It’s possible to study in Ireland for free. Ireland is home to 22 top public universities and is known for its excellent education system. The country also offers a range of fully funded scholarships for non-EU students.
Right now, over 35,000 international students are studying in Ireland, with many benefiting from scholarships like the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) and other grants offered by universities. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and living expenses, making studying in Ireland much more affordable.
Irish universities offer fully funded programs in various fields, including STEM, business, humanities, and healthcare.
This blog will walk you through how to find tuition-free programs, meet the eligibility requirements, and apply for the top scholarships.
Ireland is home to some of Europe’s most research-focused institutions, providing full funding for master’s and PhD students in various fields.
Public Universities Offering Full Tuition Waivers
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
University College Dublin (UCD)
University of Galway
Research-Based Master’s & PhD Programs with Tuition Exemptions
Many Irish universities waive tuition fees for students pursuing research-intensive programs. These are usually funded through government scholarships or university-specific financial aid.
National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway
University College Cork (UCC)
Low-Cost Universities for International Students
Maynooth University
Dublin City University (DCU)
Table: Tuition-Free and Low-Cost Universities in Ireland
University Name
Tuition Fee (Per Year) for International Students
Funding Options Available
Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
€0 (For fully funded PhD students)
Research grants, merit-based scholarships
University College Dublin (UCD)
€0–€9,000 (₹8–₹25 lakhs)
Global Excellence Scholarships, tuition waivers
University of Galway
€0–€8,000 (₹7–₹22 lakhs)
PhD funding, tuition-free research programs
University College Cork (UCC)
€0–€10,000 (₹8–₹28 lakhs)
Research-based tuition waivers
Maynooth University
€8,000–€12,000 (₹7–₹10 lakhs)
Low-cost tuition, partial scholarships
Dublin City University (DCU)
€9,000–€14,000 (₹8–₹12 lakhs)
Merit-based financial aid
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
€8,000–€13,000 (₹7–₹11 lakhs)
Need-based financial aid, tuition discounts
Note: Fees vary based on the program and level of study. Research-based degrees often have full tuition waivers.
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Ireland
If you're looking to study in Ireland for free, securing a fully funded scholarship is the best way. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Research & Choose Scholarships
Start by identifying scholarships that match your academic background and field of study. Some top scholarships include:
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarship
Irish Research Council Scholarships
2. Prepare Required Documents
Most scholarships require: Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your academic goals. Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from professors or mentors. Academic transcripts and research proposals (for PhD applicants).
3. Meet English Proficiency Requirements
Most universities require an IELTS or TOEFL score to qualify for scholarships. Check the minimum required score for your program.
4. Submit Applications Before Deadlines
Apply early, as many scholarship deadlines fall between January and April for the next academic year.
5. Prepare for Interviews (If Required)
Some scholarships require an interview, especially research-based funding. Be prepared to discuss your academic achievements and career goals.
Part-Time Work Opportunities to Cover Living Expenses in Ireland
If you're an international student in Ireland, you'll be happy to know that many students take on part-time jobs or internships to cover living expenses. In fact, about 60% of international students in Ireland work while they study.
Here’s how you can make it work:
Work Rights for International Students in Ireland
Work Hours
International students on a Stamp 2 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
During holidays, students can work up to 40 hours per week (June–September & December 15–January 15).
Internships and paid research roles help students gain experience and earn extra income. Many universities offer research assistant (RA) and teaching assistant (TA) positions for postgraduate students.
Research Assistant (RA) Roles – Work on academic research projects with faculty members.
Teaching Assistant (TA) Roles – Help professors with grading, tutoring, and lab sessions.
Paid Internships – Companies in finance, IT, and healthcare offer paid part-time internships for students.
Cost of Living in Ireland for International Students
The cost of living in Ireland varies by city. Dublin is the most expensive, while cities like Cork and Galway are more affordable.
Monthly Cost Breakdown for International Students
Expense Category
Dublin (EUR/₹)
Cork & Galway (EUR/₹)
Accommodation
€800–€1,500 (₹72,000–₹1.3 lakh)
€600–€1,200 (₹54,000–₹1.1 lakh)
Food & Groceries
€250–€400 (₹22,000–₹36,000)
€200–€350 (₹18,000–₹32,000)
Transport
€50–€120 (₹4,500–₹10,000)
€40–€100 (₹3,600–₹9,000)
Utilities & Internet
€80–€150 (₹7,200–₹13,000)
€60–€130 (₹5,400–₹11,500)
Health Insurance
€50–€80 (₹4,500–₹7,200)
€40–€70 (₹3,600–₹6,300)
Entertainment & Misc.
€100–€250 (₹9,000–₹22,500)
€80–€200 (₹7,200–₹18,000)
Budgeting Tips for Students on Scholarships
Find Affordable Housing – Consider university accommodation or shared housing to lower rent.
Use Public Transport – Get a Student Leap Card for discounted fares.
Cook at Home – Avoid eating out frequently to save on food costs.
Apply for On-Campus Jobs – Look for library, admin, or IT support roles at your university.
Post-Scholarship Benefits: Job Opportunities and PR Pathways in Ireland
Getting a scholarship for your studies in Ireland is a great way to ease financial stress, but what happens after graduation?
