Hardest Universities In Ireland With Low Acceptance Rate 2025

Ireland has emerged as one of the top destinations to study abroad for international education. There are many factors which are attracting students globally to the awe-strikingly beautiful country. The many factors, some of which might have led you to this blog, include the best universities in Ireland with some of the most advanced and high-paying job opportunities for Ireland becoming the top choice. The blog is a journey that will help you shortlist the competitive institutes, look into the best courses, and the other requirements. Find everything about the hardest universities in Ireland below: 

The Hardest Universities in Ireland

When it comes to pursuing higher education, many students aspire to study at the best universities in Ireland, offering a rigorous academic environment. Ireland boasts several institutions that have earned a reputation for their challenging curriculum, competitive admissions, and high standards of academic achievement. Let's dive into the list of the hardest universities in Ireland and discover what makes them stand out in the realm of academia.

1. University College Dublin (UCD)

QS Ranking: 171

Tuition Fees: €8,000 - €35,800

Eligibility (Minimum): GPA: 3.8, IELTS: 6.0, GRE: 299, SAT: 1400, ACT: 31

Top Courses: Computer Science, MBA, Business Analysis, Actuarial Science, Law

Notable Alumni UCD, Dublin: James Joyce, Chris O'Dowd & Gabriel Byrne

UCD is one of the top universities in Ireland, founded in 1854. The university is a pioneer in research and innovation, attracting the most brilliant minds throughout the globe. UCD is the crown of the Irish education system, with some of the top courses, top scholarships, student programs, libraries, and global culture, among many other accolades tied to the name. Thus, it is considered one of the hardest universities in Ireland. 

What is the UCD Dublin Acceptance Rate?

The University of Dublin's acceptance rate is 20%, making it one of the best universities in Ireland and also the hardest university in Ireland to get into.

2. Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

QS Ranking: 81st

Tuition Fees: €18,388 - €80,000

Eligibility (Minimum): GPA: 3.8, IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 64 GMAT: 600-650, SAT: 1470, ACT: 32

Top Courses: Business, Education, Engineering, Computer Science, Law

Notable Alumni Trinity College Dublin: Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift & Edmund Burke

The university comes across as one of the foundational institutions of knowledge in the European landscape. Trinity College Dublin is as old as the tales of time, with 1592 as its founding year. The college is one of the top universities in Ireland and a symbol of the rich culture of Ireland. Student unions, student clubs and organisations help you with exposure and the right mix of extracurricular activities. The university in Ireland reflects its selective admissions process making it one of the hardest universities in Ireland to get admission in.

What is the Trinity Dublin University Acceptance rate?

One of the top universities in Ireland, Trinity University's acceptance rate is 33.5%. 

3. Royal College of Surgeons

QS Ranking: #151st-200th

Tuition Fees: €4,000 - €14,000

Eligibility (Minimum): GPA: 3.60, IELTS: 7, TOEFL: 85, SAT: 1050, MCAT: 500, GAMSAT: 58

Top Courses: Minimally Invasive Surgery, Energy in Surgery, Paediatric Surgical Emergencies 

Notable Alumni RCSI: Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Felipe Contepomi & William Wilde

The NTB (National Training Body) for Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons or RCSI, is one of the best universities in Ireland and the oldest, with the foundation year 1781. The specialised courses in surgery and top faculty make the institute one of the top colleges in Ireland students choose. The competition is tough, and you will have tremendous exposure to 100+ student societies and clubs. The college is also one of the hardest universities in Ireland.

What is the RCSI Acceptance Rate?

The Royal College of Surgeons's acceptance rate is 45%.

4. University College Cork (UCC)

QS Ranking: 292

Tuition Fees: €17,000 - €36,000

Eligibility (Minimum): GPA: 3.3, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFLiBT: 80 ACT: 32, SAT: 1470

Top Courses: Nursing, Law, Agriculture & Forestry, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Applied Mathematics, Applied Psychology, Anthropology

Notable Alumni University College Cork: Cillian Murphy, Andre Ventura & Paul Deane

UCC, or the University College Cork, is one of the pioneers in research and innovation. With the country's best research programs and centres, the college stands tall as one of the top colleges in Ireland. Apart from being one of the hardest universities in Ireland to go to, the institute focuses on the holistic development of students. With a strong sense of community, the international students on campus feel at home in the institute. 

What is the University of Cork Acceptance Rate?

The Cork University acceptance rate is 41%.

