Cost of Studying in Ireland for Indian Students 2026: Fees, Living & Scholarships
A realistic full budget for studying in Ireland in 2026 — university fees, Dublin vs other cities, the €10k living cost threshold, and the 2-year stay-back visa.
▶ Free College Predictor & study-abroad toolsWhy Ireland for Indian students
Ireland offers English-taught degrees from well-ranked universities (TCD, UCD, UCC, DCU, Maynooth), EU-aligned research networks, and critically — a 2-year post-study 'Third Level Graduate Scheme' stay-back visa that lets you work for any employer in Ireland after graduation. It is also an English-speaking EU country, giving access to the wider European job market.
Tuition fees 2026
International postgraduate tuition runs roughly €11,000–25,000 per year for most courses; STEM and business at the higher end. Undergraduate is €12,000–25,000+. TCD and UCD are the most expensive; regional universities (UCC, Maynooth, Galway) cost less for comparable degrees.
Living costs by city
Dublin is expensive — rent alone is €700–1,100/month for a shared room. Budget €12,000–16,000/year for living in Dublin; €9,000–12,000 in Cork, Galway or Limerick. The student visa requires you to show €10,000 in savings for the first year, on top of tuition.
Visa funds requirement
For an Irish student visa, you need your first-year tuition paid (or a receipt) plus €10,000 in a bank account for living costs. Private health insurance is also required. Keep funds clear and in your own or parent's name for at least 3–6 months.
2-year post-study visa
After graduating in Ireland you can apply for the Third Level Graduate Scheme — 24 months of open work authorisation for degree-level graduates, 12 months for Higher Diploma. You need your award letter and to apply within 6 months of graduation.
Scholarships and free prep
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships offer €10,000 per year to a small cohort; most universities also give merit partial-waivers at application time. A strong IELTS score (6.5 overall minimum for most courses) improves both admission and scholarship odds. Practise free on LandingPrep.