There are many who dream of settling down in European countries for the quality of life and economic opportunities. Ireland is one such country and more and more international students are opting for higher education here to enjoy post-study benefits and kick-start their global careers. A person living in Ireland for at least 5 years in the previous 9 years at the time of applying for citizenship is considered a resident and is entitled to free or reduced-cost medical treatment by Health Service Executive, the healthcare system in Ireland.
Ireland’s education system is one of the top-ranked systems in the world. With its unique and upgraded curriculum, the education system in Ireland is top-notch and worth all the appreciation. It is due to the variety of courses that are available in Irish universities. One in five students studying in Ireland is from another country. The cost of studying in Ireland is reasonable given the various opportunities that come along with it. If you are a student aspiring for a seat in an Irish university, here is all you need to know about the living expenses you will have to incur in Ireland.
Ireland is one of the countries that have a low crime rate and this is a positive prospect for a person who might look before settling there. Gun violence and violent crimes are almost non-existent which makes Ireland a safer and more peaceful place to live and settle down compared to some other countries.
The healthcare infrastructure in Ireland is one of the best. The facilities in Ireland are well built and easily accessible. A person living in Ireland for at least 5 years in the previous 9 years at the time of applying for citizenship is considered a resident and is entitled to free or reduced-cost medical treatment by Health Service Executive, the healthcare system in Ireland.
Ireland supports dual citizenship. You can very well live with your family in Ireland being its citizen while also being a citizen of your country.
Further in this article, we will learn about the expenses a person has to bear to study or permanently reside in Ireland.
The best cities for international students are those that house the best institutes in the country. The best Irish universities are located in its top five cities including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Maynooth and Galway in 2024 are,
QS World University Rankings 2024: Top Global Universities
Institute
Location
Average Tuition Fee for 1-year Master’s courses
98
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin
€17,350-36500
181
University College Dublin
Dublin
€1500-€17,600
270
National University of Ireland
Galway
€18,240-€24,140
303
University College Cork
Cork
€15,130-€21,130
471
Dublin City University
Dublin
€1500-€17,000
531-540
University of Limerick
Limerick
€11,500-€16,700
801-1000
Maynooth University
Maynooth
€14,500-€17,000
Source: University Websites
Average Cost of Living for International Students
On average, the cost of living in Ireland for Indian students for one academic year is estimated to be up to €12,000. It includes rent, electricity, food bills, medicine, and other such necessities. The average cost of living in Ireland is 220% higher than in India. Rent forms the major portion of expenses. Average rent is almost 700% higher in Ireland as compared to India.
1) The cost of accommodation ranges between €420 to €500. If you choose to live on campus, it will cost you somewhere between €300 to €600 per month.
2) For a shared bedroom, the cost per head adds up to €350. If you go for some luxury, private space, the rent can go up to as much as €850.
Students living in campus accommodation in Dublin can refer to the following expenses chart by University College Dublin.
Ireland is known as the Land of Saints and Scholars. Ireland has institutions, colleges, and monasteries that were built in 500 AD. It has the world’s most renowned universities and colleges that offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses. Ireland is known for its law schools, tech schools, art schools, as well as literature and science schools. People from across the world put Ireland at the top of their list when narrowing it down to the best choices of colleges and universities.
The first step to study in Ireland is to get a valid visa which will cost around €65.
Ireland has one of the world’s best education systems, Irish colleges and universities are not just famous in Ireland but also have a worldwide appeal. Many Irish universities are associated with foreign universities making the career prospect brighter for students studying in Ireland. Ireland’s education system is one of the top-ranked systems in the world. With its unique and upgraded curriculum, the education system in Ireland is top-notch and worth all the appreciation. It is due to the variety of courses that are available in Irish universities. One in five students studying in Ireland is from another country. The cost of studying in Ireland is reasonable given the various opportunities that come along with it.
The price for programs is listed below:
1) The tuition fee for an undergraduate program is between €9,850 to €25,500 annually.
2) The tuition fee for a postgraduate program is between €9500 to €24500 annually.
3) The tuition fee for a doctoral degree is between €10000 to €35000 annually.
4) Being a student also involves the additional cost of books, stationeries, and personal accessories summing up to €200 per month.
Some of the top colleges and universities in Ireland are:
1) Royal College of Surgeons
2) University College Dublin
3) National University of Ireland, Galway
4) University College, Cork
5) Maynooth University
6) Dublin City University
To know better about the colleges and universities in Ireland, check the website of upGrad Abroad, it is a service that links you to renowned colleges for the course you want to pursue. upGrad is student-oriented and does its best to connect the students and universities to achieve and fulfil their academic and professional aspirations.
