In 2026, several Irish universities and technological institutes will continue to provide affordable tuition, simplified visa processes, and even opportunities for students to bring their dependents. Below is an updated list of the cheapest universities in Ireland for international students.

Summary Table: Cheapest universities in Ireland for international students 

Universities in Ireland with Low Tuition Fees

Atlantic Technological University (ATU)

City Located: Galway / Letterkenny
Tuition Range: €9,000 – €11,500 per year
Courses Taught in English: Over 70 Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in engineering, business, computing, and health sciences.
Language Requirement: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 / Duolingo 95+
School Page Link: https://www.atu.ie
Estimated Annual Cost (Tuition + Living): €18,000 – €22,000

Visa Requirement:
Students applying to study in Ireland must secure a D-type student visa. Required documents include:

• Valid passport
• Proof of university admission
• Proof of financial means (€10,000 minimum per year)
• Medical insurance
• Two recent passport photos
• Statement of purpose

Dependents:
Students studying in Ireland can bring their spouse or children under a family reunification visa after completing one year of study. Proof of adequate income and accommodation is required.

Munster Technological University (MTU)

City Located: Cork / Kerry
Tuition Range: €11,000 – €13,500 per year (after scholarship)
Courses Taught in English: 60+ programs in science, computing, engineering, and business.
Language Requirement: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80
School Page Link: https://www.mtu.ie
Estimated Annual Cost: €20,000 – €25,000

Visa Requirements:
Students must present proof of acceptance, evidence of financial means (€10,000 minimum), health insurance, and accommodation details.

Dependents:
Dependents are permitted after residence registration. Students must show proof of relationship and sufficient funds (€2,000/month family income).

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)

City Located: Dublin
Tuition Range: €10,500 – €12,500 per year
Courses Taught in English: 80+ undergraduate and postgraduate programs in design, business, and technology.
Language Requirement: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90
School Page Link: https://www.tudublin.ie
Estimated Annual Cost: €22,000 – €26,000

Visa Requirements:
Students must submit an acceptance letter, proof of finances (€10,000+), accommodation, and valid medical insurance.

Dependents:
Permitted under family reunification after one year of study. Financial proof of €2,200/month is required.

University of Limerick (UL)

City Located: Limerick
Tuition Range: €12,000 – €17,000 per year
Courses Taught in English: Over 100 programs across science, business, arts, and engineering.
Language Requirement: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 / Cambridge C1
School Page Link: https://www.ul.ie
Estimated Annual Cost: €20,000 – €26,000

Visa Requirements:
Documents include:

• University admission proof
• Bank statements showing €10,000+ funds
• Health insurance
• Accommodation proof

Dependents:
Allowed after residence permit approval. Proof of marriage, financial means, and housing is required.

Maynooth University

City Located: Maynooth (near Dublin)
Tuition Range: €12,000 – €14,500 per year
Courses Taught in English: 90+ programs in humanities, science, IT, and education.
Language Requirement: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 88
School Page Link: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie
Estimated Annual Cost: €21,000 – €25,000

Visa Requirements:
Applicants must show proof of acceptance, health insurance, proof of funds (€10,000+), and passport copies.

Dependents:
Permitted under specific conditions. Students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and show financial proof (€2,000/month).

University College Cork (UCC)

City Located: Cork
Tuition Range: €9,450 – €18,000 (depending on scholarship)
Courses Taught in English: Over 100 Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Language Requirement: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90
School Page Link: https://www.ucc.ie
Estimated Annual Cost: €20,000 – €27,000

Visa Requirements:
Applicants must present university admission letters, proof of €10,000 living funds, accommodation confirmation, and health insurance.

Dependents:
Allowed after visa approval. Students must provide proof of relationship and financial stability.

