Top 10 Best Universities in Ireland in 2027
Ireland is growing in popularity among international students owing to its excellent education system and world-class universities. Ireland often secures a place on the happiest countries in the world list, the countries with the best quality of life list and the countries with the highest salaries in the world. Read this article to learn about the best universities in Ireland in 2027.
Ireland has, over the years, emerged as one of the top study-abroad destinations and rightly so. Ireland has been able to provide international students with state-of-the-art education facilities, a student-friendly environment and a chance to earn a qualification of global standards. International students are also attracted by student-friendly policies, such as part-time work opportunities and post-study work permit in Ireland. Candidates can take a look at the list of universities in Ireland here.
Candidates who may have difficulty meeting the cost of studying in Ireland can also check the various scholarships available for students in Ireland. This article includes information on the top 10 universities in Ireland in 2027 for Indian students.
- Top 10 Universities in Ireland in 2027
- Details on the Top 10 Universities in Ireland
- Top Universities in Ireland FAQs
Top 10 Universities in Ireland in 2027
Here is a look at the list of the top 10 universities in Ireland in 2027.
| Best Universities in Ireland 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| University | QS World University Rankings 2027 | THE World University Rankings 2027 |
| Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin (TCD) | #75 | =171 |
| University College Dublin (UCD) | =100 | =212 |
| RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences | - | =267 |
| University College Cork (UCC) | #220 | #301-325 |
| University of Galway | #275 | #326-350 |
| University of Limerick | =388 | #501-550 |
| Dublin City University | #408 | =284 |
| Maynooth University | #721-730 | #501-550 |
| Technological University Dublin | #791-800 | #1001-1200 |
| Atlantic Technological University | - | #1601-1800 |
Note:- The National College of Ireland (NCI) is one of the top universities in the country and holds a 5-star QS Stars rating. However, NCI isn't placed in either of the rankings due to some specific operational processes and focus. The university, however, is one of the top universities to study in Ireland.
Details on the Top 10 Universities in Ireland
Know more about the colleges and the courses available in them in detail here.
1. Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin (TCD)
Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is Ireland's oldest university. This university offers many undergraduate, postgraduate, short courses and online education programmes. Its faculties comprise the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, the Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics and Science and the Faculty of Health Science.
It has many specialised schools for its areas of study. The schools in Trinity College Dublin are the School of Business, the School of Confederal, the School of Religions, Peace Studies and Theology, School of Creative Arts (Drama, Film, and Music), School of Education, School of English, School of Histories and Humanities, School of Linguistics, among several others.
Trinity College Dublin – Courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA/PGDM |
1 year |
INR 18 L - 35 L |
| MS |
12 months - 2 years |
INR 11 L - 47 L |
| BBA |
4 years |
INR 19 L - 27 L |
| MIM |
12 months - 1 year |
INR 22 L |
| MFA |
1 year |
INR 19.12 L |
| BE/BTech |
4 - 5 years |
INR 20 L - 27 L |
2. University College Dublin (UCD)
Established in 1854, the University College Dublin (UCD) is a public university, which was formerly known as the Catholic University of Ireland. The university is one of Europe's research-intensive universities and is the largest university in Ireland. The university's main campus in Dublin spreads across an area of 133 hectares.
University College Dublin's academic structure comprises six colleges that are further divided into associated schools and multiple research institutes and centres. The six colleges belonging to University College Dublin are UCD College of Arts and Humanities, UCD College of Business, UCD College of Engineering and Architecture, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, UCD College of Social Sciences and Law, and UCD College of Science.
University College Dublin - Courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA/PGDM | 12 months | INR 13 L - 35 L |
| MS | 1 year - 3 years | INR 11 L - 29 L |
| MIM (Msc in Management) | 12 months - 2 years | ₹21.60 Lakh |
| MEM (MEngSc Engineering Management) | 1 year | INR 27.81 L |
| BE/BTech | 3 - 4 years | INR 24 L - 28 L |
| MEng | 1 year | INR 22.47 L - 24.33 L |
3. RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Home to the largest medical school, pharmacy and biomolecular sciences schools, population health, physiotherapy, nursing and midwifery, postgraduate and healthcare management school, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - University of Medicine and Health Sciences was established in 1784. The University, in collaboration with the National University of Ireland, provides degrees and awards that completely align with the National Framework for Qualifications from levels 7-10.