Regional trains, buses, DART, and local taxis are available for use. The monthly transportation bill in Ireland comes out to be around €140. If you are a student, it is advisable to get a student travel card. It reduces your cost by 40% and also gets you quicker services even if you are far from your college. Travelling in the city is taken care of by public transport. For travelling outside and between cities, you can either use public transport, train, flight, or long-distance bus.
TFI Leap Card
For public transport in Dublin and adjoining counties like Waterford, Galway, Sligo, Wexford, Cork and others, one can use TFI Leap Card for payment which is convenient and contactless. Leap Cards can be used in Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Go Ahead, Dublin Bus and Luas as well as on commuter and rural bus services within the Transport for Ireland (TFI) public transport network.
Types of TFI Leap Card:
1) Adult
2) Adult Personalised
3) Student
4) Child 5 – 15
5) Child 16 – 18
6) Visitor
Food Cost in Ireland and Cost of Basic Everyday Items
To ponder upon what you might have to pay for everyday essentials in Ireland could be a racing thought. However, Ireland is cheaper than you think. Not the cheapest but cheaper as compared to other desired countries. The everyday groceries and requisites are affordable. The monthly expenses on your food fall between €250 to €350.
Average Utilities and Bills in Ireland
The average expense of clothing for both men and women can be between €60 to €80. However, if you shop from premium brands, it can also go up to as much as €100. For an average-sized apartment with either one or two rooms, the cost for cooling, electricity, garbage, etc., is around €180 per month. The average price of the internet and the mobile phone bill is close to €80.
The average gas bill in Ireland turns out to be €805. However, the gas bills are less during the summers and high during the winter months.
Miscellaneous Components
Besides the expenses incurred on accommodation and education, there are some miscellaneous costs that have to be borne by an international student in Ireland. Besides the approximate cost of living in Ireland, you also need to consider the various components, including personal expenses, utilities, and the amount spent on leisure activities such as restaurant and movie outings.
Here’s a list of the expenses incurred on various miscellaneous components. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the prices may vary as per market conditions.
When you make the decision of leaving your home country and settling elsewhere, you must take into account the responsibilities that come with the decision. One of the things that people take for granted is handling their finances. The cost of living in Ireland for international students varies depending on their home country. Most students and young individuals usually do not have much idea about saving and investing.
Other than choosing cities in Ireland with a low cost of living, here are a few tips you can follow to keep a check on your expenses:
1) Lower your mobile phone bills. Preferably, use a pre-paid sim and avoid using it unless necessary, it will save your phone bills.
2) Change your mortgage: Switch to lenders that offer a cashback or a discount. Most lenders are offering cashback of up to 3%, switch to them.
3) Change your energy supplier: search for cheaper energy services. If you go for eco-friendly services, they might cost you something initially, but gradually it will save you money. Once you install a solar cell station, for example, your electricity bills will reduce.
4) Zero percent interest credit cards: Do not let your credit score affect your financial situation. If you are having trouble repaying any debt, you could try to transfer the balance to a credit card with 0% interest. Such credit card facilities are available in Ireland, especially for foreigners.
5) A savings bank account: Have an alienated bank account that you only use for savings and not for expenditure. In this account, add up all your savings. In this way, you can have a space responsible for your savings, and you can use it when you need it.
By now you must have got an idea about the cost of living in Ireland. This article gives you detailed information on how to make your plan to settle in Ireland or pursue your higher education successfully.
Comparison of Both On-Campus and Off-Campus Accommodation Costs in Ireland
An international student in Ireland has two options for accommodation – on-campus and off-campus. While on-campus accommodation includes the hostels or apartments inside a university campus, off-campus accommodation refers to the houses, apartments and homestays which are situated out of the campus area.
Each of these accommodations comes with its own share of benefits. An on-campus accommodation provides the students access to all the facilities and amenities of the university and make it smooth for them to attend the lectures, examinations and seminars on campus. Staying in an on-campus accommodation is an all-inclusive package that helps you streamline money. You can also get access to round-the-clock security and health services and can be sure about the quality of the accommodation. Another advantage of staying on campus is that it will help you build a strong, close-knit community by means of socialising.
Staying off-campus comes with a lower average cost of living in Ireland in comparison to staying at an accommodation provided by the university. You also get to choose from a lot of options on the type of housing you wish to rent. There will not be any restrictions in terms of noise, guests or how you wish to decorate your room. If you opt for off-campus accommodation, you will be able to learn some important life skills such as money management, taking initiative and money management. While an on-campus accommodation makes you connect with the students within the campus, staying off the campus helps you to be a part of the larger community of the city in which you live.