National College of Ireland (NCI)

City Located: Dublin
Tuition Range: €10,000 – €13,000 per year
Courses Taught in English: Business, finance, computing, and data analytics.
Language Requirement: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80
School Page Link: https://www.ncirl.ie
Estimated Annual Cost: €22,000 – €25,000

Visa Requirements:
Valid passport, admission letter, financial proof, and health insurance are mandatory.

Dependents:
Students can bring dependents after securing residence status and meeting financial requirements.

Griffith College Dublin

City Located: Dublin
Tuition Range: €12,000 – €15,000 per year
Courses Taught in English: Business, law, journalism, and media.
Language Requirement: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80
School Page Link: https://www.griffith.ie
Estimated Annual Cost: €22,000 – €26,000

Visa Requirements:
Proof of admission, €10,000+ in financial support, medical insurance, and housing documents are required.

Dependents:
Permitted under family visa policy with proof of funds (€2,200/month total).

South East Technological University (SETU)

City Located: Waterford / Carlow
Tuition Range: €9,500 – €12,000 per year
Courses Taught in English: 60+ programs in science, business, and engineering.
Language Requirement: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80
School Page Link: https://www.setu.ie
Estimated Annual Cost: €19,000 – €24,000

Visa Requirements:
Documents include admission proof, proof of funds, and health insurance.

Dependents:
Allowed; €2,000 monthly income proof required.

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT)

City Located: Dundalk
Tuition Range: €9,000 – €11,500 per year
Courses Taught in English: 50+ programs in business, IT, and creative arts.
Language Requirement: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80
School Page Link: https://www.dkit.ie
Estimated Annual Cost: €18,000 – €22,000

Visa Requirements:
Proof of acceptance, accommodation, financial means (€10,000+), and medical insurance are necessary.

Dependents:
Allowed after one academic year with proof of sufficient income (€2,000/month).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students study in Ireland with low tuition fees?

Yes. Several public and technological universities in Ireland offer affordable tuition between €9,000 and €14,000 per year for non-EU students, which is lower than in most other English-speaking countries.

Can I work while studying in Ireland?

Yes. International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during term) and full-time during holidays under the Third Level Graduate Programme.

Can I bring my family to Ireland as a student?

Yes. Spouses and children under 18 can apply for a dependent visa after the student has completed one year of study. Proof of financial means and relationship documents are required.

What language tests are accepted in Ireland?

Most universities accept IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. The minimum IELTS requirement typically ranges between 6.0 and 6.5 overall.

Is Ireland safe for international students?

Yes. Ireland is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with a welcoming environment for international students.

Do these low-tuition universities offer scholarships?

Yes. Many schools, such as MTU and UCC, provide partial scholarships or fee reductions for international students based on merit.

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Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27

This fellowship, funded by Irish Aid and managed by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, invites early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries to pursue a Master’s degree in Ireland. The program targets individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to driving development in their countries.

Participants benefit not only from top-quality academic programs at Irish higher education institutions but also from a global network of professionals, additional leadership training, and full financial support throughout the program’s duration.

Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27 Summary

What Is the Ireland Fellows Program All About?

The Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27 is designed to build international capacity and cultivate a new generation of global leaders. Applicants from developing and eligible countries are encouraged to apply for this fully funded Master’s opportunity in Ireland.

The primary objective of the program is to support individuals who can contribute positively to their home nations through policy reforms, grassroots development, and institution-building. By equipping participants with knowledge and skills in key sectors like health, law, education, engineering, and climate action, the program promotes sustainable progress worldwide.

