Low Tuition Universities in Ireland, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

For students looking to study in Europe, Ireland is a country that is definitely on the list. This article will talk about the higher education system in Ireland, tuition fees, costs of living, admission requirements and the list of low tuition universities in Ireland

About Ireland

Located to the west of Great Britain and east of Canada and the USA, Ireland is an island nation with a population of over 6.5 million people. This makes it the second most populous island in Europe. Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, and is a popular city for international students and tourists alike.

Ireland has two official languages; Irish and English. Ireland uses the Euro (€) as its currency.

Irish Higher Education System

Bachelor’s Degree:

The main stage of higher education leads to a Bachelor’s Degree, which may, in certain cases, also be a professional qualification (Professional Degree). The length of study generally varies between three and four years. The Bachelor’s Degree may be awarded as a General Degree, an Honours Degree and a BA (Special) Degree. In Veterinary Medicine, Architecture and Dentistry studies last for five years. Medicine takes six years.

Master’s Degree:

This is the second stage of higher education and it consists of more advanced (graduate) studies and leads to the Master’s Degree. These studies last for a minimum of one year after the award of the Bachelor’s Degree. Candidates who attend a course of study and/or present a thesis based on research are awarded a Master’s Degree.

Doctorate:

A further two years’ study after the Master’s Degree are normally required for the PhD Degree.

Higher Doctorate:

A Higher Doctorate may be awarded, after a minimum of five years (usually longer), following the award of the first Doctorate, for original work already published.

Costs of Living

Accommodation Costs

While international students have numerous accommodation options, the cost also varies. The options include on-campus accommodation, off-campus accommodation and homestays. The table below gives the average cost of accommodation options:

On campus accommodation: 600 -800 Euros per month

Off campus accommodation:150-200 Euros per month

Homestay: 180-200 Euros per month

Food Costs:

The average monthly costs on food are reasonable in Ireland. The average expenses on food will be between 250-350 Euros per month on groceries and you can get a decent meal for two under 60 Euros if you decide to eat out.

Transportation Costs

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.

Admission Requirements

Scanned copy of passport
Relevant academic transcripts, which would be:
- High school leaving certificate, if you are joining a UG course
- Proof of holding a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, if you are joining a PG course
- Any other certificates showing academic merit
English language proficiency test score (as mentioned above)
Other aptitude test scores, if required
Statement of Purpose for Irish Universities
Financial statements, which may include:
- Bank balance statement
- Proof of loan sanction
- Income Tax return papers
CV, if required
Letter of Recommendation, if required
Passport-size photographs

Tuition Fees

Tuition costs vary depending on the course, the institution and whether you are classified as an EU student or non-EU student.

The tuition fees you will pay in Ireland will vary depending on where you choose to study and where you are from. Ireland operates a Free Fees Initiative for full-time undergraduate study. If you are an EU student studying at a public university, you will not pay tuition fees. If you are an EU student not studying at a public university or studying a postgraduate programme, you will have to pay fees. Even if you are not required to pay tuition fees, you will likely have to pay a registration fee of around €3,000. If you are from anywhere else in the world, you will need to pay fees no matter what level of study you are taking and where you are studying. On average you should expect to pay between €5,000 and €10,000 per year.