MBA in Ireland in 2026: Overview

As of 2025, Ireland is seeing steady growth in international enrolments, with over 40,000 students recorded in 2023-24 and a noticeable increase in Indian applicants. An MBA in Ireland offers a chance to study at top business schools, and in this article, you’ll discover the best colleges, popular specialisations, admission requirements, and more.

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Why Choose Ireland for an MBA?

Ireland offers a strategic mix of high-quality education, industry exposure, and post-study work opportunities for MBA aspirants. 

Below are the major reasons why pursuing an MBA in Ireland is a smart choice in 2025:

  • Affordable Tuition Fees: MBA programmes cost between €10,000-36,500 (₹10-36 lakh) per year, significantly lower than US or UK MBA programmes.
  • Globally Recognised Business Schools: Institutions like Trinity College Dublin and UCD Smurfit are AMBA-accredited and ranked among the top 150 globally.
  • Post-Study Work Opportunities: Graduates can stay and work in Ireland for up to 2 years under the new 2025 graduate visa, with strong hiring from companies like Google, Deloitte, and Amazon.

Top MBA Colleges in Ireland

Trinity College Dublin is ranked among the best MBA colleges in Ireland.

Let's look at the list of top business schools in Ireland with their QS MBA Global Rank 2026 and tuition fees:

College Name

QS MBA Global Rank 2026

Tuition Fee

Trinity College Dublin - Trinity Business School

94

EUR 36,500 (INR 30 Lakhs)

University College Dublin - UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School

141-150

EUR 35,000 (INR 28.7 Lakhs)

Dublin City University - DCU Business School

N/A

EUR 25,500 (INR 20.9 Lakhs)

National University of Ireland, Galway - J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics

N/A

EUR 15,487 (INR 12.7 Lakhs)

Technological University Dublin - College of Business

N/A

EUR 10,500 (INR 8.6 Lakhs)

Griffith College - Griffith College Business School

N/A

EUR 10,000 (INR 8.5 Lakhs)

University of Limerick - Kemmy Business School

N/A

EUR 21,000 (INR 17.2 Lakhs)

Maynooth University - School of Business

N/A

EUR 18,700 (INR 15.3 Lakhs)

Athlone Institute of Technology - Faculty of Business & Hospitality

N/A

EUR 10,300 (INR 8.8 Lakhs)

Cork Institute of Technology - MTU Business School

N/A

EUR 10,600 (INR 9 Lakhs)

Top MBA Specialisations to Pursue in Ireland

Ireland offers a range of MBA specialisations, with Finance and Business Analytics being the most popular due to growing demand in key industries. 

Here are the top 10 MBA specialisations in Ireland:

  • Finance
  • Business Analytics
  • Marketing
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Healthcare Management
  • Information Technology (IT) Management
  • Sustainability and Environmental Management
  • General Management

MBA in Ireland for Indian Students: Admission Requirements

To apply for an MBA in Ireland from India, you need a strong academic record and relevant work experience. 

Here are the key requirements to secure admission into top Irish business schools:

Academic Requirements

Most universities in Ireland require a bachelor’s degree with a minimum score of 60-65% from a reputable university. Work experience of 2-3 years is preferred, with some schools considering candidates with less experience if they have strong professional achievements. Some programs also consider GMAT or GRE with score ranging from 520 to 600.

English Language Proficiency

Since MBA programs in Ireland are taught in English, students must submit proof of English proficiency. Universities accept IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher, TOEFL iBT 90+, or PTE Academic 58+, with no section below the required minimum.

Documents Required

Applicants need to submit a set of standard documents to complete their application:

Cost of Pursuing MBA in Ireland for Indian Students

The average cost of an MBA in Ireland, including tuition fees and living expenses, ranges from INR 22 lakhs to INR 40 lakhs (approx. EUR 25,000 to 45,000) per year

Thus, pursuing an MBA in Ireland is comparatively affordable versus the US or UK, but students should plan for tuition, living expenses, and other fees. 