The fellowship extends beyond academic studies, offering immersive professional development experiences, networking opportunities, and access to a vibrant alumni community.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To qualify for the Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Nationality: Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries (e.g., Nigeria, Burundi, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Angola, among others).
• Educational Background: Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
• Professional Experience: Have 2 to 3 years of relevant work experience in a development-related field.
• Academic Readiness: Demonstrate excellent academic performance and English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).
• No Prior Master’s: Must not have previously completed a Master’s degree.
• Availability: Must be available to commence studies in Ireland by August 2026.
• Leadership Potential: Must exhibit leadership ability and a strong commitment to contributing toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Specific fellowship streams include:

• Roger Casement Fellowship (Nigeria)
• Kader Asmal Fellowship (South Africa)
• Courtney Fellowship (Burundi)
• Frank Ferguson Fellowship (Zambia)
• Sean MacBride Fellowship (Namibia)
• Ireland SIDS Fellowship (for Small Island Developing States)

Scholarship Benefits

Selected fellows will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring a stress-free academic experience:

• Full tuition fee coverage at participating Irish institutions.
• Monthly living allowance of €700.
• Accommodation support during the academic session.
• Additional third-trimester accommodation allowance (€800–€1,000).
• Settling-in and departure allowances.
• Round-trip airfare from and to the home country.
• Health insurance for the entire duration of the program.
• Access to professional development training.
• Participation in extracurricular activities and leadership seminars.
• Lifetime membership in an inclusive global alumni network.

Fields of Study

Applicants can pursue Master’s programs in various development-oriented disciplines, including:

• Human Rights and International Law
• Engineering and Technology
• Computer Science and Data Science
• Health and Medicine
• Business and Management
• Agriculture and Food Systems
• Climate and Environmental Studies
• Education and Policy Development
• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

These fields have been selected for their alignment with both global and national development priorities, ensuring that scholars are well-equipped to influence positive change back home.

Required Documents

To successfully apply for the Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27, candidates must prepare and submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
• Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter
• Copy of passport
• A recent passport-sized photograph

All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.

Application Timeline

The Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27 follows a structured, three-stage selection process:

Stage 1 – Preliminary Application

• Opens: June 30, 2025
• Closes: July 25, 2025

Eligible candidates are expected to submit an initial application outlining their background, field of interest, and eligibility.

Stage 2 – Detailed Application

• Opens: September 22, 2025
• Closes: October 17, 2025

Shortlisted candidates from Stage 1 will be invited to complete a more in-depth application, including academic plans and development goals.

Stage 3 – Interview

• Dates will be communicated to shortlisted candidates
  Finalists will undergo interviews conducted by selection committees, which evaluate motivation, leadership potential, and readiness to undertake postgraduate studies.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply

If you’re interested in applying, follow these simple steps:

• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all nationality, academic, and language criteria.
• Gather Documents: Prepare your transcripts, passport, references, and language certificates.
• Stage 1 Application: Complete and submit the preliminary application form before July 25, 2025.
• Stage 2 Application: If shortlisted, provide detailed responses about your proposed program and career objectives.
• Interview Preparation: Prepare thoroughly for your Stage 3 interview.
• Stay Updated: Regularly monitor your email and the official Ireland Fellows Program portal for updates.

For more details about eligibility, fields of study, and how to apply, visit the official Ireland Fellows Program website.

Why Study in Ireland?

Ireland stands out as one of Europe’s most welcoming and innovative educational destinations. Here are a few reasons to study in Ireland:

• World-Class Education: Irish universities are known globally for academic excellence and research impact.
• Safe and Friendly Environment: Ranked among the safest countries in the world with a warm, English-speaking population.
• Global Network: Access to international professionals, researchers, and a powerful alumni network.
• Cultural Heritage: A unique blend of rich cultural history and modern innovation.

By studying in Ireland through this program, scholars not only gain a Master’s degree but also become part of a powerful movement of global changemakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I already hold a Master’s degree?

No, the program is only open to applicants who do not already have a Master’s degree.

Do I need to pay any application fees?

No. The application process is entirely free of charge.

Are there age restrictions for applicants?

There is no official age limit, but the program is geared toward early to mid-career professionals.

Can I bring dependents with me to Ireland?

The fellowship does not cover expenses for dependents, so applicants are advised to plan accordingly.

Is it possible to choose any Irish university for the Master’s program?

Yes, but the course must be on the eligible program list approved under the fellowship.

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