Initially founded as the national body for the training of surgery in Ireland, the university has now been transformed into an international health sciences and research institute providing quality education at undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG) and professional levels. Several courses available at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences are given below.
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences - Courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| B.Sc | 5-6 years | INR 55 L |
| MB, BCh, BAO (Hons) | 5-6 years | INR 55 L |
4. Dublin City University (DCU)
Over the years, Dublin City University (DCU) has forged a reputation as Ireland's University of Enterprise, through its strong, active links with academic, research, and industry partners both at home and overseas. Dublin City University has been highly ranked in the world and in Ireland for its graduate employment rate, according to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
This university has 5 campuses and offers over 200 programs under its five main faculties which are engineering and computing, business, science and health, humanities and social sciences, and education. Renowned organisations such as the Association of MBAs and AACSB have accredited this university.
Dublin City University (DCU) – courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MS |
1 year |
INR 11.41 L - 15.8 L |
| LLM |
1 year |
INR 13.17 L |
| MEng |
1 year |
INR 15.8 L |
| MIM |
1 year |
INR 13.6 L - 16.68 L |
| BJMC |
3 - 4 years |
INR 13.17 L |
| BE/BTech |
3 - 4 years |
INR 13.17 L - 13.6 L |
| MA |
1 year |
INR 11.06 L - 14.04 L |
| BBA |
3 - 4 years |
INR 12.73 L - 13.6 L |
5. University College Cork (UCC)
Established in 1845, the University College Cork, popularly known as UCC, is one of Ireland's leading research institutes. The university also happens to be the first university in the world to be awarded the International Green Flag for environmental friendliness.
The academic structure of University College Cork includes multiple faculties, which are further subdivided into schools. These faculties include the Faculty of Arts and Celtic Studies, Commerce, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Food Science and Technology.
University College Cork - Courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MS | 12 months - 2 years | INR 15 L |
| MIM | 12 months - 1 year | INR 13.28 L - 16.62 L |
| MEng | 12 months - 1 year | INR 19.84 L - 20.27 L |
| BE/BTech | 3 - 4 years | INR 16 L - 22 L |
| BBA | 4 years | INR 20 L - 21 L |
| BSc | 3 - 4 years | INR 17 L - 24 L |
6. University of Galway
Established in 1845, the University of Galway is a public university located in the city of Galway in Ireland. Formerly known as the National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), the university is often ranked among the top universities in the world due to its quality education, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The university comprises four colleges, which are further subdivided into schools for candidates to pursue their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These colleges include the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, College of Business, Public Policy and Law, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Science and Engineering.
Courses at University of Galway
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MS | 1 year - 2 years | INR 8 L - 28 L |
| MIM | 1 year - 2 years | INR 10 L - 16 L |
| BSc | 4 years | INR 15 L - 23 L |
| MEng | 9 - 24 months | INR 12.87 L - 21.19 L |
| BE/BTech | 1 year - 5 years | INR 16 L - 23 L |
| MASc | 1 year - 2 years | INR 12.87 L - 21.19 L |
7. Maynooth University
Maynooth University is one of Ireland's fastest-growing universities. The university prioritises the student experience, both academically and socially, to ensure that students graduate with the best set of skills to help them succeed in the world, whatever they decide to do.
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MIM | 12 months - 2 years | INR 12.29 L - 13.17 L |
| MEng | 12 months - 1 year | INR 14.52 L - 14.83 L |
| BBA | 4 years | INR 13 L - 16 L |
| BE/BTech | 4 years | INR 14 L - 17 L |
| MS | 12 months - 2 years | INR 13 L - 17 L |
| BSc | 4 years | INR 14 L - 17 L |
8. University of Limerick (UL)
Founded in 1972, the University of Limerick is a public research university for higher education in Limerick, Ireland. The university has over 800 research postgraduates and 1,300 postgraduate students receiving instruction at the university. Its co-operative education ("co-op") program offers students an eight-month work placement as part of their degree; it was Ireland's first such program.
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| BBA | 4 years | INR 15 L - 20 L |
| MS | 12 months - 2 years | INR 7 L - 24 L |
| MIM | 12 months - 1 year | INR 11.28 L - 17.37 L |
| BE/BTech | 4 years | INR 20 L |
| MEng | 12 months - 1 year | INR 14.52 L - 14.83 L |
9. Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
Technological University Dublin, or more commonly referred to as TU Dublin, is Ireland's first technological university, established on January 1, 2019. The university was formed by the amalgamation of three existing institutes of technology in the Dublin area – Dublin Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, and Institute of Technology, Tallaght.
