Education
15 Cheapest Countries for International Students to Study Affordably
December 24, 2024
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9 MIN
Dubbed the “Emerald Isle,” due to its beautiful, lush landscapes, the island country of Ireland is a very popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education. The country has an incredibly high standard of living, ranked as the 14th happiest place to live in the world. Ireland is also home to some of the world’s finest universities and is known for its high quality of education. Also, check out this blog to know about some vibrant festivals in Ireland.
Best Universities in Ireland
Some of the top universities in Ireland are:
University College Dublin: One of the most prestigious universities in the country, University College Dublin, is the largest university in Ireland. Founded in 1854, the university has an acceptance rate of 20%. The university offers a range of programs for students to choose from and is home to some of the top courses in Ireland.
Maynooth University: Located in Maynooth, County Kildare, Maynooth University is a relatively new university established in 1997. Maynooth is the only university town in Ireland, perfect for students who want to immerse themselves in campus life.
University of Limerick: Founded in 1972, the University of Limerick has a beautiful campus located along both banks of the River Shanon. The university is known for its co-op program that allows students to integrate eight months of work experience into their program.
Dublin City University: Established as a university in 1989, Dublin City University has an acceptance rate of 20%. The university has a diverse student population with students from over 54 different nationalities. The university offers students a range of courses from biology and business to engineering and computer science.
Top Courses in Ireland
Some of the top college courses offered in Ireland are:
Business Analytics
A business analytics course in Ireland will give students the tools needed to understand and interpret data collected by companies. The program combines different fields like management, business, computer science and statistics to teach students how to analyse data.
Top Universities for Business Analytics
Students can pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in business analytics from:
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a master's degree, students will need:
- A bachelor’s degree in a technical stream
- Letters of recommendation (2-3 depending on the college)
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- International students will also need to provide their TOEFL or IELTS score.
- GRE or GMAT scores are not required but will be considered if provided
Job prospects
After pursuing a business analytics degree, you can find a job as a
- Data Analyst
- Business Consultant
- Market Analyst
Tuition fees
For non-EU residents, the average cost of a master's in business analytics is around 16,000 EUR/ year, while for EU residents, it's around 10,000
Data Science
Data science is a field of study that combines multiple disciplines like statistics, science, machine learning, mathematics and computer science. After completing a degree in data science, students should be able to comb through a large amount of disorganised data and use it to create valuable insights by finding patterns or by thoroughly analysing different elements.
Top Universities for Data Science
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a master's degree, students will need
- A bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics or computer science
- Letter of recommendation (2-3 depending on the college)
- Statement of purpose for each university you apply to
- International students will also need to provide their TOEFL or IELTS score
- GRE or GMAT scores to be provided unless waived by the university
Job prospects
After pursuing a data science degree, you can find a job as a
- Statistician
- Data Science Expert
- Business Intelligence Analyst
Tuition fees
A master's in data science can cost students anywhere between 7,500 to 24,000 EUR per year, depending on the college they choose to study at.
Pharmaceutical Science
Pharmacy is one of the most popular courses for international students studying in Ireland, with the pharmaceutical industry contributing to much of the country’s economy. After pursuing a degree in pharmaceutical science, students will be able to understand and participate in every step of producing a new drug, from discovery and development to production and analysis.
Top Universities for Pharmaceutical Science
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for an MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, students will need:
- A bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical science or a related field
- Letter of recommendation (2-3 depending on the college)
- Work experience in a related field is not mandatory, but is helpful
- Statement of purpose for each university you apply to
- International students will also need to provide their TOEFL or IELTS score
Job prospects
After pursuing a pharmaceutical science degree, you can find a job as a
- Pharmacologists
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Research Pharmacist
Tuition fees
An MSc in Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland can cost anywhere between 11,500 - 25,000 EUR per year.
Medicine
Ireland is renowned for the high quality of medical training and education it provides students. Medicine is a very popular field of study for international students to pursue in Ireland. Students can pursue a five-year undergraduate course or apply for a course at the graduate level.
Top Universities for Medicine in Ireland
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a graduate course in medicine, students will require:
- A bachelor’s degree in medicine or a related field
- Statement of purpose for each university you apply to
- GAMSAT or MCAT scores
- International students will also need to provide their TOEFL or IELTS score
Job prospects
After a degree in medicine, students can look at job opportunities for:
- Cardiologist
- Clinical radiologist
- General practice doctor
- Anaesthetist
Tuition fees
A degree in medicine from Ireland can cost students anywhere from €9,500 – €34,500 per year, depending on the college they attend.
Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is incredibly popular today with the rise in e-commerce, social media marketing and other non-traditional marketing strategies. Students will learn how to use tools like Google Analytics, Semrush and Facebook Insights to understand how to attract and retain customers.