5. University of Limerick (UL)

QS World Ranking: 426

Tuition Fees: €15,000 - €50,000

Eligibility (Minimum): GPA: 2.9, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90 ACT: 32, SAT: 1240

Top Courses: Digital Mechatronic Engineering, MS in AI and Data Science, Mathematics Common Entry

Notable Alumni University of Limerick: Paul O' Connell, Pat Cox & Sarah McTernan

Located on the banks of the River Shannon, UL is a dynamic and among the best universities in Ireland. The institution is known for its academic rigour and strong industry connections. The university's commitment to experiential learning and innovative teaching methods prepares students for successful careers in a wide range of fields. With its modern campus and state-of-the-art facilities, UL offers a truly immersive educational experience, making it highly competitive and one of the hardest universities in Ireland to get admissions. 

What is Limerick University's Acceptance Rate?

The Limerick University acceptance rate is at 70%

Many of these universities have a requirement to clear entrance exams such as the GRE or GMAT, which is crucial if you are a non-native english speaker. These exams can be tough to crack, so make sure you are well-prepared.

6. Dublin City University (DCU)

QS World Ranking: 436th

Tuition Fees: €6,000 - €12,800

Eligibility (Minimum): GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 92 ATAR: 83

Top Courses: Data Science, Applied Physics, Marketing, Technology & Innovation, Law, Business Studies

Notable Alumni Dublin City University: Finghin Collins, John Connolly & Marina Carr

As one of the top universities in Ireland, DCU has quickly established itself as a centre of academic excellence. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and industry engagement, DCU prepares students to become leaders in their chosen fields. The university's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship sets it apart as one of the hardest universities in Ireland. 

What is the Dublin City University Acceptance Rate?

The acceptance rate at Dublin City University for international students is 63%. The low acceptance rate saves it the spot among the hardest universities in Ireland.

7. University of Dublin, University College Dublin (UCD)

QS World Ranking: 171

Tuition Fees: €9,000 - €23,800

Eligibility (Minimum): GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80 SAT: 1400 ACT: 31

Top Courses: Computer Science, MBA, Law, Business Analysts

Notable Alumni University of Dublin: Ali Hewson, Finghin Collins, John Connolly & Marina Carr

In the heart of Dublin, the University of Dublin, UCD, one of the best universities in Ireland, combines the rich heritage of its constituent colleges with a forward-thinking approach to education. With a diverse range of programs and a commitment to research excellence, UCD is one of the hardest universities in Ireland for you to go to. Being one of the top colleges in Ireland, UCD offers students a challenging and intellectually stimulating environment. Its strong ties to industry and global networks provide students with valuable opportunities for professional development. 

What is the University of Dublin Acceptance Rate?

The Dublin University acceptance rate is 20%.

8. Maynooth University

QS World Ranking: 801st-1000th

Tuition Fees: €3,150 - €12,000

Eligibility (Minimum): GPA: 3.75, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFLiBT: 79 SAT: 1000 ACT: 22

Top Courses: Computer Science, Social Studies, Education, Chinese Studies, Chemistry

Notable Alumni Maynooth University: Eimear Quinn, Bernie Sherlock, Darragh Ennis

As one of the youngest and best universities in Ireland, Maynooth University has rapidly gained recognition for its academic rigour and innovative research. Focusing on critical thinking and creative problem-solving, the university prepares students to tackle the challenges of the modern world. Its endeavours towards holistic development with top research programs make Maynooth one of the hardest universities in Ireland. The vibrant campus and strong sense of community create an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. 

What is Maynooth University's Acceptance Rate?

The Maynooth University acceptance rate for international students is 78%.

9. Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)

QS World Ranking: 801-1000

Tuition Fees: €6,000 - €12,000

Eligibility (Minimum): GPA: 2.8, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL(Computer Based): 550, TOEFL (Paper Based): 213

Top Courses: Computer Science, Social Studies, Education, Chinese Studies, Chemistry

Notable Alumni University of Dublin: Eimear Quinn, Bernie Sherlock, Darragh Ennis

Dublin Institute of Technology, now part of Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), is one of the hardest universities and top colleges in Ireland. It is renowned for its focus on practical, industry-relevant education. With a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, business, arts, and sciences, DIT offers students a dynamic learning experience. The university's strong connections with industry and emphasis on experiential learning make it one of the hardest universities in Ireland. 

What is the Dublin Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate?

The Dublin Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is 46%.

