Top Public Universities in Ireland 2026

Ireland's main public universities include Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork (UCC), University of Galway, University of Limerick (UL), Dublin City University (DCU) and Maynooth University. The public universities in Ireland are cheaper than private universities and attract a large chunk of international students every year. 

The government of Ireland considers its universities as the pillars of strength for research, innovation and supporting the country’s economy in the future, as the “real talent” is called the calling card for any country, rather than just taxes. With this, the public universities in Ireland are considered as the major stakeholders responsible for the country’s future economic, social and cultural development. 

Studying at the public universities in Ireland is also comparatively cheaper, so students can get quality education without a financial load; and thus they can fully immerse themselves into studies without taking any part time jobs, unless necessary. Most of the public universities in Ireland have the “University of the Sanctuary” status and are often ranked among the top 500 universities in the world by QS. This article presents a list of the top 10 public universities in Ireland, the eligibility criteria for Indian students to study in these universities, the application process and the student life in Ireland at these universities. 

Top 10 Public Universities in Ireland

Check out the list of the top 10 public universities in Ireland below.

Eligibility for Top Public Universities in Ireland

The eligibility criteria for getting into the top public universities in Ireland for indian students are:

• For bachelor's programs:
• 65% minimum in Class 12 Upgrad
• English proficiency: IELTS (usually 6.0-6.5), TOEFL, or PTE
• Application through Central Applications Office (CAO)
• Academic transcripts from Class 10 and 12
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from teachers

• For master's programs:
• 60-65% minimum in bachelor's degree from a recognised university
• English proficiency: IELTS (typically 6.5-7.0), TOEFL, or PTE
• 2-3 years of relevant work experience (for some programs, especially MBA). Check out details on work experience required for MBA abroad.
• SOP explaining your academic background and career goals
• Two LORs from professors or employers
• Direct application to the university (not through CAO)

• Backlogs: Irish institutions typically accept applications with a maximum of four to five backlogs, though some may accept only two to three. Check what is backlog certificate.
• Course-specific requirements (GMAT for MBA, portfolio for design courses, etc.)

How to Apply to the Public Universities in Ireland?

Indian students can apply to the public universities in Ireland by following the below-given steps.

1. Determine the course of your choice and then shortlist the public universities in Ireland that offer these courses. You should also check the course content, faculty, career prospects and university rankings for making this decision.
2. Check the eligibility requirements of your course. The typical requirements include scoring a minimum of 65% marks in class 12th exams for admission to bachelor’s and >60% marks in bachelor’s for admission to master’s
3. Attach all the required documents to your university application, along with proof of English proficiency in the form of standardised English test scores
4. Submit your application. For bachelor's programs, apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) - this is the centralised application portal. For master’s courses, apply directly through the university's official website. Some Irish universities ask students to apply through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) website.

Student Life in Ireland

With the recent wars, unrest, chaos and visa uncertainty at most major study destinations, Ireland is becoming increasingly popular among Indian students, and for good reason. The Irish universities emphasise practical learning, critical thinking, and independent research. You'll have fewer lectures but more group projects, presentations, and hands-on assignments. The education system is interactive - professors encourage questions and discussions. This type of learning promote independednt thinking and problem solvinf attitude among students. 

Most universities in Ireland have Indian student societies that organise Diwali celebrations, cultural events and networking meetups. You'll easily find other Indian students, which helps with the transition. Also, Irish people are generally friendly and welcoming, though making close local friends takes time and effort.

Indian groceries are readily available in all major cities - you'll find stores selling rice, dal, spices, frozen parathas, and ready-to-eat Indian meals. Cities like Dublin have several Indian restaurants and takeaways. And the total cost of living in Ireland for Indian students may come out to be €10,000-15,000 per year.

This was all about the public universities in Ireland. For assistance on studying abroad, reach out to Shiksha’s Counselling Services for free.