MS In Ireland: Top Universities, Specializations And Fees In 2025

1. 1-Year Master's Programs

Ireland is known for its one-year master's programs, which help students complete their studies faster and enter the job market sooner. This is of great help if you want to save time and money when pursuing your master's in Ireland.

2. Hub for Leading Companies

Pursuing an MS course in Ireland is highly beneficial because many global companies like Google and Pfizer have bases set up there. When you study for your MS in Ireland, you can access a wide range of dynamic job markets and get a hoard of experience.

3. High Visa Acceptance Chances in Ireland

Ireland has a straightforward student visa process and is known for granting visas faster to those with a complete profile and a genuine intent to pursue their MS courses. This makes the entire process much smoother for international students.

4. English-Speaking Country and Courses

Ireland is one of the few countries where almost all courses are taught in English. Unlike other European countries where you may have to learn the local language, you can study comfortably in Ireland without any language barrier.

5. Ireland is Super Affordable

Ireland is known to be very affordable for students in terms of tuition fees and living expenses, including travel. It is a student-friendly destination and one of the top choices for studying abroad in 2025.

Ireland offers 3 types of master's degrees. Depending on your background and goals, you can pursue what suits you best.

Taught Masters

This is the most common type of master's in Ireland that international students pursue. It usually lasts one year and includes lectures, assignments, and exams. It is ideal for students who want to participate in a well-structured curriculum and complete their studies in a limited time.

Research Masters

A research-based master's is great for someone who wishes to achieve expertise on a specific topic with guidance from a supervisor. It's suitable for those who want to pursue a PhD later on.

Conversion Courses

Students who wish to switch fields can opt for conversion courses. 

For example, if you studied engineering but want to do a master's in data science in Ireland, you can apply for a conversion course to make that shift.

Ireland has courses for all.

1. Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

• TCD is ranked in the world's top 100 universities.
• It is known for its 1-year MS programs in Tech, Business, and Humanities.
• It is located in Ireland's largest city, Dublin, also one of the major employment hubs.
• The university is known for its research focus, global industry tie-ups, and high employment rate.

2. University College Dublin (UCD)

• QS World Rank: #171
• UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School (often just called UCD Smurfit) is the university's graduate business school, globally ranked for its MBA and business programs.
• The university also offers courses in Data Science, Finance, and Engineering.
• It is known for its industry links, as evidenced by its strong alumni working in companies like Google, Microsoft, and PwC.
• It also has a vast number of international students.

3. University of Galway

• QS World Rank: #289
• The University of Galway is best known for its Biomedical and Environmental MS courses.
• The university strongly believes in a research curriculum and is located near major medical tech companies.
• The university is well known for its generous scholarships for international students.
• Anyone with a knack for practical learning and labs should consider this university.

4. University College Cork (UCC)

• QS World Rank: #292
• University College Cork specializes in MS courses in Food Science, Law, Medicine, and IT programs.
• It is ranked in the top 2% of world universities, making it prestigious.
• The university has internal links with Apple, Dell, and many pharma companies.
• It is also located in the adorable city of Cork.
• The university has always taken pride in its innovation and research centers.

5. Dublin City University (DCU)

• QS World Rank: #436
• The top MS courses are AI, Business Analytics, and Communication.
• The university has past co-op programs with IBM, Intel, and Accenture.
• It is ranked 1 in Ireland for graduate employability, according to QS.
• The university is known for its innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Based on student surveys, it has a great student satisfaction rate.
• It is pretty popular among Indian students.

6. Maynooth University

• QS World Rank: #801–850
• Maynooth is known for its MS Data Science, Social Sciences, and Psychology courses.
• It is ranked in the top 100 under 50 universities (THE).
• The campus is compact, with easy access to Dublin if you want to travel on the weekend.
• The university has a low faculty-student ratio, which leads to exceptionally great personal attention by the faculty.
• It is adorable and has an excellent career support system for students.

7. Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)

• QS Europe Rank: #201–210
• TU Dublin has the best MS courses in Hospitality, Design, and Computer Science.
• It has a sizeable Indian student population with modern labs and tech-driven classrooms.
• It focuses on applied learning and real-world projects, encouraging students to think beyond textbooks.
• It is located in the bustling city of Dublin.
• One of the most career-focused Ireland colleges for masters.