Top Universities for digital marketing in Ireland
Eligibility Criteria
To pursue a master's degree in digital marketing from Ireland, students will need:
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field
- 2-3 years of work experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Statements of purpose for each university
- International students will also need to provide their TOEFL or IELTS score
Job prospects
Students can look for jobs like:
- SEO Executive
- Online Campaign Manager
- Marketing Automation Executive
Tuition fees
A master's in Ireland in digital marketing can cost students anywhere between 11,000 to 25,000 EUR per year.
Computer Science
Computer science has become an increasingly popular degree for students worldwide, and with a booming software industry, Ireland is a great place to pursue a computer science degree. The country is one of the world's largest exporters of IT services, and with the headquarters of companies like Google and Microsoft, Ireland has a rich job market for computer scientists.
Top Universities for computer science in Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin
- University College Cork
Eligibility Criteria
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics or a related field
- International students will also need to provide their TOEFL or IELTS score
- Letters of recommendation
- Statements of purpose for each university
Job prospects
After a computer science degree, students can pursue careers like:
- Game Developer
- System Analyst
- Web Developer
- VFX Designer
Tuition fees
A master's in computer science from Ireland can cost students anywhere from 9,000 - 25,000 EUR per year.
Software Engineering
Software engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the development of software products. A software engineer can design, maintain, develop and test software products. The profession is currently in very high demand all over the world, which makes pursuing a master's in software engineering a very smart choice for students.
Top Universities for software engineering in Ireland
Eligibility Criteria
- A bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science or a related field
- International students will also need to provide their TOEFL or IELTS score
- Letters of recommendation
- Statements of purpose for each university
Job Prospects
With a master's in software engineering from Ireland, students can pursue careers like:
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Full-Stack Developer
Tuition Fees
Depending upon the university and city you study in, a master's in software engineering can cost anywhere from 10,000 - 25,000 EUR per year.
Civil Engineering & Construction
A degree in Civil Engineering & Construction will teach students how to plan, design and execute large-scale construction projects. A good course will also teach students how to work within budgets and deadlines and how to ensure safety across construction sites. This degree has gained popularity over the last few years among international students in Ireland after an increase in the number of available jobs in the civil and construction industry.
Top Universities for Civil Engineering & Construction in Ireland
Eligibility Criteria
- A bachelor's degree in civil, structural, or construction engineering or a related field
- International students will also need to provide their TOEFL or IELTS score
- Letters of recommendation
- Statements of purpose for each university
Job Prospects
There are different types of jobs available for students after a master's in Civil Engineering & Construction:
- Civil Technician
- Construction Field Engineer
- Quality Control Manager
Tuitions Fees
A master's degree in Civil Engineering & Construction will cost students approximately 25,000 EUR per year
Need more detail about engineering courses in Ireland make sure checkout our blog.
Finance
An MSc in Finance gives students the tools they need to understand financial theory and use their knowledge to grow businesses by providing them with financial strategies and analysis. This degree is incredibly valuable to any students that wish to pursue careers in business.
Top Universities for finance in Ireland
Eligibility Criteria
- A bachelor's degree in finance, business or a related field
- International students will also need to provide their TOEFL or IELTS score
- Letters of recommendation
- Statements of purpose for each university
Job Prospects
After a master's in finance students can pursue careers like:
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Consultant
- Finance Executive
Tuitions Fees
An MS in Finance in Ireland can cost anywhere from 12,000 to 24,000 EUR per year.
Law
Students can pursue an LLB or an LLM from Ireland. An LLB takes around 3-4 years to complete while an LLM takes 1-2 years to complete. Even after a law degree, students will need to work in a law firm before receiving professional licensing. Practising law outside of the UK, may not be easy but the demand for lawyers in Ireland has increased in recent years, and law is an extremely lucrative career path.
Top universities for law in Ireland
Eligibility Criteria
- A bachelor's degree in law, political science or a related field
- International students will also need to provide their TOEFL or IELTS score
- Letters of recommendation
- Statements of purpose for each university
Job prospects
With a law degree, students can choose to pursue a career as a:
- Lawyer
- Attorney
- Legal Advisor
Tuitions Fees
An LLM in Ireland can cost students anywhere from EUR 11,500 to EUR 21,000 per year.
FAQs
What is the weather like in Ireland?
An island country, Ireland has an oceanic temperate climate with the coldest average temperate being around 4°C and the 17°C being the hottest average temperature.
How much does rent cost in Ireland?
Depending on where you live, rent will vary, but students can find accommodation in Ireland starting from 145 EUR/ week.
Conclusion
Ireland is a great place to pursue higher education for any student, with a number of different college courses to choose from. The country is very friendly and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere thanks to its residents. Studying in Ireland will be an unforgettable experience for anyone that gets the chance. Also, check out this blog to explore the best cities to visit in Ireland.
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