Ireland is one of the most popular academic destinations for international students in Europe due to its modern education system and exceptional universities, many of which perform strongly in global rankings. It hosts tens of thousands of international students each year and offers a wide range of degree programs for diverse 21st-century learners.
Despite the relatively high tuition fees at Irish universities, many students still choose to study in Ireland because of the numerous scholarship opportunities available and the globally recognized degrees they can earn there. In addition, most universities in Ireland offer many programs in English.
Irish universities are also keeping up with the growing demand for data professionals locally and abroad by offering competitive data science programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Students may also benefit from international exchange opportunities that help them expand their academic exposure and professional experience.
Below, we talk about some of Ireland’s best universities for data science.
Top Schools Offering Data Science in Ireland
1. University College Dublin
The Catholic University of Ireland was established in 1854 and became University College Dublin (UCD) in 1908. UCD ranks among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide and is ranked 118th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It also hosts more than 11,500 international students from over 152 countries.
Among the best universities for data science in Ireland, UCD offers the four-year BSc Computer Science with Data Science and Artificial Intelligence through its DN201 Computer Science course. Eligible EU/EEA/UK/Swiss students may qualify for Ireland’s Free Fees Initiative, while non-EU applicants should check UCD’s current undergraduate fee schedule before applying. Students may also have opportunities to study abroad for a trimester at a partner university.
The university also offers a Master’s program in Data and Computational Science. It is worth 90 credits and lasts one year full-time on campus. For 2026/27, the full-time EU fee is €9,720 per year, while the non-EU fee is €27,720. Both the undergraduate and Master’s-level programs are taught in English.
2. University College Cork
University College Cork (UCC) was established in 1845 and opened to students in 1849 as Queen’s College Cork. It is one of Ireland’s leading universities and offers hundreds of study programs for prospective students to choose from. Domestic and international students alike benefit from the university’s vibrant atmosphere and diverse selection of clubs and societies.
UCC’s undergraduate program, renamed Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for 2026 entry, provides a solid background in the mathematical, statistical, and computing skills needed in the data industry. The program lasts four years full-time and, for 2026/27, costs €27,000 per year for non-EU students, plus a €210 capitation fee.
Graduates of the Bachelor’s program may enter the labor market directly or pursue a Master’s degree at UCC. The postgraduate program is now listed as the MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and lasts one year for full-time students. For 2026/27, the EU fee is €8,000, while the non-EU fee is €28,000.
3. Dublin City University
Dublin City University (DCU) is one of Ireland’s leading young universities. It is ranked Ireland’s top young university, 59th globally in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, and among the top 350 universities globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. Its student body represents 123 nationalities, and it offers programs across business, education, engineering and computing, humanities and social sciences, and science and health.
Prospective students of this outstanding data science school may apply for the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program. Through the program, students develop computer science, mathematics, business, artificial intelligence, and machine learning skills that can help prepare them for careers in fields such as finance, healthcare, media, sports, and more. Students also complete a paid work placement in the third year.
The program takes four years to finish full-time. For 2026/27, the annual EU status fee is €6,679, the student contribution is €2,543, and the non-EU fee is €17,900. Fees are subject to annual increases.
4. Maynooth University
Maynooth University (MU) is a fast-growing university that was formally established as an autonomous university in 1997, with roots tracing back to the founding of St. Patrick’s College Maynooth in 1795. It remains one of Ireland’s most prominent young universities.
Being one of the best data science universities in Ireland, Maynooth University’s undergraduate program in Data Science is a four-year course that provides students with the data literacy needed in a modern, data-driven society. It combines essential preparation in computer science, mathematics, and statistics, with opportunities to apply these skills through projects and advanced study in later years.
The program costs €18,000 per year for international students in 2026/27. However, several scholarships are available at the university and from external sources for those seeking financial assistance. Graduates of the program may pursue a Master’s Degree in Data Science and Analytics, a 12-month conversion course that includes a 30-credit thesis and offers additional skills and qualifications for data-focused careers.
5. NUI Galway
National University of Ireland, Galway, now legally named University of Galway, was founded in 1845 as Queen’s College Galway. Its long history has helped it expand into a modern university that continues to respond to the needs of a changing society. One way it does this is through the Data Science Institute, which grew from earlier research initiatives and has operated under its current name since 2017.
The university has Master’s programs that provide skills for the data industry, including the Master of Science in Computer Science (Data Analytics) and the Master of Science in Genomics Data Science. The Computer Science (Data Analytics) program lasts one year full-time on campus and is worth 90 ECTS credits. The Genomics Data Science program is also a 90-credit Master’s program, with 60 credits from taught modules and 30 credits from a research project.
Fees vary by program and year. For example, for 2026/27, the MSc Genomics Data Science total fee is €9,040 for EU students and €28,640 for non-EU students. Applicants should check the individual University of Galway course pages for the latest fee information before applying.
Graduates of the Data Analytics program can find job opportunities in the business and financial industries. Professional genomic data scientists can pursue positions in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and research and development industries. More data-science-related Master’s and Ph.D. programs are available at the Data Science Institute.
Data science is one of the most sought-after fields in the world today. Data scientists can work across many industries because companies and organizations need skilled professionals to manage, analyze, and interpret large datasets. Studying in Ireland could be the beginning of a thriving career in the field. Begin your application today!
We hope this article on the best universities for data science in Ireland was helpful. If you’re looking to study abroad, make sure to check out the Available Data Science Programs for International Students page for more informative articles.
