Ireland has one of the best education systems in the world. The universities here uphold global competence, and graduates of Irish educational institutions have already marked their careers in various industries all over the world.
Today, more than one in ten full-time students in Ireland come from overseas. This shows that Ireland continues to live up to its great reputation among students who want to study abroad. If you want to experience Irish education but do not have a single idea about the possible expenses that await you, refer to our guide below.
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Cost of Studying in Ireland for International Students
There are over 18 prominent universities and more than 2,000 courses to choose from when you opt to study in Ireland. Studying in Ireland, the tuition charge will truly take up a significant portion of your budget but do not worry that much since tuition rates in Ireland are low.
The undergraduate and postgraduate offerings in the area are inexpensive compared to other western countries. However, engineering, medical, management, and business administration programs are slightly expensive.
Undergraduate courses at the University College of Dublin range from €13,060 to €38,500 per year, while Master’s and PhD programs can cost up to €26,400 annually.
Maynooth University, known for its research in humanities and mathematics, has lesser tuition costs. You can spend between €13,500 to €15,000 per year on all its undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Dublin Business School is also one of the most prominent institutions in Ireland. For non-EU residents, you can pay a minimum of €10,050 annually for their Bachelor’s programs. The school also offers business-related Master’s programs, which can cost an average of €13,275 a year.
Cork Institute of Technology offers an annual tuition fee of €12,000 for all levels of study. This can be reduced by 25% if you are eligible for the institution’s scholarship programs.
If you want to enroll in specialist programs in Optometry, Tourism Marketing, and more, Technological University Dublin is the best option for you. All its international programs cost between €7,500 to €34,500 a year.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Cost of Living in Ireland for International Students
1. Cost of living in Cork
If you want to live in Cork, it is expected that you get to spend around €1,240 to €1,880 a month when you live in Cork. This already covers your overall expenses, including accommodation.
For a private apartment, your monthly rent can range from €600 to €1,000. However, this can be reduced from €500 to €600 a month if you opt for a house share. Utilities in the area, including electricity, water, and gas, can reach up to €50.
Your food expenses depend mainly on your lifestyle, but you can spend around €350 a month. In addition, transportation in Cork does not leave that much hole in your wallet because of the Student Leap Card. This costs from €13 to €76, depending on the package you want. When you purchase this, you can earn up to a 50% discount on your transportation fares.
2. Cost of Living in Dublin
For international students who wish to stay in Dublin, the estimated monthly cost is €917 a month. That is still exclusive of your rent and utility bills.
The accommodation cost in Dublin is really high, especially since this sector has a limited supply now. If you want an apartment within the city center, you need to have a budget of at least €1,700. For your utility bills, your monthly payment is estimated to be about €175.
If you love dining out always, there are also a lot of restaurants in Dublin that offer decent prices. But if you want to shop for your own groceries and save more, you can also do that since there is no shortage of supermarkets in Dublin.
Dublin is a relatively small city. You can basically roam around just by biking or walking, but if you’re living near the heart of the city, you can have lesser transportation costs. On average, a one-way ticket in Dublin costs €3.
3. Cost of Living in Dundalk
Dundalk is famous for its vibrant nightlife. It may be a small city, but it has progressed throughout the years due to large companies opening in the area. This unlocks a lot of opportunities for international students in terms of work and leisure.
Consumer prices in Dundalk are 11.42% lower than in Dublin, which is why a lot of international students consider staying in the area. For an average person living in Dundalk, you can survive for a month with a €1,500 budget. That already covers all your living expenses, including rent.
Together with your utility bills, a cheap one-bedroom apartment can reach up to €860. If you want to eat outside for lunch, it also will not cost that much since the average restaurant price within the area is €11. A €350-monthly food expense is already a comfortable lifestyle in Dundalk.
4. Cost of Living in Belfast
Belfast is Northern Ireland’s capital city. More than the fact that it is a vibrant city and home to one of the world’s leading universities, it also has the lowest student cost of living in the region.
If you want to stay in Belfast, with less than €1,000 a month, you can already take care of all your expenses in Belfast. Rent in the area only has an average cost of €476 per month. Belfast’s food prices are also low, with an estimated €60 per week.
Since Belfast is a small city, it is easy to go from one place to another. There is also a good network of trains and buses in and around the city, offering discounted fares for full-time students. On a weekly average, you can spend around €10 on your transportation fares.
5. Cost of Living in Limerick
Limerick is the third-largest city in Ireland and is the home to many popular landmarks, such as the St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John’s Castle. The city is an excellent choice for international students because of its welcoming locals and very scenic streets.
To live in Limerick, your average monthly rental is €696. Food costs may also run up to €650 a month, especially if you eat in restaurants more frequently. To cover your daily expenses, like transportation and utility bills, you have to set aside at least €101 from your allowance. Basically, you will need a monthly minimum of €1,700 to be able to live comfortably in Limerick.
We hope that this article on Cost of Studying and Living in Ireland for International Students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
