attractive choice for many MBA students from India. Here are the top MBA universities and business schools in Ireland, the MBA programmes they offer, and the tuition fees for each programme.

With many globally recognised MBA programmes and diverse specialisations available in Ireland, it can be challenging to choose an MBA that perfectly aligns with your academic and professional goals. Get in touch with one of our higher education counsellors for expert guidance on selecting the right programme for your goals.

Next, let’s take a look at another important factor you would want to keep in mind when applying for your MBA in Ireland—the costs associated with your studies.

MBA in Ireland for Indian students: Fees 

The main expenses you need to keep in mind when studying an MBA in Ireland are your pre-arrival expenses, your tuition fees, and your living expenses. Once you have a clear idea of these costs, you can budget for your studies more effectively. The next few sections break down the costs you can expect when pursuing an MBA in Ireland as an Indian student.

Pre-arrival expenses to Ireland 

Pre-arrival costs for your MBA studies in Ireland include the Irish Study Visa fee, English language proficiency test fees, GMAT/GRE test fees, the private health insurance cost, 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)
• GMAT/GRE test fee – Approx. €240 (Approx. INR 24,000)
• 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 MBAs

Tuition fees for MBAs in Ireland can range from €15,000 to €40,000 (INR 15–40 lakhs). Your tuition fee can vary depending on the university or business school you’re studying at, the specialisation you’ve chosen, and the duration of your studies. Part-time MBAs and EMBAs tend to cost less per year, as they are generally delivered as two-year programmes in Ireland.

MBA tuition fees in Ireland are significantly lower compared to other popular MBA study destinations such as the UK and the US, where tuition fees tend to be around €18,000–87,000 (INR 18–87 lakhs).

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 MBA in Ireland can range from €700–1,360 (INR 71,000–138,000). Creating a monthly budget, looking into shared accommodation options, and taking up part-time work can help you offset some of these costs and manage your finances better.

The bulk of the cost associated with your MBA studies in Ireland will be the tuition fee for your MBA. Scholarships can help you offset some of these costs by covering the full or partial cost of tuition fees for your MBA studies in Ireland. Let’s take a look at a few scholarships that can support your MBA studies in Ireland next.

MBA scholarships in Ireland for Indian students

The government of Ireland, Irish business schools and universities, and private benefactors offer scholarship opportunities for Indian MBA students planning to study in Ireland. MBA scholarships in Canada are particularly helpful for international students, often offering tuition fee discounts up to 50%. Here are some of the most popular scholarships you can apply for as an Indian MBA 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.

Next, let’s take a look at the career opportunities you can explore after completing your MBA in Ireland.

Career Prospects and Salary in Ireland after your MBA

MBA 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 MBA graduates can pursue, along with the average annual salaries.

*Salary data accessed from PayScale in July 2025.

In addition to these lucrative employment opportunities, Ireland’s streamlined pathways for acquiring post-study work permits make it one of the most international student-friendly destinations for your MBA studies. Here’s how you can acquire a work permit to work in Ireland after completing your MBA.

Work permit after MBA 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, so you can 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.

Next, let’s take a look at the final step you need to get through to start your studies in Ireland—the visa application.

Student visa for your MBA in Ireland 

Here’s how you can navigate the process of applying for an Ireland Study Visa to study an MBA in Ireland.

Visa application process to follow as an Indian MBA student

• Step 1: Apply online through the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS) Online Application facility
• Step 2: Receive an offer letter from an Irish university or college
• Step 3: Provide financial proof (€10,000) for courses requiring residence for over eight months
• Step 4: Show health insurance coverage for the duration of studies
• Step 5: Attend a biometric appointment (if required) and submit supporting documents

If you need support with your visa application at any point, our visa experts can help you through our visa assistance service.

Documents needed for visa as an Indian MBA student

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)

If you need help choosing a university, understanding the entry requirements, or navigating the visa process for your MBA in Ireland, experts at StudyIn are ready to help. Book a free counselling session with a StudyIn counsellor today and take the first step toward studying your MBA degree in Ireland with confidence.

FAQs

Do Indian students need work experience to apply for an MBA in Ireland?

Work experience is a preferred requirement for most MBA programmes in Ireland, especially for EMBAs. While some universities may accept students without professional experience, most full-time MBA programmes in Ireland require three years of work experience, excluding internships and part-time jobs.

Can I work part-time during my MBA in Ireland?

Yes. International students in Ireland are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. However, if you are enrolled in a full-time MBA, you may not have time to pursue part-time work or career opportunities.

What is the average cost of studying an MBA in Ireland for Indian students?

The total cost of studying an MBA in Ireland can range from €28,000 to €53,000. This includes tuition fees, living expenses, and pre-arrival costs such as visa application fees and English language proficiency test fees.

Which are the most in-demand MBA specialisations in Ireland?

Popular and high-demand MBA specialisations in Ireland include accounting, business analytics, general management, information systems, and marketing. These areas align well with job market trends in Ireland.

What are my options after completing an MBA in Ireland?

After graduation, you can register for the Third Level Graduate Scheme, which allows you to live and work in Ireland for two years. During this period, you can seek graduate-level employment and apply for a general employment permit, a critical skills employment permit, or a research hosting agreement to stay and work in Ireland for longer.