Cost of Staying on Campus Vs Cost of Staying Off-Campus
Opting for an on-campus accommodation will cost you somewhere around €4,000 (INR 3.4 lakhs) to €6,000 (INR 5 lakhs) per year and €500 (INR 42,000) on an average per month. This rent is exclusive of the utility bills, cost of food and groceries, down payment and expenditure on entertainment. However, if you share a room, it might cost you around €3,500 (INR 3 lakhs).
The cost of living in university-run off-campus housing is comparatively lesser than in on-campus accommodation. However, one needs to take into consideration the travelling cost incurred to reach the university. The accommodation cost differs based on the option you pick. Staying in a shared room will be less inexpensive and will cost you at least €3,000 (INR 2.51 lakhs) in a year.
Scholarships and Part-Time Jobs while Studying in Ireland
Being an international student in Ireland can offer you a mesmerising experience. Whether it is driving across the Atlantic way, enjoying life in the picturesque town or taking a stroll at the iconic Cliff of Moher, everything about Ireland is enthralling. Though the experience is dreamy, the fact cannot be denied that finance plays a major hindrance in the path of fulfilling your goals. You can opt for scholarships or engage yourself in part-time jobs to attain your study abroad dream. There are numerous scholarship options offered by universities and the government in Ireland. You need to check the website of the university you are applying to or the government portals to research the scholarships available. Getting a scholarship or a grant can ease the process of aiding your expenses in Ireland. Listed below are some of the scholarships and grants available in Ireland.
The Intel Scholarship
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship
Fulbright scholarships
DIT Centenary Scholarship Program
University of Cork Scholarships
Global Excellence Graduate Scholarships
Maynooth University Scholarships
Caroline Walsh Bursary in Creative Writing
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology scholarships
V.Giri Global Excellence Scholarships
Quercus Taught Masters Academic Scholarships
Max Arthur Macauliffe Special Merit Scholarships
Erasmus+
While scholarships and grants can help you to aid just the cost incurred in studies, you might need some other source to finance the cost of living in Ireland and other regular expenses. In this situation, taking up a part-time job in Ireland will help you to meet the regular expenses. Some of the universities offer some on-campus part-time jobs to students, which are as follows:
Research Assistant
Administrative job
Teacher Assistant
Peer tutor
Library Attendant
Campus tour guide
Some of the off-campus part-time jobs in Ireland are:
Barista
Call centres
Tutor
Store Assistant
Housekeeping
Community support worker
Babysitter
Parking agent
Study Overseas with upGrad Abroad
At upGrad Abroad, we are fulfilling the aspirations of many students who wish to study abroad through our cost-effective blended programs. We have collaborated with some of the top universities in the UK, US, Germany, Australia, and Canada to offer blended master’s and bachelor’s programs that help you save up to 1/5th of the education cost. To know more, get in touch with our counsellors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ireland expensive for Indian students?
Studying in Ireland for international students is certainly costlier than studying at home. However, in comparison to the UK and USA, the average tuition fees are much less. The average tuition fees while studying at a university in Ireland will cost you somewhere between €5000 to €25000 per year. In terms of living expenses, the average cost of living in Ireland is 220% higher than in India.
How much does it cost to live in Dublin as a student?
The cost of staying in Dublin as a student differs according to the area you have chosen. However, on an estimate, the monthly cost of living in Dublin can be around €1539. This includes expenses on rent, travel, food, utilities, clothing, mobile bills, books and study materials, and cost incurred on leisure activities.
Is it more expensive to live in England or Ireland?
According to a study by Provident Personal Credit, the cost of living in Ireland is said to be 13.97 per cent more than that of the UK as Irish consumers spend more on rents, cars, groceries and fashion. While London is an expensive place to live in England, people of Ireland pay much more just for their accommodation.
How much is the cost of living in Ireland?
On average, the cost of living in Ireland for international students for one academic year (9 months) is estimated to be up to at least €12,000 per year. It includes the rent for accommodation, food bills, electricity, medicine, and other such necessities. This cost of living is subject to change depending on the city you are living in and the type of accommodation.
How much is the monthly living cost in Ireland?
Ireland is in the 13th position globally in terms of the most expensive places. The monthly cost of living in Ireland on an average can range somewhere between €1200 to €2000. This cost is exclusive of the monthly tuition fees that you need to pay at your university.
What is the average salary in Ireland?
The average salary that a fresher can expect on completion of a course in Ireland can range somewhere between €30,000 to €60,000 per annum.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!
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