Technological University Dublin - Courses
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MA | 1 year - 18 months | INR 13 L - 19 L |
| BE/BTech | 3 - 4 years | INR 12 L - 14 L |
| MS | 12 - 18 months | INR 13 L - 14 L |
| MIM | 1 year - 2 years | INR 10.8 L - 15.14 L |
| BBA | 3 - 4 years | INR 12 L - 14 L |
| BSc | 3 - 4 years | INR 12 L - 21 L |
10. National College of Ireland (NCI)
The National College of Ireland (NCI) is a non-profit, state-supported advanced education establishment in Dublin's city centre. Within walking distance of NCI are the European Headquarters of Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, and Twitter. It is with these organisations that NCI has created courses, and where NCI graduates acquire employment. The School of Business sits in the centre of Dublin's International Financial Services Centre. The world's leading banks and consultancy organisations are within the reach of the campus. NCI graduates have picked up work at excellent organisations like PWC, Morgan Stanley, Citi, KPMG, and JP Morgan.
The university offers a range of Certificates, Higher Diplomas, Foundation, and Pre-Masters courses, which offer excellent opportunities for progression to promote education or to improve career paths. The National College of Ireland endeavours to give access to quality education at a time, place, and pace that addresses the student's needs.
National College of Ireland (NCI) – courses
| Courses |
Duration |
1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MS |
1 year |
INR 14 L - 16 L |
| BE/BTech |
4 years |
INR 10 L |
| BBA |
3 years |
INR 10 L |
| MIM |
1 year |
INR 13.17 L |
This is a comprehensive list of the top 10 universities in Ireland for international students. Candidates can visit every university to check out the courses on offer, the duration of the course, the tuition fee, and so much more. Candidates can also check the official website of the university or get in touch with us through the comments section below.
You may study either an MBA in Ireland, an MS in Ireland, or any other course to get one of the highest-paying jobs in the world in your domain.
Top Universities in Ireland FAQs
Commonly asked questions
Trinity College London is famously known as the number 1 university in Ireland. This university is ranked by some of the top-ranking bodies in the world. By QS, this college is ranked #1 in Ireland and #75 in the world.
Look at the given TCD rankings up until 2027 in the table below -
| Ranking Body | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS | Not Ranked | 81 | 87 | 75 | 75 |
| THE | 161 | 134 | 139 | 173 | =171 |
| US News | 215 | 206 | 207 | Not Ranked | Not Ranked |
Which Irish intake is good for students depends on his/her requirements. Both intakes differ in terms of courses, specialisations and participating colleges. Here are brief details on both the September intake and the January intake in Ireland-
- September Intake in Ireland: This is the major intake in Ireland and almost all Irish universities participate in this intake. Students can choose from a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses and get their hands on some valuable internships and scholarships during this intake. However, as a large number of students apply for this intake, the competition to get into your dream university can be fierce.
- January Intake: This is a smaller intake in comparison to the Autumn (September) intake. This intake mostly involves admission to the postgraduate courses at few partcipating institutions. Participating in this intake benefits students who could not participate in the autumn intake as they get more time for preparation.
- Rolling Intake: Admissions to short-term and part-time courses remain available throughout the year and this is called the Rolling Intake in Ireland.
Now, students can choose wisely that which intake suits them the most as per their requirements and career aspirations.
Yes, there is a January intake in Ireland, also known as the Spring intake or even the February intake sometimes. This intake is like a backup for those students who wanted some more time to prepare tehir application documents or the ones who missed the September intake application dates. This intake is smaller and lesser universities participate in this intake; hence, competition is also lesser for this intake. Generally, the class sizes would also be small and international students admitted during this intake will find less students on the campus.
Yes, getting an Ireland student visa is an easy process as one only has to apply for the visa on the official website online, submit the required documents and pay the visa fees. The accepttance rate of an Ireland student visa is also fairly high.

Priya Garg is an Assistant Manager in the Editorial Team of Shiksha Study Abroad (Shiksha.com, InfoEdge India Ltd), where she has served as the primary content owner on studying in the UK, Ireland, France, Spai
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