An MBA (Masters of Business Administration) is a two-year program offered at a few universities across Ireland. The executive MBA for professionals with prior job experience is another popular MBA program in the country. Fees for an MBA in Ireland for an international student range from roughly ₹10 to 30 lakh for the duration of the degree. Ireland’s b-schools are gaining prominence as a European nation with a 96% employability rate, providing a less expensive but equally competent alternative to its European equivalents.
Interested to Study In Ireland? Apply for Free Counselling
Also Check: Study in Ireland
Table of Contents
TOP MBA Universities in Ireland
According to the QS World University Rankings for 2022, the following are some of the best MBA universities in Ireland:
| QS World University Rankings 2022 | University |
| 101 | Trinity College Dublin (TCD) |
| 173 | University College Dublin (UCD) |
| 258 | National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) |
| 298 | University College Cork (UCC) |
| 501-510 | University of Limerick (UL) |
| 801-1000 | Technological University of Dublin (TU Dublin) |
Candidates may choose various specializations, including marketing, finance, accounting, supply chain management, and business analytics, to name a few.
General MBA courses are also available at many Irish institutions. However, there are specific MBA in Ireland requirements that you should note, right from academic criteria to work experience and others. Ireland offers an industry-oriented MBA curriculum for aspirants and access to many networking opportunities. At the same time, the country offers lucrative employment opportunities for MBA graduates in various business sectors. An MBA degree in Ireland is recognized globally, making students eligible to pursue careers in other countries.
While Ireland’s business schools may not have as many well-known names as the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, there still are Ireland universities such as UCD’s Michael Smurfit Business School that rank among the top100 b-schools for full-time MBAs. In addition, Trinity College and Dublin City University are known worldwide to offer MBA and EMBA programs to overseas students. Regardless of their growing popularity, applicants to MBA programs in Ireland must meet the standard requirements of having competitive bachelor’s grades, job experience, and supporting documents such as LORs, SOPs, and other paperwork.
MBA in Ireland Requirements- Eligibility Criteria
Here are some of the MBA requirements in Ireland that you should note (keep in mind that eligibility criteria vary across universities):
- A three-year UG or Bachelor’s degree or any other professional qualification with examinations.
- Aspirants should have earned their degrees from accredited institutions or demonstrate a good track record of professional/business accomplishments if they do not have any degree/qualification.
- Aspirants may have to submit their GMAT Exam (Graduate Management Admissions Test) scores. The minimum GMAT score threshold is usually 550 at leading Irish universities.
- Scores of English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS Exam (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL Exam(Test of English as a Foreign Language). However, candidates who have completed their formal education in English may be exempted from the same.
- At least 3-5 years of work experience, depending on the university. For example, the Technological University of Dublin requires 5 years of experience while the Dublin Business School, University College Dublin or Trinity College Dublin take applicants with 3 years of work experience.
- The Bachelor’s degree should be equivalent to the primary degree level in Ireland, i.e., NQF Level 8.
- Some institutions may require GRE scores in place of GMAT scores.
- Personal interviews may be needed for aspirants at some institutions.
- Executive MBA programs usually take GMAT Executive Assessment scores. It has already been implemented at several Executive MBA providers, including Smurfit Graduate Business School and Trinity Business School, among others in Ireland. The minimum score threshold is 140 out of 200 in this test.
Popular Business Course in Ireland: Master in Business Studies in Ireland
Documents Needed for an MBA in Ireland
Many documents are required to apply for an MBA in Ireland. Here’s taking a look at the same:
- Official academic transcripts (translated if required) and mark sheets.
- Updated Resume/CV with all work experience details along with professional achievements and academic journey.
- SOP (Statement of Purpose) or Personal Essay depending upon university guidelines.
- Identity proof and two photographs.
- Proof of funds and loan papers along with visa documents.
- Two LORs (Letters of Recommendation).
- Score sheets of standardized tests like GMAT/GRE.
- Score sheets of English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- Passport Copy.
- Receipt of application fee payment.
Other Resources: SOP for MBA in International Business | LOR for MBA
English Language Requirements for MBA in Ireland
Non-native speakers have to adhere to English language requirements for applying to MBA programs in Ireland. They can submit scores in standardized English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or even PTE Exam (Pearson Test of English).