8. Munster Technological University (MTU)

• QS Europe Rank: #401–450
• MTU has MS specializations in Engineering, Business, and Creative Media.
• It is located in Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, and is affordable.
• It has a strong focus on practical, project-based education.
• It is an excellent option for students due to its high student satisfaction ratings, affordable options, and large Indian population.

9. South East Technological University (SETU)

• QS Europe Rank: #501–550
• SETU is known for its MS programs in Pharma, Marketing, and Computing.
• It is one of the most budget-friendly universities, and living costs are affordable.
• It is well known for its industry-oriented education.
• It is located in Waterford, which is growing into a tech center for leading companies.
• This is ideal if you're looking for a cost-conscious and affordable university.

10. Atlantic Technological University (ATU)

• QS Europe Rank: #551–600
• ATU has specializations in Masters in Marine Science, Engineering, and Business.
• It's the perfect combination of applied learning and low cost of living.
• The university focuses strongly on personalized faculty support and mentoring.
• Fast-growing reputation among Ireland universities for MS.

1. Academic Requirement

• Minimum 60%+ in undergraduate degree
• Some courses may ask for 65%+
• Relevant UG background is essential for specific courses

2. English Test Scores

• IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 typical
• TOEFL 88+ or Duolingo 110+ are accepted, too
• English medium degree during your UG may get you a waiver

3. LORs and SOPs

• 2 Letters of Recommendation are needed
• 1 Statement of Purpose explaining your goals
• Make SOP clear, honest, and course-focused

4. Tips for Indian Students

• Apply early with a strong, complete profile
• Highlight your motivation clearly in SOP
• Keep all documents ready and accurate
• Check university-specific requirements carefully

The cost of a master's Degree in Ireland differs from university to university, but on average, here is what you can expect -

Tuition Fees: Most master's courses in Ireland cost between €12,000 and €20,000 per year, depending on the university and program. Business and STEM courses tend to be on the higher side.

Living Expenses: Expect to spend around €10,000 to €14,000 per year on accommodation, food, transport, and other daily costs. Cities like Dublin are more expensive, while smaller cities may be cheaper.

Health Insurance & Visa: Health insurance is mandatory and costs about €300–€700 per year. Student visa application fees are approximately €60–€100.

Scholarships: Many Irish universities for masters offer scholarships and fee waivers based on merit or need. Scholarships can cover anywhere from partial to full tuition, so it’s worth applying early and checking each university’s website.

Ireland is known to be giving hefty scholarships to international students -

University-Based Scholarships

UCD Global Excellence Scholarship – Merit-based, partial tuition waiver Trinity College Postgraduate Scholarships – €5,000 for high-performing students University of Galway Merit Scholarships – Covers up to 50% of tuition for STEM and Business courses UCC International Merit Scholarship – For students with 70%+ scores in UG Maynooth University Scholarship – Up to €2,000 for Indian students

Government Scholarships

Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES): It covers full tuition + €10,000 stipend for one year. It is a very competitive scholarship and it needs a strong academic profile.

Other Funding Avenues

College-specific fee waivers on early applications

Azent’s scholarship support services help students discover and apply for maximum funding opportunities

A master's degree in Ireland can open doors globally for you. Here’s what you should know -

• With a Master's degree from Ireland, you can work anywhere globally. As they are globally recognized, you are eligible to work whether you wish to stay in Ireland or return to your home country.
• After completing your master's, you get a 2-year stay-back visa (Stamp 1G), giving you plenty of time to find a job and gain work experience in Ireland.
• The Critical Skills Permit is rare but is available for in-demand jobs or skills that Ireland lacks, making it easier to stay and work long-term.
• Most universities in Ireland have career centers offering placement assistance and career support to help you connect with employers and land internships or jobs. Make sure always to attend seminars to gain more insights.

Ireland offers world-class education, career-focused degrees, and great industry exposure. Whether you’re aiming for tech, business, or healthcare, Ireland universities for masters have something for everyone. Ready to take the next step? Ireland offers world-class education, career-focused degrees, and great industry exposure. Whether you’re aiming for tech, business, or healthcare, Ireland universities for masters have something for everyone. Ready to take the next step?