Top Public Universities in Ireland for Indian Students

Ireland is a sought-after study abroad destination for higher education. Popularly known as the “Emerald Isle,” Ireland’s universities provide cutting-edge education with promising career prospects. Irish universities welcomed around 35,140 international students in 2023, offering exciting academic life. Let’s take a closer look at the leading public universities in Ireland.

5 Benefits of Studying in Public Universities in Ireland

Here are some of the key advantages of choosing Ireland’s public universities for your higher education:

• Reputed Universities- Several public universities in Ireland have achieved international acclaim because of their seasoned faculty, top-notch curricula, and impressive alumni. Eight of them have also made it to the QS World University Rankings 2024. Studying at these public universities provides students with ample opportunities to gain valuable skills and build long-lasting professional networks. 
• Work After Studying- Ireland allows graduates to remain in the country to pursue employment opportunities after completing their studies. Under the Third Level Graduate Scheme,  students can stay back for one or two years after completing their studies, depending on their qualifications. However, the student must have obtained their degrees from reputed public or private institutions and can work only for 40 hrs/week.
• Quality of Life- Ireland offers a high quality of life with its progressive culture and welcoming communities. It is known for its lovely mountains, coastal destinations, and vibrant city life, rich with art galleries, museums, pubs, music venues, and gourmet food. The country is ranked #3 on the Global Peace Index and #14 on the World Happiness Index.
• Major Corporate Hub- The country is also home to leading companies like Accenture, Amazon, Deloitte, McDonald’s, EY and Google, to name a few. This ensures higher employment opportunities for students. It is estimated that the country will employ 
  2.64 million people by the end of 2024, as per Statista. Thus, upon graduating from Ireland’s public universities, students can find several lucrative jobs. 
• Safety- Ireland secured the 13th spot in the U.S.News & World Report Rankings 2023 for the safest countries in the world. Public universities in the country prioritize the safety of international students. Several of them have campus watch services to safeguard the well-being of students.

Top Public Universities in Ireland

Here are the top public universities in Ireland for International students: 

Source: QS World University Rankings 2025

Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Ireland

The costs of studying at Ireland’s public universities may vary, depending on the institution, level of study, and other factors. Here is the general cost of studies for various courses in the country: 

Source: Official university websites

Courses Offered by Public Universities in Ireland

Here are some of the courses offered by leading public universities in Ireland:

• Bioengineering
• Energy Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Applied Psychology
• Business Administration 
• Finance
• Environmental Engineering
• Immunotherapeutics
• Electronic Information Engineering
• Global Health
• Genomic Medicine
• Clinical Exercise
• Pharmacy
• Nursing

Top Public Universities in Ireland for Masters

Publicly funded universities in Ireland offer Master's programs in various fields like Arts, Sciences, Medicine, and Business Management, to name a few.

Top 10 Public Universities in Ireland For MBA

Top Public Universities in Ireland for Masters

Publicly funded universities in Ireland offer Master's programs in various fields like Arts, Sciences, Medicine, and Business Management, to name a few.

Top 10 Public Universities in Ireland For MBA

Intakes for Public University in Ireland

Most institutions in Ireland usually have January and September intakes. 

To Know More About Intakes in Ireland: Intakes in Ireland

Application Process

The admission process at top public universities in Ireland is highly competitive, and students need to carefully check the eligibility criteria at each university before applying. The general application process is given below:

• For most universities, you will need to apply directly on the website. 
• After carefully selecting your course, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the university: 
• For undergraduate courses, you must hold a recognized high-school qualification, such as the A-levels, International Baccalaureate or Senior School Certificate  awarded by CBSE/ ICSE/ state boards. 
• For postgraduate courses, applicants must have secured a minimum of 60% in their undergraduate. 
• IELTS score of minimum 6.5 and a TOEFL score of 570.
• During the application process, you will be asked to submit personal details, information about academic qualifications, and professional experience and upload supporting documents. 
• After filling in all the requested details and paying the application fee, your application will be successfully submitted and considered for admission. 

Documents Required 

Students must keep the following documents handy while applying for programs at Ireland’s public universities: 

• High school/Bachelor’s degree certificates and academic transcripts. 
• English language proficiency certificates (TOEFL/IELTS/University of Cambridge Proficiency/Advanced/First Certificate, UCLES, ETAPP English Test, Trinity ISE, PTE, Oxford Test of English, Duolingo English Test).
• Passport copy/identity proof. 
• Statement of Purpose(SOP)
• Resumes, mostly required in the case of MBA programs. 
• Proof of funds
• Academic references

From short-term courses to specialized graduate education, public universities in Ireland promise cutting-edge infrastructure and top-notch learning experiences for every student. Maximize your potential by studying at public universities in Ireland. 

Disclaimer: All fees mentioned are subject to change

Scholarships for International Students

Read More to Study in Ireland:

• Cost of study in Ireland for Indian students
• Why study in Ireland
• Scholarships to study in Ireland