10. Atlantic Technological University (ATU)

QS World Ranking: #851-900

Tuition Fees: €10,000 - €1,00,000

Eligibility (Minimum): GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 90, SAT: 1000 ACT: 22

Top Courses: 3D Modelling and Animation (Higher Diploma), AI, Business Studies, Accounting, Acute Medicine (Certificate)

As one of the leading and hardest universities in Ireland you can seek admission to, ATU has earned accolades for its pioneering work in the field of research and innovation. Students get to choose from a wide range of more than 600 programmes offered. The ATU has multiple campuses spread across the west and northwest parts of the country making it one of the top colleges in Ireland too.

What is the Atlantic Technological University Acceptance Rate?

The Atlantic Technological University's acceptance rate is 56%.

Top 5 Reasons to Study in Ireland

Ireland has emerged as one of the top destinations for international students seeking higher education. The country provides an eclectic blend of the most beautiful landscapes and ethereal cultural diversity and is home to one of the world's best universities and colleges. You can find 100 reasons to choose Ireland for your brighter, but here we will dwell into the top 5 reasons mentioned below to choose Ireland to study abroad:

1. Best Universities in Ireland

Ireland hosts some of the top universities in the world for international students. The public and private universities offer top programs. The campuses are dotted with scenic beauty and diversity, which makes you feel at home. Some of the best universities in Ireland are Technological University Dublin, Dublin City College, National University of Ireland, and Royal College of Surgeons, among many others.

2. Affordability

Money is one of the most important factors for international students when they make their choice for a university abroad. Irish universities are some of the most affordable institutions with quality education. The tuition fees, travel costs, and other lifestyle expenses are way affordable compared to most of the countries considered best for students. 

3. Diversity

With more than 30,000 students calling Ireland their home, the country is a global melting pot of traditions brought together by students from all over the world. You will find yourself amidst a sprawling population of international students belonging to different nationalities.

4. Top Courses

With some of the best course offerings in the fields of data science, business analytics and medicine, the best universities in Ireland are the first choice for you. The courses are an amalgamation of both theoretical and hands-on practical experience. You will be learning from the best minds and become part of the alumni network and a lifetime learning process.

5. Part-Time Jobs

The Irish government allows international students to take part-time jobs in order to learn and support themselves better. You may take part-time jobs in Ireland in your field of interest to learn practical skills or choose various scholarships, too. The government provides green card programs and work visas for students to live and work, stay after their studies, and look for job opportunities. 

Visa and Application Process in the Top Colleges in Ireland

After you have completed your shortlisting process for top universities in Ireland and the courses you want to pursue, you must now prepare for the journey ahead. The next step in the process is knowing about the visa requirements and your eligibility. Let's begin understanding them one by one below:

Requirements for Ireland Student Visa

There are a number of steps for students in order to acquire a student visa for Ireland. We have listed below some of the most important parts of the step-by-step process:

1. LOR or Letter of Recommendation

2. Academic Transcripts

3. Fee Receipts

4. Bank Account Statement with a minimum of 10,000 Euros in your account as proof of your financial stability. Just in case you are facing financial difficulties, you can look for the best scholarships in Ireland. 

5. Proof of Private Medical Insurance 

6. English Language Test Scores

7. International exam scores like GRE, GMAT, GMCAT, SAT & ACT based on the university's requirements

Application Process for Top Universities in Ireland

The process of applying for the hardest universities in Ireland includes some leg work. We have noted down the vital steps of the application process to help you out. Below is a list of steps you need to follow in order to apply:

1. Check the application deadlines for the top universities you have shortlisted

2. Preparation of the Documents as asked by the universities you are applying to

3. Additional Documents like the English Language tests, other exam test scores like GRE, GMAT or SAT

4. Apply Online

5. Pay the Admission Fee

Cost of Studying in Ireland

The country is one of the top destinations for international students looking for top colleges in Ireland across the world. The country is blessed with one of the most beautiful landscapes in the globe. Alongside that, the hardest universities in Ireland, which are among the top-ranking institutions globally, become a non-negotiable reason to choose Ireland. However, once you have the best universities in Ireland on your list, the next step is to check the costs you will have to bear while studying here. The average monthly cost comes to €3,806. The average cost involves most of your daily needs, including your average one-way cost of €750 for a flight home during your holiday break. However, you will definitely be able to save money on a wide range of expenses, including food, shopping discounts, daily commutes, flight bookings, well-being, fitness and more with amber+. Good news, right?

Choosing to study at one of the hardest universities in Ireland can shape your future and open doors to a world of possibilities. These institutions are known for their academic rigour, commitment to research excellence, and vibrant campus life. So, embark on this exciting journey and be ready with everything you need, especially your student visa. Also, don't forget to get health insurance! Let the hardest universities in Ireland propel you towards a bright and successful future.