Here are the average scores required for applying to MBA programs in Ireland:
NAME OF THE EXAMINATION | MBA UNIVERSITIES | MBA PROGRAMS AT INSTITUTIONS OF TECHNOLOGY | MBA COLLEGES |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTE | 63 | 59 | 63 |
| TOEFL | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| IELTS | 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in every section | 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in every section | 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in every section |
IELTS Requirements for MBA in Ireland
NAME OF THE INSTITUTION | MINIMUM IELTS SCORES |
|---|---|
| Dublin Business School | Minimum of 6.5 with at least 5.5 in every section |
| Trinity College Dublin | Minimum of 6.5 with at least 5.5 in every section |
| University College Dublin | Minimum of 7.0 with at least 6.5 in every section |
| Institute of Technology, Carlow | Minimum of 6.0 with at least 6.0 in every section |
TOEFL Requirements for MBA in Ireland
NAME OF THE INSTITUTION | MINIMUM TOEFL SCORES |
|---|---|
| Institute of Technology, Carlow | 90 |
| University College Dublin | 100 with 20 in listening, reading and speaking and 24 in the writing section. |
| Dublin Business School | 90 |
| Trinity College Dublin | 90 |
PTE Requirements for MBA in Ireland
NAME OF THE INSTITUTION | MINIMUM PTE SCORES REQUIRED |
|---|---|
| University College Dublin | 63 with no section’s score going below 59 |
| Trinity College Dublin | 63 with no section’s score going below 59 |
| Dublin Business School | 63 |
| Institute of Technology, Carlow | 59 |
Deadlines for MBA Admissions in Ireland
MBA applications are accepted on a rolling basis in Ireland. Students must maintain track of intake dates to secure their places in their preferred b-schools on time.
Listed are some of the top universities and their admissions deadlines-
- Galway National University – May
- Trinity College Dublin – September
- Dublin Business School – September
- Limerick University – August
- Dublin Technological University – September
- Cork University College – November
- Griffith College – January to June and from September to November
MBA in Ireland Without GMAT
GMAT or GRE scores are considered a crucial part of the MBA admission process in Ireland. Certain colleges will accept applications for an MBA without a GMAT.
There are, however, several conditions that must be met. Applicants can seek a GMAT (or GRE) waiver for university applications in Ireland if they meet the following criteria:
- They have a master’s or doctoral degree from a recognized university.
- Work experience of 8 to 10 years or more.
- Professional accomplishments and credentials that qualify for a waiver.
Also, NUI Galway, Griffith College, and others are among some universities in Ireland that do not require GMAT scores for admissions.
An MBA degree is accepted globally for the universities in Ireland that are among the top research-based educational hubs. It attracts more international students to choose Ireland as their study abroad destination. I hope this article has provided you with all details regarding MBA in Ireland requirements.
Study in Ireland with upGrad Abroad
upGrad Abroad provides courses like MSc Data Analytics, MBS in Entrepreneurship and Marketing in Ireland. One can pursue their dream of studying abroad at affordable prices and get full assistance with application and admission at one of the best universities in Ireland, Dundalk Institute of Technology. To start your journey with us, you can check the link and get in contact with our academic counselors.
Get Free Counselling for Studying in Ireland
Students Also Read
Frequently Asked Questions
My academic degree isn’t finished yet. Is it still possible for me to apply for an MBA in Ireland?
Yes, several MBA programs in Ireland will accept conditional applications from students who have not yet completed their undergraduate degrees. Applicants must have appropriate professional experience to be considered. The university provides confirmation after reviewing the application documents.
What are the requirements for MBA in Ireland?
An international student must hold a 2:1 honors undergraduate degree from a recognized university or college to qualify for an MBA in Ireland. Apart from that, MBA admissions require three to five years of professional experience. Non-native English speakers must also demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Students must submit GMAT or GRE results (between 500 and 600) or equivalent GRE scores.
Is it possible to do an MBA without GMAT in Ireland?
Yes, certain universities allow an applicant to pursue an MBA without a GMAT score. One can visit the university website for specific information. Admission officers decide whether to allow admission without GMAT only after the interview.
What are Ireland’s best MBA schools?
UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, UL Kemmy Business School, UCC College of Business and Law, Trinity Business School, and others are some of Ireland’s top MBA schools. It is vital to go through admission requirements before applying.
What is the average cost of pursuing an MBA in Ireland?
On average, tuition fees may vary between Euros 8,000–30,000 per annum, comparatively low.
Can I study MBA in Ireland without work experience?
Most prestigious Irish colleges will need students to have some job experience, either full-time or part-time, as part of their entrance criteria. Griffith College and Dublin Business School are two business institutions in Ireland that offer MBA programs without previous work experience.
Can I study MBA in Ireland without GMAT?
You can study for an MBA in Ireland without taking the GMAT. Few colleges admit students based on their prior academic records and IELTS band scores.
Can I pursue an MBA in Ireland without IELTS?
You need not to be concerned because IELTS is no longer required to study in Ireland. You may need to accept the introduction and admittance to exams such as IELTS and TOEFL while intending to study at a foreign school. Still, you may use any other exam that measures a student’s ability to read, write, and speak English.