21 Best Universities for MS in Ireland for International Students 2026

Ireland is preferred by international students for MS due to its 2 year stay back visa and a variety of English-taught programs.

• Two-Year Post-Study Work Visa: Ireland offers a 24 month stay back visa for MS graduates, giving enough time to secure skilled employment.
• Global Tech & Pharma Hiring Hub: Ireland has European HQs of Google, Meta, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Pfizer, Intel, and Johnson & Johnson, which is super beneficial for MS graduates in CS, data, engineering, and life sciences.
• PR & Long-Term Stay Options: Graduates working in critical skills roles can move to a Stamp 4 residence permit, which leads toward PR in Ireland.
• Scholarships & Fee Waivers: Ireland offers various fully funded scholarships through the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, which also provides a living stipend.

Ireland has 8 universities offering MS programs with a focused university system. Among them, Trinity College Dublin is the only university that consistently ranks in the global top 100.

Here are the top universities for masters in Ireland:

Next, let’s dive deeper into each university to understand courses, fees, and future outcomes:

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin was founded in 1592 and is the oldest as well as one of the top 10 universities for MS in Ireland. It has over 22,000 students with more than 35% coming from over 120 countries. It is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and has 3 faculties and 24 schools.

• Popular MS Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Business Analytics, Life Sciences, Data Science
• Average Tuition Fee: €12,675-€125,000 per year (₹13.4L-₹1.32 Cr)
• Application Deadline: Fall, January 30, 2026
• Useful Link:https://www.tcd.ie/

University College Dublin

University College Dublin has around 39,500 students, with 5,000 coming from overseas. 32 to 34% of the student body is international. The student-to-teacher ratio is about 20.5:1, and the university has consistently ranked #1 in Ireland for graduate employability by QS for the past five years.

• Popular MS Programs: Business Analytics, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Life Sciences
• Average Tuition Fee: €9,200-€162,000 per year (₹9.7L-₹1.75 Cr)
• Application Deadline: Fall 2026 (Not announced yet)
• Useful Link: https://www.ucd.ie/

University College Cork

University College Cork has over 26,000 students, including around 4,000 international students from more than 130 countries. Over 90% of graduates find employment or continue their studies. It is one of the best universities for MS in Ireland because it is a member of Universitas 21 and the Coimbra Group. 

• Popular MS Programs: Business Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences
• Average Tuition Fee: €16,000-€87,000 per year (₹16.9L-₹92L)
• Application Deadline: Fall, March 4, 2026
• Useful Link:https://www.ucc.ie/

University of Galway

The University of Galway has over 19,000 students, with 19-33% coming from various countries. The university has a staff of more than 2,500 and maintains international connections with students from over 110 countries, 90,000+ alumni in 107 countries, and 120+ global university partnerships.

• Popular MS Programs: Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Analytics, Life Sciences
• Average Tuition Fee: €14,000-€96,000 per year (₹14.8L-₹1.01 Cr)
• Application Deadline: Fall, September 7, 2026
• Useful Link:https://www.universityofgalway.ie/

University of Limerick

The University of Limerick has over 19,740 students, including more than 3,300 international students each year. The university employs 2,121 staff members and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. It is known for its large co-operative education program, placing over 2,000 students in paid work experiences in Europe annually.

• Popular MS Programs: Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Business Analytics, Life Sciences
• Average Tuition Fee: €3,700-€74,700 per year (₹3.9L-₹78.9L)
• Application Deadline: Fall, July 1, 2026
• Useful Link:https://www.ul.ie/

Dublin City University

Dublin City University has 19,392 students, including 3,709 PG taught and around 960 PG research students. About 22% of the student body is international. One of the main reasons for making it the top university for MS in Ireland is its ranking #1 in Ireland for graduate employment, with 93% of graduates in work or further study within 9 months of completing their programs.

• Popular MS Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Business Analytics, Life Sciences
• Average Tuition Fee: €4,250-€73,500 per year (₹4.5L-₹77.8L)
• Application Deadline: Spring, January 12, 2026
• Useful Link: https://www.dcu.ie/

Maynooth University

Maynooth University has around 16,110 students, including about 2,465 taught postgraduates and 605 research postgraduates. The university has 821 academic staff and an acceptance rate of around 73%. Its motto is Veritati Fir Fer (Truth, Strength, Courage).

