Top 10 Best Universities in Ireland for International Students

Why Study in Ireland?

To study in Ireland is more than just earning a degree; it gives international students a chance to be a part of a country which considers talent as the true currency. In recent years, Ireland has welcomed around 40,400 international students from all over the world, including India, China, and many other countries.

A main reason behind this growing interest in Universities in Ireland is the country’s reputation for offering high-quality education, extensive research opportunities, and post-study work permits. Do you know that seven public Ireland Universities, along with one of the 14 institutes of technology, have been a part of the top 700 institutes in the world by the QS World University Rankings?

Additionally, Ireland is also a European base for over 1,000 international companies like Google, Apple, Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, Pfizer, and Dell. This provides students with ample opportunities for internships, collaborations, and career development.

List of Top 10 Universities in Ireland

In Ireland, there are four major types of Educational institutions, which include Ireland universities, specialist colleges, technological universities, and independent colleges. All of these focus on providing vocational education and practical skills to students.

As of 2025, there are 12 universities in the Republic of Ireland, including both public and technological universities that students can find using our college finder tool. Below you will find a list of the top 10 universities in Ireland, along with their QS World University Rankings 2026, courses, scholarships, and more.

1. Trinity College Dublin (#75)

Trinity College is one of the oldest and most prestigious Universities in Ireland and has been ranking highest in the country consistently. The university is also a member of the League of European Research Universities and is known for producing generations of influential alumni.

Trinity’s alumni include names like Oscar Wilde, William Rowan Hamilton, Bram Stoker, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Maguire. Moreover, it is one of the seven ancient universities and was built as an Irish equivalent of the University of Cambridge.

2. University College Dublin (#118)

The University College Dublin is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and is known for its high graduate employability. It was founded in 1854 and is currently ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world.

This is one of the best Ireland universities for international students as it has a huge global student population and provides a good number of exchange programmes with hundreds of institutes around the world.

3. University College Cork (#246)

The next on our Ireland university list for international students is University College Cork, which is known for its vibrant student community, best masters in Ireland courses, and strong academic reputation. It was first founded as Ireland’s three Queen’s Colleges in 1845 and became the world’s first university campus, which was given the international Green Flag for environmental friendliness.

Moreover, the university is also Ireland’s research hub and is home to renowned institutes like the Tyndall National Institute and APC Microbiome Ireland.

4. University of Galway (#284)

Another one of the best universities in Ireland is the University of Galway, which is a public research university known for its research and teaching across a range of disciplines. Galway Uni is also a part of the Coimbra Group, a network of 40 long-established European universities.

The university has over 12% total population of international students and fosters a diverse and inclusive environment. Moreover, it is one of the top Universities in Ireland, which provides a wide range of UG, PG, and part-time degrees with an extensive focus on graduate employability.

5. University of Limerick (#401)

The University of Limerick is a public research university that has a strong industry and business connection and is known for its Cooperative Education program and commitment to sustainability. Its Kemmy Business School is one of the top universities in Ireland as well as the world and holds "Triple Crown" accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.

In addition to this, the University of Limerick is one of the only Ireland universities which received a 5-star rating from the QS Stars rating system.

6. Dublin City University (#410)

The next on our list of universities in Ireland for international students is Dublin City University. A public research institute which puts a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship by providing its students access to collaboration with major companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM.

The university also offers a work placement program called INTRA to its undergraduate students to provide valuable work experience before they graduate. Lastly, there are more than 17,000 students, out of which 22% population is international students.

7. Maynooth University (#771–780)

Maynooth University is one of the youngest colleges in Ireland and is also a constituent university of the National University of Ireland. Despite being a new university, Maynooth has received recognition and was also named the University of the Year by The Sunday Times.

The university has a global reputation for research, especially in the humanities, social sciences, and spatial sciences. As for international students, it provides a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a strong sense of community.

8. Technological University Dublin (#781–790)

Another great Ireland universities for international students is TU Dublin. It offers industry-focused education which puts more emphasis on practical and real-world learning to make its students highly employable after graduation.

The university provides a dynamic student experience with its five urban campuses, which span Dublin City and its suburbs. Lastly, most of Technological University Dublin’s courses are recognised internationally and offer its students opportunities for exchanges, cross-collaboration research, and employment.

9. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (#161)

Also known as RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is the country’s largest medical school with campuses in Dublin, Bahrain, Malaysia, and Dubai.

The courses at these colleges in Ireland are mainly focused on health sciences and over wide range programs at UG, PG, and professional levels. Moreover, the university also offers training and examinations with the help of professional faculties, including Radiology, Dentistry, and Sports & Exercise Medicine.

10. Technological University of the Shannon (#801)

Last on our list of top 10 Universities in Ireland is the Technological University of the Shannon, which is a public institute and was formed by the merger of the Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT).

The university also offers hundreds of courses in a wide range of fields, with a major focus on applied research and innovation. Some of the university’s popular research areas include Materials science and polymer technology.

Admission Requirements in Ireland for International Students

The admission requirement for getting into Universities in Ireland varies by institution, program, and country of origin. However, the general requirement includes:

• Academic Qualifications: For UG courses, student needs to complete high school or equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. And for PG courses, a bachelor's degree with good grades, usually 2:1 or equivalent, is required.
• English Language Proficiency: Ireland universities accept IELTS (typically 6.0–6.5), TOEFL, PTE, or other accepted tests. Also note that waivers are possible if the previous education was in English.
• Documents: Transcripts and Certificates, Official academic records, Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation, CV, and a Copy of the passport.
• Programme-Specific Requirements: Some courses might also have their own specific requirements. For example, portfolio, entrance test, or work experience.

Conclusion

Summing up, the Universities in Ireland offer international students the perfect blend of world-class education, vibrant culture, and strong career prospects. With globally ranked universities, diverse courses, and generous post-study work opportunities, students can gain valuable skills and experience in an English-speaking, welcoming environment. Are you someone who wants to be a part of these prestigious universities? Connect with our experts from Gradding and simplify your study abroad journey today!

FAQs

1. What Are the Requirements for A Student Visa in Ireland?

To get an Irish student visa, international students need to provide proof of enrolment, a demonstration of sufficient financial resources, proof of English language proficiency, and secure private health insurance. However, also note that the specific documents requirement also depends on the student’s country or origin. Other general requirements for a long-stay 'D' student visa include evidence of fee payment, a statement of purpose, a police clearance certificate, and a commitment to return.

2. Do I Need IELTS for Ireland?

Yes, IELTS can be used to study in Ireland; however, it is not a necessity. Many Irish universities accept other English language proficiency tests like TOEFL, PTE, and DET. Moreover, the general IELTS requirement by top universities like Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin is around 6.5 or above.

3. How Much Will It Cost to Study in Ireland?

For international students, the average cost of study in Ireland can be around €15,000 to €30,000 annually. This is around 15 lakhs to 31 lakhs INR and includes both the tuition fees and living expenses. However, this figure can vary depending on the city and accommodation choices.

4.Can I get a PR in Ireland after studying?

Students can get permanent residency (PR) after their studies in Ireland; however, it takes time and is not an immediate process. Getting a PR involves several steps and starts with a post-study visa that can help students to gain work experience, which can then be used to qualify for long-term residency.

5. How Can I Get a Scholarship to Study in Ireland?

Students can get a scholarship from three main categories, including government-funded scholarships, external organisation scholarships, and university-specific awards. To get these scholarships, students need to fill out an application form and pass the scholarship’s eligibility criteria.