Cost of Living in Ireland for International Students 2025
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Cost of living in Ireland: The cost of living in Ireland forms a significant part of the student's budget to study abroad. It is probably the other main component apart from tuition fees in Ireland that constitutes the total cost of studying in Ireland. The cost of living in Ireland would greatly depend on a number of factors including, lifestyle choices, the standard of accommodation, leisure activities, and so on.
A lot of times, students going to study in Ireland wonder whether the part-time jobs in Ireland would help to fund their living expenses. The short answer is no. The long answer is students are advised against relying on part-time jobs as their single source of income to fund their living expenses. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Ireland is 230% higher than in India. Hence, students must plan their budget in advance for a hassle-free, smooth experience during their stay for higher studies in Ireland. For the benefit of our readers, we have provided an estimate of the amount of money one would need to spend around activities that make up living expenses. On an average, students need anywhere between €8000 and €14,000 a year to live comfortably in Ireland. This range does not include the cost of tuition at Irish universities. Read on to learn about the cost of living in Ireland as an international student.
Related Reads:
| MBA in Ireland | |
| Why Study in Ireland? | What is the average cost of studying abroad? |
Cost of Living in Ireland in 2025
Read on as we bring together important factors that make up your cost of living in Ireland.
Accommodation
Although the cost of studying in Ireland takes up most of the student's budget, the second most exhaustive expense for studying in Ireland is the cost of accommodation. Students looking for accommodation could reach the country beforehand to look for housing options or book accommodation around the college, online. Note that the closer the accommodation is to the college, the more expensive it will be. However, transportation costs are affordable in Ireland, hence renting a room a little further away is never a problem.
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If you share your apartment with other students or tenants, then the rent will be a lot less individually as it will be divided. The average rent for an apartment within cities is around €1200-1500 per month, and €800-€1000 in suburban areas. In addition to this, the student would have to pay utility bills and maintenance charges. On-campus boarding could cost students anything between €800-€900 per month.
Accommodation Costs in Ireland
| Expense | Average Cost Range per Month |
|---|---|
| Option 1 - On-Campus Accommodation | €800 - €1000 |
| Option 2 - Private Complex | €850 - €1,200 |
| Option 3- Shared Apartment | €450+ (bills not included) |
Food
Students generally prefer a mix of eating out and cooking at home. It could be slightly difficult for students to find Indian food ingredients, however, the wide range of Irish food will not allow you to miss home even for once. On an average, you would spend around €70 to €100 on food every week while staying as a student in Ireland. Here is an average expense list for international students studying in Ireland
| Sample Shopping List | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Apples / Bananas / Oranges (per kg) | €1.85 - €2.6 |
| Butter 250g | €1.80 |
| Milk 1 litre | €1.29 |
| Eggs (12 pack) | €3.73 |
| Bread Loaf 500g | €1.81 |
| Cornflakes 500g | €3.00 |
| Chicken Fillet (1 kg) | €9.78 |
| Coca-Cola can 330ml | €0.85 |
| Coffee 100g | €3.49 |
| Pasta 500g | €1.75 |
| Potatoes 1kg | €2.00 |
| Rice 1kg | €1.6 |
| McDonald's Big Mac Meal | €9.51 |
Public Transportation
Commuting in Ireland is relatively convenient for international students given Ireland’s extensive public transport systems. This is an important point to consider as you would be living on your own in a foreign country, and you would be exploring the country or travelling to your university/college. Hence, the affordable cost of transportation will make your movement around the country that much easier.
| Particulars | Expense |
|---|---|
| Bus Ticket – Single Ride | €2.10 |
| Bus Ticket – Monthly Pass |
€160 |
Miscellaneous Components
This is what a typical living expenditure would look like for Indian students going to Ireland to pursue higher education. Other components that should be taken into account are, utilities, personal expenses, and leisure activities such as movie outings and restaurant visits would cost you over and above. However candidates should note that the rates could vary depending on market conditions, but this is what the candidate would be spending in Ireland.
Living Expenses in Ireland for International Students - At a Glance
| Particulars | Average Expense |
|---|---|
| Overall Expense (excluding Accommodation) | €640 - €880 |
| Overall Expense (including Accommodation) | €1,200 - €1900 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | €20.73 |
| Personal Expenses (Social/Sports) | €200 - €300 |
| Utilities (Electric/Gas/Refuse/Water/Garbage) | €200 - €225 |
| Food | €280 - €400 |
| Travel (Monthly Bus Ticket) | €160 |
| Textbook & Materials | €75 |
Note: the tabular data has been sourced from the official websites of universities in Ireland.
If you want to know more about studying in Ireland, get in touch with us in the comments below or contact our counsellors at Shiksha Study Abroad Counselling.
Also, Read
Q: What are the requirements for admission to Griffith College (Ireland)?
Q: What is the acceptance rate for NCI Ireland?
National College of Ireland is one of the best public research universities in the Ireland. The National College of Ireland is among the colleges that do not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources including EduRank, the National College of Ireland acceptance rate is 52%. This shows that NCI is moderately selective for admissions and international students may find it comparatively tougher to get into. Please note that, the data on the acceptance rate is taken from unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: How can I apply for Dublin Business School Ireland admissions?