• Popular MS Programs: Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Business Analytics, Life Sciences
• Average Tuition Fee: €12,675 - €70,600 per year (₹1.34L - ₹7.4L)
• Application Deadline: Fall, June 30, 2026
• Useful Link:https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/

Technological University of Dublin

Technological University of Dublin has over 28,000 students, with more than 3,000 international students. The university employs around 3,500 academic staff. It was established in 1992 as a public technological university.

• Popular MS Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Business Analytics, Life Sciences
• Average Tuition Fee: €10,000-€52,800 per year (₹1.06L-₹5.6L)
• Application Deadline: Spring, January 1, 2026
• Useful Link:https://www.tudublin.ie/

The popular MS specialisations in Ireland are in Technology, Engineering, and Business sectors, with strong job prospects.

Here are the top 10 MS specialisations in Ireland:

Top universities for master's in Ireland teach 1-2 years prorgams. These are taught in English, where students take part in research, complete projects, and gain experience through internships.

Here is an overview of courses offered in the best universities for MS in Ireland:

Top universities for MS in Ireland will mainly check your academic qualifications and English language ability.

Eligibility Criteria

Irish universities make sure that you meet all sorts of country-specific rules:

• Educational Background: A recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is needed.
• Work Experience: Certain management or business programs prefer 1 to 2 years of prior work.
• Garda Vetting: A simple background check for students entering healthcare or education courses to make sure they are eligible to work with vulnerable people.

Entrance Exams

Some programs require test scores to confirm academic background and skills: 

• GRE: 300 to 325
• GMAT: 550 to 700

English Language Requirements

You must show you can study in English comfortably.

• IELTS: 6.5-7.0 overall
• TOEFL iBT: 90-100
• Duolingo English Test: 115-125

Documents Required

Universities review key documents to assess your application.

• Transcripts & Degrees: Submit all mark sheets and certificates from your previous education.
• SOP: Explain clearly why you selected this course and university.
• LOR: Obtain letters from teachers or employers supporting your skills.
• Resume: Provide a detailed summary of education, projects, internships, and work experience.
• Passport & Proof of Funds: Show a valid passport and financial proof for visa and living costs.

Best universities for MS in Ireland have different tuition fees for each; it starts from around €4,000 per year (₹4.2 L) at universities like the University of Limerick, up to €193,000 per year (₹2.04 Cr) at top programs like University College Dublin.

The table below shows the tuition fee brackets across Irish universities and how many institutions fall into each range:

Indian students commonly choose the Government of Ireland International Scholarship and the Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarship.

Here is a list of important scholarships for MS in Ireland, with eligibility and benefits:

Students choose the best university for MS in Ireland on the basis of long post-study work permits for STEM graduates and strong ties between universities and multinational companies like Google, Facebook, and Pfizer.

Important factors for selecting an Irish MS university:

• Post-Study Work Permission: STEM graduates can stay for up to 36 months under the Third Level Graduate Scheme, increasing job opportunities.
• University-Industry Internship Link: Some universities, like Trinity College Dublin and UCD, include mandatory work placements or industry projects.
• Recognition of 4-Year Bachelor’s Degrees: Irish universities may require equivalence checks for 3-year degrees from India before admission.
• Regional Employment Opportunities: Universities in Dublin or Cork are better for tech, finance, and pharma sectors, enhancing post-study job placement.

Finding the right university in Ireland can feel overwhelming due to high demand for MS programs and limited seats. Students often worry about eligibility, post-study stay duration, and job opportunities after graduation. Starting early and choosing wisely can improve outcomes.

Yocket Premium helps students make informed decisions with expert guidance. From university shortlisting to visa assistance and post-study planning, students get reliable support at every step. This allows them to focus on their goals without unnecessary stress.

What is the tuition fee range for MS in Ireland?

Fees range from €4,000 to €193,000 per year (₹4.2 L - ₹2.04 Cr) depending on program and university.

Are scholarships available for Indian students in Ireland?

Yes, Government of Ireland International Scholarships and University-based waivers reduce overall study costs.

Can students work during or after their MS in Ireland?

Students can work part-time during studies and apply for a 1-year stay-back visa after MS to find jobs.

Which English tests are accepted for Irish universities?

IELTS (6.5-7.0), TOEFL iBT (90-100), and Duolingo English Test (115-125).

What are the popular MS programs in Ireland?

Engineering, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Business Management, and Life Sciences.