Below is a breakdown of what Indian students can expect to spend in 2025:

Tuition Fee

Tuition fees for MBA programs in Ireland vary depending on the university and specialization. Here’s a quick check:

  • The highest tuition fee for an MBA in Ireland is at Trinity College Dublin, costing EUR 36,500 (INR 30 Lakhs).
  • The lowest tuition fee is at Technological University Dublin, which is EUR 10,500 (INR 8.6 Lakhs).
  • On average, MBA programs in Ireland fall in the range of EUR 25,000 to 30,000 (INR 21-25 Lakhs).

Visa Cost

Applying for a student visa in Ireland involves several charges beyond just the visa application. Here are all sorts of costs included:

  • Visa Application Fee: EUR 60 (INR 6,180)
  • Health Insurance (mandatory): EUR 250-350 (INR 25,750-36,050)
  • Biometric Fee: EUR 20 (INR 2,060)
  • Immigration Registration Fee (GNIB): EUR 300 (INR 30,900)

Living Expenses

The cost of living in Ireland depends on the city, lifestyle, and accommodation type. On average, students spend the following per month:

Expense Category

Monthly Cost

Annual Cost

Accommodation

EUR 700-1,200 (INR 72 K-1.23 L)

EUR 8,400-14,400 (INR 8.65 L-14.83 L)

Food & Groceries

EUR 250-400 (INR 25.75 K-41.2 K)

EUR 3,000-4,800 (INR 3.09 L-4.94 L)

Transport

EUR 80-120 (INR 8.24 K-12.36 K)

EUR 960-1,440 (INR 99 K-1.48 L)

Miscellaneous & Leisure

EUR 150-250 (INR 15.45 K-25.75 K)

EUR 1,800-3,000 (INR 1.85 L-3.09 L)

Total

EUR 1,180-1,970 (INR 1.21 L-2.03 L)

EUR 14,160-23,640 (INR 14.58 L-24.35 L)

Scholarships to Pursue an MBA in Ireland

Ireland offers a variety of scholarships, including the Trinity College Dublin Global MBA Scholarship and many others. 

Below is a table of some prominent scholarships in Ireland, their eligibility criteria, and the awards or benefits they provide:

Scholarship Name

Eligibility Criteria

Award / Benefits

Trinity College Dublin Global MBA Scholarship

High academic performance, leadership qualities, and strong professional experience

Up to EUR 10,000 (INR 10.3 L)

UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Scholarships

Exceptional candidates applying for an MBA, with academic excellence and career potential

Partial tuition fee waiver

Irish Aid Fellowship Programme

Indian students with experience in the development sector and a strong academic record

Full tuition + living stipend

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)

International students with excellent academic credentials and leadership potential

EUR 5,000-10,000 (INR 5.15-10.3 L)

DCU Business School Excellence Scholarships

High achievers in academics and professional experience

Up to EUR 5,000 (INR 5.15 L)

Kemmy Business School Scholarships, UL

International students with a strong CV and academic track record

Partial tuition fee waiver

Maynooth University Global Excellence Awards

High-achieving international MBA applicants

EUR 3,000-7,000 (INR 3.1-7.2 L)

Griffith College MBA Scholarships

Merit-based for international students

Partial tuition fee waiver

Technological University Dublin MBA Awards

Exceptional students demonstrating academic and leadership qualities

Up to EUR 4,000 (INR 4.12 L)

Cork Institute of Technology / MTU Scholarships

High-potential MBA candidates with excellent academic and professional profiles

Partial tuition fee waiver

Career Opportunities After an MBA in Ireland

MBA graduates in Ireland can expect entry-level salaries of EUR 35,000-50,000 (INR 36.1 L-51.5 L). After 3 to 5 years of experience, salaries often increase to EUR 60,000-90,000 (INR 61.8 L to 92.7 L) due to high demand for skilled professionals.