Dublin Business School accepts international applications through the Official Application Portal available on the university's website. Students can refer to the listings below for the steps to apply at DBS Ireland:
Step 1: Open the Application Portal and head to the form
Step 2: Select the student type and course
Step 3: Course selection:
- Select a course type
- Select a course
- Select the year of entry as ‘Year 1’
- Choose the batch commencement date
Step 4: Enter personal details:
- Add details like name, date of birth, contact details, gender, nationality, etc
- Address
- Emergency contact details
Step 5: Keep filling the details and continue until the last step:
- Insert previous education information
- Input other details
Step 6: Submit the application form
Q: Is Griffith College in Ireland good for doing a computer Science course?
Griffith College Dublin offers an affordable master's degree in computer Science for international students. The Griffith College Dublin fees for MS in computer Science is around INR 12.59 L for first-year. Therefore, yes Griffith College in Ireland is good for doing a computer Science course.
Q: How good is the MBA in Dublin Business School, Ireland?
International students must join the MBA at the Dublin Business Schools. Along with the reputation, the university provides various advantages through this curriculum. Some of the best reason why an MBA is worthy to pursue at DBS is given below:
- The programme improves personal, academic, and professional development of the students
- The lectures and evaluation techniques that use the business expertise help students to function as efficient managers in any kind of organization.
- Students will be able to evaluate and apply significant global management issues that affect organizational effectiveness and performance through a thorough study of key business theory concerns.
- It improves knowledge and comprehension of international business, with a focus on topics like Globalization, Product and Service Standardization, and Customization.
Q: How much does an MBA cost in Ireland?
Well, the cost of education would entirely depend on your preferred university and your living expenses. However, MBA in Irish Universities is relatively cheaper and affordable with an average tuition cost of 8,000–30,000 Euros per annum when compared to the USA and Canada.
Q: How much does MS cost in Ireland?
The tuition cost to study MS from the universities in Ireland will be in the range of INR 10 Lacs – INR 40 lakh. The first-year tuition fees to pursue MS from top-ranked MS universities in Ireland are given below:
Particulars | First-Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
Trinity College Dublin | INR14.2 Lakh - INR 23.8 Lakh |
University College Dublin | INR 8.5 Lakh - INR 24.5 Lakh |
University of Galway | INR 7.1 Lakh - INR 25.4 Lakh |
University College Cork | INR 13.8 Lakh - INR 22.2 Lakh |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Ireland for International Students
Q: Is Ireland a good option for MS?
Ireland is one of the most peaceful and the safest countries in the world. It is ranked 8th in the world out of 189 countries in a United Nations index measuring longevity education and health. Also, Ireland is ranked 3rd in the Global Peace Index 2023. When compared with other European destinations, higher education in Ireland is more affordable for international students. Some of the reasons to choose Ireland as a study destination for MS are:
- International exposure
- High-quality education
- Better career opportunities
- Affordable cost of living
Cost of Living in Ireland FAQs
Q. Is studying in Ireland cheaper for Indian students?
A. Studying in Ireland can be a somewhat cheaper option for Indian students compared to other popular study-abroad destinations like the US, UK, Australia or Canada. Here is a breakdown of the costs to consider to live and study in Ireland:
- The average tuition cost at most Irish universities remains around €12,000 to €29,000 per year.
- The average monthly living cost for students in Ireland ranges from €1,200 to €1,900, which can cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials.
Students can do part-time and full-time jobs to manage their budget and cover any additional costs during their journey of studying in Ireland.
Q. What is average monthly cost of living in Ireland for Indian students?
A. The average monthly cost of living in Ireland for Indian students is estimated to range from €1,200 to €1,900. This amount can cover essential components of student's expenses like accommodation, food, transportation, groceries and utilities. However, students must note that the average cost may vary depending on location, university, and place of stay.
Q. Is €3,000 a good salary to live comfortably in Ireland?
A. A €3,000 monthly salary can be just enough to live in Ireland, especially in cities like Dublin. However, the level of comfort it provides can vary depending on your lifestyle, location, and specific needs.
Here's a breakdown of how €3,000 per month can be allocated:
Essential Expenses:
- Rent:
- Outside Dublin: €800-1,200
- Dublin: €1,200-2,000+
- Utilities: €100-200
- Groceries: €300-500
- Transportation: €100-200 (public transport or car)
- Phone and Internet: €50-100
Additional Expenses:
- Healthcare: Public healthcare is free, but private health insurance can be beneficial.
- Social Activities: €100-200 (dining out, entertainment, etc.)
- Savings and Investments: €200-500
As you can see, a €3,000 salary can cover essential expenses and leave room for some discretionary spending. However, it's important to note that housing costs, especially in Dublin, can significantly impact your budget.
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International students can apply for Griffith College admission through the official website. We have mentioned below the Griffith College requirements for international undergraduate and graduate admissions:
Griffith College requirements for undergraduate admission:
Griffith College requirements for undergraduate admission: