Ireland is known for its beautiful view and friendly people. It is also famous for its high-quality education. Many students from around the world choose to study at Ireland universities. These universities offer many courses in science, arts, business, and technology. If you want to study in a good university in Ireland, you will find many options.
In this article, you will learn about the top universities in Ireland, their rankings, admission requirements, fees, and more.
Top 10 Universities in Ireland 2025
Ireland has some of the best universities in Europe. The QS World University Rankings 2025 list the top universities in Ireland based on their quality of teaching, research, and reputation. Here are the top 10 universities in Ireland for 2025:
| University | QS World Ranking |
| Trinity College Dublin (TCD) | 87 |
| University College Dublin (UCD) | 126 |
| University College Cork (UCC) | 273 |
| University of Galway | 273 |
| University of Limerick (UL) | 421 |
| Dublin City University (DCU) | 421 |
| Maynooth University | 801–850 |
| Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) | 851–900 |
| RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences | 251–300* |
| Dublin Institute of Technology (now part of TU Dublin) | 851–900* |
Get to know more about these universities
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
Trinity College Dublin is the best university in Ireland. It is ranked 87th in the world in 2025. Trinity is very old. It was founded in 1592. Many famous writers and scientists studied here.
Trinity is known for its strong research and high academic standards. It offers many courses in arts, sciences, business, and health. Trinity is also the only Irish member of the League of European Research Universities.
- University College Dublin (UCD)
University College Dublin is ranked 126th in the world. It is the largest university in Ireland with over 38,000 students, including more than 10,000 international students from 144 countries.
UCD is known for its flexible courses and focus on research. It has a good reputation among employers. Many students choose UCD for business, science, and engineering degrees.
- University College Cork (UCC)
University College Cork is ranked 273rd in the world. It is famous for its green campus and focus on sustainability. UCC has over 20,000 students. It offers many courses in medicine, law, engineering, and arts. UCC has a strong reputation for research and student support.
- University of Galway
The University of Galway is also ranked 273rd in the world. It is located in the west of Ireland. The university has over 18,000 students. It offers courses in science, medicine, business, and arts.
The University of Galway is known for its high employment rate. About 96% of graduates find jobs or continue their studies within six months of graduation.
- University of Limerick (UL)
The University of Limerick is ranked 421st in the world. It is located on the River Shannon. UL is known for its strong links with business and industry.
The university has over 18,000 students. It offers courses in engineering, business, science, and arts. UL graduates have a 15% higher employment rate than the national average.
- Dublin City University (DCU)
Dublin City University is also ranked 421st in the world. It has five campuses in Dublin. DCU is famous for its focus on employability and practical skills. It was the first university in Ireland to offer workplace internships as part of its courses.
DCU is a good choice for students who want to gain real-world experience.
- Maynooth University
Maynooth University is ranked between 801 and 850 in the world. It is one of the youngest universities in Ireland. Maynooth has over 15,000 students from more than 100 countries. The university is known for its international programs and partnerships.
- Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
TU Dublin is ranked between 851 and 900 in the world. It is the first technological university in Ireland. TU Dublin has over 28,000 students from 140 countries. It has five campuses in and around Dublin.
TU Dublin is a good university in Ireland for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
RCSI is ranked in the 251-300 range in the Times Higher Education rankings. It is famous for medicine and health sciences. Many students from around the world come here to study medicine, pharmacy, and nursing.
- Dublin Institute of Technology Dublin Institute of Technology is now part of TU Dublin. It was known for its strong technical and professional courses. These top ranked universities in Ireland are popular among both local and international students.
Admission and Eligibility Requirements for Ireland Universities
Getting admission into the best universities in Ireland is not very hard if you meet the requirements. Here are the main things you need:
Academic Records: You must have good grades in your previous studies. For undergraduate courses, you need a high school certificate. For postgraduate courses, you need a bachelor’s degree.
English Language Tests: If English is not your first language, you must take an English test. Most Ireland universities accept IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores. The minimum IELTS score needed is usually 6.0. For TOEFL, you need at least 90. For PTE, the score should be 36 for undergraduate and 63 for postgraduate courses.
Other Exams: Some courses, like medicine or business, need extra tests. For medicine, you may need HPAT or GAMSAT. For MBA, you may need a GMAT score.
Application Process: For undergraduate courses, students from Ireland and the EU apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). International students usually apply directly to the university. For postgraduate courses, you apply on the university’s website or through the Postgraduate Applications Center (PAC).
Deadlines: Each university in Ireland has its own deadlines. For example, Trinity College Dublin’s deadline is 15 November for undergraduate courses and 30 June for postgraduate courses. Other universities have deadlines between July and September.
It is important to check the specific requirements of each university in Ireland before applying.
Documents Required to Study in Ireland
| Document | Details |
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for the full duration of your course. |
| Academic Transcripts | 10th, 12th, and bachelor's degree certificates (for PG applicants). |
| English Language Test Scores | IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores (IELTS 6.0+ usually required). |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Explains your academic goals and why you want to study in Ireland. |
| Letters of Recommendation (LORs) | Usually 2 LORs from teachers or employers. |
| Resume/CV | Required for postgraduate or research-based courses. |
| Proof of Funds | Bank statements or sponsorship letter showing you can cover tuition & living expenses. |
| Visa Documents | Visa application form, passport-size photos, and proof of acceptance (from Irish university). |
| Medical Insurance | Health coverage is mandatory for non-EU international students. |
Living and Tuition Fee Structure of Ireland
Studying in Ireland can be affordable compared to other countries. Here is what you need to know about living and tuition fees:
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees depend on the course and the university. For undergraduate courses, fees range from €9,000 to €25,000 per year for international students. For postgraduate courses, fees are between €9,000 and €35,000 per year. Medicine and business courses usually cost more.
Living Costs: The cost of living in Ireland is about €7,000 to €12,000 per year. This includes rent, food, transport, books, and other expenses. Dublin is the most expensive city, while cities like Galway, Limerick, and Cork are a bit cheaper.
Scholarships: Many top universities in Ireland offer scholarships for international students. These can help reduce the cost of studying and living in Ireland.
Conclusion
Ireland is a great place to study. It has some of the best universities in Europe. Ireland universities offer many courses and have a strong reputation worldwide. If you want to study at a top university of Ireland, you will find many options to choose from. The admission process is simple if you meet the requirements. The cost of studying and living in Ireland is reasonable, and there are many scholarships available. Ireland is a safe and friendly country for students.