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Tuition Fees at Universities in Ireland
3 min read
When considering studying abroad, tuition fees and living expenses are among the most significant factors influencing your decision. As an international student, it’s essential to have accurate and up-to-date information on the total cost of studying in Ireland, so you can arrange the necessary funding in advance and begin your academic journey with confidence.
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Ireland in 2025?
Tuition Fees in Ireland
Tuition fees at Irish universities vary depending on your residency status (EU or non-EU), the university, and the level and subject of study. While Irish and EU students benefit from subsidised fees, non-EU international students are required to pay full international tuition rates. Tuition fees for international students typically range from:
- Foundation programmes: €5,500 – €15,000
- Undergraduate degrees: €10,000 – €30,000 per year
- Postgraduate degrees: €10,000 – €35,000 per year
- Specialist programmes (e.g. Medicine, Dentistry): €30,000 – €55,000 per year
Please note: fees for medicine, dentistry, and highly specialised courses are significantly higher than for most arts, humanities, or social sciences programmes.
Tuition Fees at Selected Irish Universities (2025)
Use the table below to compare undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees in Ireland for full-time international students.
| University | Undergraduate Courses | Postgraduate Courses |
|---|---|---|
| University of Limerick | €5,000 – €45,000 | €6,000 – €40,000 |
| Maynooth University | €12,000 – €13,500 | €6,500 – €15,000 |
| University College Dublin | €18,000 – €53,000 | €5,000 – €31,000 |
| Trinity College Dublin | €10,000 – €45,000 | €7,000 – €49,000 |
| University of Galway | €12,750 – €31,000 | €13,250 – €15,000 |
| Dublin City University | €10,800 – €12,600 | €9,425 |
Cost of Living in Ireland
In addition to tuition fees, international students need to budget for living expenses. These will vary based on lifestyle, city, and accommodation type.
Estimated monthly costs include:
- Accommodation: €500 – €1,200
- Food and groceries: €250 – €400
- Transport: €100 – €150
- Utilities and internet: €80 – €150
- Books and supplies: €75 – €100
- Leisure and personal expenses: €100 – €200
On average, students should budget €10,000 – €15,000 per year to cover living costs in Ireland.
Free Fees Initiative (EU Students Only)
Under the Free Fees Initiative, tuition fees for eligible EU undergraduate students are covered by Ireland’s Higher Education Authority (HEA). To qualify, students must:
- Have lived in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland for at least three of the past five years
- Be enrolling in their first full-time undergraduate course
- Be studying on a course that is at least two years in duration
Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria must pay EU-level tuition fees, which vary by institution and course. These are still lower than non-EU fees.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Irish universities offer a range of scholarships and financial aid options to international students. These may cover partial or full tuition fees, and in some cases include a stipend for living expenses.
Scholarship types include:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Country-specific or region-specific awards
- Subject-specific bursaries
- Government-funded scholarships (e.g. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships)
All students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities through the university’s websites or contact the international student office for more information.
Study in Ireland
Do you need personalised advice on applying to an Irish university? Arrange a free consultation with StudyIn today. Our expert advisors will guide you through every step of your journey, from choosing a course to securing funding and submitting your application.