Post-Study Work Visa Eligibility
Graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree can stay and work in Ireland under the Third Level Graduate Scheme.
Bachelor’s (Level 8): 12-month post-study work permit.
High-Demand Job Sectors Ireland has a strong job market, especially in industries looking for skilled professionals. Some of the top hiring sectors include:
Industry
Roles
Average Salary
IT & Software Development
Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, Cloud Specialist
For students looking to settle in Ireland long-term, the country offers clear PR pathways through work experience.
Step 1: Gain Work Experience
After completing the Graduate Scheme, students need to secure a job under the Critical Skills Employment Permit or General Work Permit.
Critical Skills Permit holders (high-demand professions) can apply for PR faster.
Step 2: Apply for a Stamp 4 Visa
After 2 years on a work permit, you can apply for a Stamp 4 visa, allowing you to live and work in Ireland without restrictions.
Step 3: Apply for Permanent Residency (PR)
After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for long-term residency, leading to PR.
Immigration Policies:
The Critical Skills Occupations List makes it easier for professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance to secure work permits.
The Stamp 1G Visa allows international graduates to stay and work without sponsorship for up to 2 years.
Study in Ireland for Free with upGrad Abroad
Thinking about studying in Ireland? Whether you're looking for affordable courses, scholarships, or job options after graduation, we help you every step of the way.
Top Courses in Ireland
Ireland has many programs for students in different fields. Some of the most popular options include:
We help you find the best universities, scholarships, and courses in Ireland. Get expert guidance on applications, visas, and career opportunities. Start your study plan today!
(FAQs)
What are some ways to study in Ireland for free apart from scholarships?
Besides scholarships, you can apply for tuition waivers offered by universities, look for research assistantships in PhD and master’s programs, or find government-funded grants. Some students also lower their costs by choosing dual-degree programs that reduce study time.
Do Irish universities offer tuition waivers for international students?
Yes, universities like Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD) offer merit-based tuition waivers for high-achieving international students, especially in STEM and business programs. PhD students often receive full tuition waivers through research grants.
Are there specific scholarships in Ireland for Indian students?
Yes, some of the top scholarships for Indian students include:
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship – Covers full tuition and living expenses.
Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarship – Offers tuition reductions for master's students.
UCD Global Scholarships – Partial funding for high-performing students.
Can I apply for a scholarship if I haven’t received admission yet?
It depends on the scholarship. Some require an unconditional admission letter, while others allow students to apply before securing admission, provided they submit proof of application.
What common mistakes do students make when applying for scholarships in Ireland?
Missing deadlines – Many scholarships have early deadlines, sometimes a year before the course starts.
Weak SOP or LORs – A generic Statement of Purpose (SOP) or weak Letters of Recommendation (LORs) can reduce chances.
Not meeting eligibility criteria – Some students apply without checking GPA, English proficiency, or work experience requirements.
Can I get a full scholarship for a business or humanities degree in Ireland?
Yes, but full scholarships are more competitive for non-STEM programs. Trinity Business School and University College Cork offer partial funding, while Government of Ireland Scholarships provide full coverage for select business and humanities courses.
Do I need work experience to apply for a master’s scholarship in Ireland?
Not necessarily. While MBA and executive programs may prefer work experience, most STEM, humanities, and research degrees accept students directly from undergraduate studies. Some scholarships, like the Irish Research Council Funding, favor candidates with research experience over work experience.
Are there financial aid options in Ireland apart from scholarships?
Yes, apart from scholarships, students can apply for:
University-specific bursaries – Need-based aid for students facing financial difficulties.
Research grants – Available for PhD and master’s students.
Work-study programs – On-campus jobs help students cover living costs.
Which scholarships are easier to get in Ireland?
Scholarships with higher acceptance rates or multiple awardees tend to be easier to secure. These include:
UCD Global Excellence Scholarships – Partial funding with flexible criteria.
Maynooth University Entrance Scholarship – Merit-based and available for most programs.
NUI Galway International Student Scholarship – Covers tuition discounts for various fields.
Can I combine multiple scholarships to cover all my expenses?
It depends on the terms of each scholarship. Some universities allow stacking scholarships, while others specify that students can only accept one major award at a time.
Do Irish scholarships cover health insurance?
Some fully funded scholarships include health insurance, while others require students to arrange their own. The Government of Ireland Scholarship and certain university-funded PhD scholarships provide comprehensive coverage.
Can I apply for scholarships after arriving in Ireland?
Yes, some universities offer second-year funding based on academic performance. Students can also apply for departmental research grants or work as a teaching assistant (TA) to receive tuition discounts.
How do I prove financial need when applying for funding in Ireland?
For need-based scholarships, you may need to submit:
Income proof (parents' or personal earnings).
Bank statements showing financial hardship.
A personal statement explaining why you need funding.
What happens if I lose my scholarship due to low grades?
Most scholarships have a minimum GPA requirement (e.g., 3.0/4.0). If grades drop, some universities offer a probation period or require an appeal before revoking funding.
Can I switch universities while on a scholarship in Ireland?
It depends on the scholarship. If it is university-specific, you may lose funding. However, government-funded scholarships sometimes allow transfers, provided the new university is eligible.
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