Pursue your higher education in a diverse country with a modest population of about 5 million people! Ireland is known for its emerald-green countryside, which is bordered by stunning ocean views and rich history. It also has some of the greatest institutions in the world, and to help you out, we have listed the 10 best universities in Ireland below.
1. University College Dublin (UCD)
Location: Dublin
Acceptance rate: 20%
Top courses: Veterinary Medicine, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Regional and Urban Planning, and Engineering.
The University College of Dublin has beautiful views of the green campus and old buildings. The University of Dublin is one of Europe's top-ranked universities, ranking in the top 1% of educational institutions worldwide. The university was founded in 1592 and is the oldest university in Ireland. University College Dublin, also known as UCD, is listed in the top 1% of universities worldwide and is presently ranked 181st in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
2. RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Location: Dublin
Acceptance rate: 46%
Top courses: Medicine, Pharmacy and Pharmacology.
RCSI has grown to include postgraduate degrees in bereavement studies and healthcare technologies, as well as five-year undergraduate pharmacy programmes and four-year physiotherapy programmes. These are only a few of the many undergraduate and postgraduate scientific and healthcare programmes available. Since it was granted a royal charter in 1784, the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has been a renowned surgical college. It today serves as the largest medical university in Ireland.
3. Trinity College Dublin
Location: Dublin
Acceptance rate: 33.5%
Top courses: Dentistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, Accounting & Finance.
Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, is Ireland's best university and one of the world's oldest. This best university in Ireland provides students with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to combine academic achievement with cultural and social activities, providing graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to flourish. Trinity College Dublin, one of Ireland's most prestigious universities, was created for the future of education. Nonetheless, within the boundaries of its architecturally maintained campus, it blends four centuries of distinct Irish culture and legacy.
Moving to the city? Check out the cost of living in Dublin!
4. University College Cork
Location: Cork
Acceptance rate: 41%
Top courses: Business, Law, Medicine and Food Science.
University College Cork, one of the three Queen's Colleges, was established in 1845. The university offers more than 120 degrees in the humanities, business, law, architecture, science, food and nutritional sciences, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and clinical therapies. It has been rated the best university in Ireland five times. The University of College Cork now enrols around 23,000 students yearly. Numerous activities are available on campus, such as undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education classes for adults.
5. University of Galway
Location: Galway
Acceptance rate: 86%
Top courses: Business, Law, Medicine, Marine Science and Arts.
The University of Galway was founded in 1845 and is located on Ireland's western coast. Galway now has 17,000 students enrolled, 2,000 of whom are international, and is recognised in the top 2% of universities worldwide for the quality of its teaching and research. Galway is a research-intensive university whose work impacts society, the environment, health, and the economy. This vibrant community attracts world-class researchers, professors, businesses, and students and is recognised as one of the top universities in Ireland.
Paying tuition fees won't be easy! Check out our blog on scholarships in Ireland.

6. Dublin City University
Location: Dublin
Acceptance rate: 20%
Top courses: Law, Social sciences, Business & Economics and Econometrics
DCU, a newer university founded in 1980, provides students with the opportunity to alter their lives through innovation, research, and learning. Through support and assistive technologies, Dublin City University provides students with impairments and learning issues with access to education. For student fun, campus life includes a sports complex, a football facility, a climbing wall, and a fitness centre. Due to its strong industry contacts and market-oriented programme curriculum, Dublin City University is one of the best universities in Ireland for graduate employability. The institute was ranked 19th worldwide for graduate employment rate.
Accepted in a univeristy in Ireland? Check out our blog to learn all about the Ireland student visa process!
7. Technological University of Dublin
Location: Dublin
Acceptance rate: 46%
Top courses: Business, Media, Culinary Arts, and the Creative and Performing Arts.
The Technological University of Dublin has campuses for its students in Tallaght, Blanchardstown, and Dublin City. Business, culinary, creative and performing arts, and media are all offered as student programmes at TU Dublin. Diverse students from all over the world are welcome to enrol in courses at the Technological University of Dublin. TU Dublin is a well-known technological university that offers an engaging educational environment. One of the best universities in Ireland is Technological University Dublin. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, it is rated 801–1000.
8. Dublin Business School
Location: Dublin
Acceptance rate: 12.5%
Top courses: Accounting and Finance, Audio Production and Music Project Management, Business, Cloud Computing and Human Resource Management.
Dublin Business School is located in the heart of Dublin City, within walking distance of the busy city centre. The university is also conveniently accessible by public transportation and is an ideal location for studying. Dublin Business School provides certificate programmes as well as degrees in postgraduate programmes aimed to provide professional flexibility. Dublin Business School is a good alternative for a Master's; however, they do not supply on-campus housing; nonetheless, amber can help you find off-campus student accommodation in Dublin.
9. National College of Ireland
Location: Dublin
Acceptance rate: 50%
Top courses: Data Sciences, Business Analytics, and Cybersecurity.
The National College of Ireland, one of the most well-known educational universities in Ireland, is tucked away in the heart of Dublin. Many graduate students from the National College of Ireland find jobs at the headquarters of many social media giants, including Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter, which are close to NCI. NCI's university-recognised top courses in Ireland provide academic undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Numerous connections exist between the National College of Ireland and prestigious universities around the globe, such as Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Cornell University. These connections have solidified NCI's position among the best colleges in Ireland as providers of third-level education.
10. University of Limerick
Location: Limerick
Acceptance rate: 70%
Top courses: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Business, Science, Education and Engineering.
The University of Limerick provides its students with a stunning campus with trees, water fountains, and green surroundings. It is situated on the magnificent Shannon River. With 17,500 students enrolled each year since it first opened its doors in 1972. An Olympic-sized pool, a sports arena, a rowing programme, and an orchestra building are all available on campus. The 263-hectare National Technology Park, Ireland's first technology park, is located next to the institution. The highly regarded QS Stars rating system has given the University of Limerick a 5-star grade.
Studying at the best university in Ireland will provide you with a wealth of cultural experiences, breathtaking views, and the best campus experience! So start applying and get a chance to study at some of the top universities in the world. Good Luck!