Below is a table of popular MBA job roles and their expected salaries:

Job Role

Average Salary (Entry Level)

Average Salary (3-5 Years Experience)

Management Consultant

EUR 38,000 - 50,000 (INR 39.1 L - 51.5 L)

EUR 65,000 - 85,000 (INR 66.9 L - 87.6 L)

Financial Analyst

EUR 35,000 - 48,000 (INR 36.1 L - 49.4 L)

EUR 60,000 - 80,000 (INR 61.8 L - 82.4 L)

Marketing Manager

EUR 34,000 - 46,000 (INR 35.0 L - 47.4 L)

EUR 55,000 - 75,000 (INR 56.6 L - 77.3 L)

Business Development Manager

EUR 36,000 - 50,000 (INR 37.1 L - 51.5 L)

EUR 60,000 - 85,000 (INR 61.8 L - 87.6 L)

Operations Manager

EUR 35,000 - 48,000 (INR 36.1 L - 49.4 L)

EUR 58,000 - 80,000 (INR 59.7 L - 82.4 L)

Product Manager

EUR 38,000 - 52,000 (INR 39.1 L - 53.6 L)

EUR 65,000 - 90,000 (INR 66.9 L - 92.7 L)

HR Manager

EUR 33,000 - 45,000 (INR 34.0 L - 46.4 L)

EUR 55,000 - 70,000 (INR 56.6 L - 72.1 L)

Entrepreneur / Startup Founder

EUR 30,000 - 45,000 (INR 30.9 L - 46.4 L)

EUR 60,000 - 100,000 (INR 61.8 L - 103 L)

MBA in Ireland: Application Process

To apply for an MBA in Ireland, you need a valid bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.

Below are the steps to complete your MBA application efficiently:

  • Step 1: Shortlist Programs: Research and choose MBA programs that align with your career goals.
  • Step 2: Verify Eligibility: Check academic scores, work experience, and English proficiency requirements.
  • Step 3: Prepare Documents: Gather academic transcripts, degree certificates, SOP, LORs, CV, and proof of funds.
  • Step 4: Submit Application: Apply online through the university portal before the deadline.
  • Step 5: Accept Offer & Apply for Visa: Confirm your admission offer and apply for an Ireland student visa.

From the Desk of Yocket

Many students planning an MBA in Ireland often worry about choosing the right university, managing costs, and understanding job prospects after graduation. One quick tip is to focus on aligning your MBA choice with your long-term career goals, as Ireland offers strong opportunities in business, tech, and finance for skilled graduates.

With Yocket Premium, we simplify your MBA journey by offering the right tools, guidance, and verified information; whether it’s shortlisting universities, understanding fees, or planning your visa process. Explore our resources to confidently navigate every step of pursuing an MBA in Ireland.

FAQs on MBA in Ireland

Is Ireland good for an MBA?

Yes, Ireland is a great choice for an MBA because it offers globally recognized programs, strong industry connections, and excellent career opportunities in business, tech, and finance.

What is the cost of an MBA in Ireland?

The cost of an MBA in Ireland usually ranges from EUR 10,000 to 36,500 (INR 10.3 Lakh to 37.6 Lakh), depending on the university and program.

How many years is an MBA in Ireland?

Most full-time MBA programs in Ireland are 1 year, while part-time programs may take 2 years.

Which MBA specialization is best in Ireland?

Popular and high-value MBA specializations in Ireland include Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing, HR, and Leadership & Management.

Frequently Asked Questions about MBA in Ireland

Is work experience compulsory to pursue MBA in Ireland?

What is the demand for an MBA from Ireland?

Are interviews a part of the admission process for MBA in Ireland?

What types of permits can one apply for after pursuing an MBA in Ireland?

Do I need a GMAT score to apply for an MBA in Ireland?

Can Indian students stay in Ireland after completing an MBA?

Which specialisations are in demand for MBA in Ireland?

Can I get scholarships for an MBA in Ireland?

How can I apply for an MBA in Ireland?

Are internships a part of MBA programmes in Ireland?

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