10 Best Universities in Ireland in 2025-26

Ireland is growing in popularity among international students owing to its excellent education system and world-class universities. Ireland often secures a place in 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.  

Ireland has, over the years, emerged as a top study-abroad destination 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 their part-time work opportunities and post-study work permit in Ireland. Candidates can take a look at the list of top 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 within Ireland. This article includes information on the top 9 colleges across Ireland that are popular among Indian students. You can check out the various courses available at the university, the eligibility criteria, admission requirements, and fees for every Programme. Got more doubts? Feel free to write to us in the comments below.

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Top 10 Universities in Ireland for International Students in 2025-26

Here is a look at the list of the top 10 universities in Ireland in 2025 and 2026. 

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, the University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, located in Dublin, Ireland, is known to be Ireland's oldest university. This university offers many undergraduate, postgraduate, short courses, and online education. Its faculties comprise of 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 Linguistic among several others.

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin (TCD) – Courses

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 the 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

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

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 organizations such as the Association of MBAs and AACSB have accredited this university.

Dublin City University (DCU) – courses

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 conferred the International Green Flag for environmental friendliness.

The academic structure of the 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

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, incorporated with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

The university comprises four colleges, which are further subdivided into schools for candidates to pursue their undergrads 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

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.

Maynooth University - Courses

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.

University of Limerick (UL)

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 

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

Other Popular University in Ireland 

The above-mentioned universities are highly ranked universities spread across the length of Ireland. Candidates can also check out the Dublin Business School (DBS), which is often ranked as the top school for business studies.

Dublin Business School (DBS)

Originally known as the Accountancy and Business College, Dublin Business School (DBS) was established in 1975. At the time, the college only had evening classes for the candidates who were studying for their professional accounting bodies exams. Now it has become one of the two biggest independent colleges in Ireland.

DBS has three schools, namely the School of Arts, the Professional School, and the School of Business and Law. Located in the capital city, DBS makes sure that students have whatever they need on campus, from a modern learning environment to comfortable accommodations. There are state-of-the-art laboratories, modern workshops, a stocked library, network connectivity, and several clubs and societies. There are more than 9,000 students and 70 courses available for students outside the EU.

Dublin Business School (DBS) – Courses

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. 

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