Best Universities in Ireland with Ranking & Fees

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s leading university and is a favorite amongst learners. Founded in 1592, the university excels in the fields of education, innovation, and research. With over 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the university has 24 academic schools specializing across three faculties – Engineering, Mathematics and Science;  Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; and Health Sciences. The university hosts staff and students from over 120 countries, earning a reputation for being extremely diverse and a global campus. 

The 47-acre campus is situated in Dublin, a vibrant city that is extremely safe for international students. Trinity College Dublin, Ireland has the biggest library in the whole country, which is now considered the greatest research library with more than six million printed volumes.

National University of Ireland Galway is one of Ireland's oldest and most prestigious universities, with a distinguished record in teaching and research. For over 175 years, NUI Galway has been welcoming students and researchers from all over the world. Ideally located in the city of Galway, the university offers a broad range of internationally recognised programmes in a welcoming academic community. Situated in Galway City in the West of Ireland, which is renowned for its unique culture, creative industries, medical technologies, marine ecology and economy, and innovation. With over 19,000 students, 17% of which are international students from 122 countries, we contribute to the diversity and dynamism of our region and further afield. We have an academic community of world-leading researchers working at the forefront of their fields and we offer our students opportunities to collaborate internationally. Our vision is to be a driver of transformational change for our people, our region and our world, where our values-based culture of excellence, ambition and the wellbeing of our communities is at our core.

University College Cork (UCC), nestled in the vibrant city of Cork, Ireland, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural richness. Established in 1845, UCC is renowned for its pioneering research, distinguished faculty, and a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across diverse disciplines. The university fosters a dynamic learning environment, emphasizing critical thinking and global perspectives. Students benefit from cutting-edge facilities, including modern libraries and research centers. UCC's commitment to community engagement and sustainability is evident in its numerous outreach programs and green initiatives. With a history steeped in tradition and an eye towards the future, University College Cork offers a transformative educational experience in one of Ireland's most dynamic cities.

Cork Institute of Technology Ireland was established in 1878 while becoming a school under this name in 1993. Cork Institute of Technology functions in a conservatory with five floors that opened its doors in 2007, designed by Buro Happold and Murray O’Laoire. It was eventually dissolved to become the Munster Technological University. 

University College Dublin (UCD) is Europe’s one of best research-led universities, ranked in the top 1% of the higher education institutions worldwide. The university has been named among the best universities globally for 38 subjects offered. The University College Dublin, Ireland, has over 30,000 students enrolled from over 130 countries.

Since the beginning, the university has been focused on contributing to the growth of Ireland. The main campus of University College Dublin is spread over 133 hectares and has facilities including UCD Sutherland School of Law, UCD Moore Centre for Business, and UCD O’Brien Centre for Science. 

The Northside of Dublin, Ireland, is home to Dublin City University (DCU). It was founded in 1975 as the National Institute for Higher Education, Dublin, admitted its first pupils in 1980, and was statutorily upgraded to university status in September 1989. DCU is pleased to be one of the top Young Universities in the world, with the goal of transforming individuals' lives and the entire society. They are committed to making a genuine difference through education, research, and innovation while tackling global issues in partnership with stakeholders and partners. Notable alumni of DCU are John Connolly, Rotimi Adebari, Lorraine Twohill, and Stephen Cluxton.

Situated in Limerick, Ireland, the University of Limerick (UL) has been a leading name in higher education since 1979. It is the only Irish institution with a 5-star rating from QS Rankings for its emphasis on innovation, employment, and teaching. UL was founded in 1972 as National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick and it became a university in 1989 in accordance with the University of Limerick Act 1989. The university offers high-quality and innovative degree programs which are relevant. The broad range of full and part-time postgraduate programs combine innovative teaching methods as part of their pedagogy. University of Limerick (UL), Ireland, is an institution that has links with industry, commerce, and the public sector. With over 16,500 students, the university campus is spread over 367 acres, including eight residential villages for accommodation. 

Maynooth University in Ireland is a leading academic institution near Dublin and the fastest-growing university in the whole country. Maynooth University is one of the four constituent universities of the acclaimed National University of Ireland. 

TU Dublin is Ireland's first Technological University - an exciting new milestone in Irish Higher Education. With campuses in Dublin City, Tallaght and Blanchardstown, it spans the largest population centres of Ireland's capital city. Building on the rich heritage of its founding organisations - DIT, IT Blanchardstown and IT Tallaght - TU Dublin will be inclusive and adaptable, creating educational opportunities for students at all stages of their lives. Academic excellence in science, the arts, business, engineering and technology converge in TU Dublin to create the leaders of tomorrow. Our 28,500 students learn in a practice-based environment informed by the latest research and enabled by technological advances, with pathways to graduation from Apprenticeship to PhD.

Waterford Institute of Technology or WIT is a leading public institution that was founded in 1970. Waterford Institute of Technology Ireland is located in the southeastern part of the country and is one of the country’s biggest and most academically renowned colleges. 

Institute of Technology Sligo Ireland is one of the country’s foremost third-level educational institutions and has held onto a sterling reputation for more than five decades. Institute of Technology Sligo is home to a whopping 8,600 students throughout various academic programmes. 

Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) is one of the most reputed and progressive Irish institutions. Letterkenny Institute of Technology was established in 1971 and is known for its academic prowess over the years. 

Dublin Business School is situated in the Ireland of the United Kingdom. It is considered one of the most famous business schools in the world and a significant number of international students enroll themselves in the undergraduate and postgraduate programs of this university. Since the cost of studying in this renowned business school is comparatively more economical than other business institutions of the province, it is the first preference of several students across the globe and the territory as well. Talking about the alumni, Robin Copeland, Terrace Flanagan, Shane Jennings, and so on are most famous.

In Ireland, Athlone Institute of Technology and Limerick Institute of Technology merged to establish The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS: Midlands Midwest). It was founded in 2021 and is a focal point for innovation, academic quality, and local growth. TUS provides a wide variety of programs in many different academic fields, such as engineering, business, science, and the arts. In order to prepare students for dynamic jobs, it places an emphasis on industry partnership, research, and practical skills. TUS, which is based in the heart of Ireland, makes a substantial contribution to the cultural and economic life of the Midwest and Midlands, promoting a vibrant learning environment.

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest Highlight 

The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS: Midlands Midwest) is a beacon of academic excellence and regional development. TUS provides a wide variety of programs in many different academic fields, such as engineering, business, science, and the arts. In order to prepare students for dynamic jobs, it places an emphasis on industry partnership, research, and practical skills. Here are the highlights of the university. 

South East Technological University (SETU) is a public technological university with campuses in Carlow, Waterford, and Wexford. Established after the amalgamation of Waterford IT and IT Carlow, it has a rich heritage spanning over five decades in higher education, research, innovation, and collaborative engagement with stakeholders. SETU Carlow has firmly established itself as a key player in the academic landscape and currently serves a diverse community comprising more than 18,000 students and employs a dedicated team of over 1,500 staff members. 

SETU Carlow has a stellar reputation for its research endeavors, both nationally and internationally, and international students are presented with a wide array of innovative, career-focused programs encompassing undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundation courses. In addition to its academic offerings, SETU Carlow boasts an extensive range of services and facilities, ranging from robust academic support to recreational amenities. The vibrant campus life is enriched by numerous clubs and societies, and the university is renowned for its outstanding achievements in competitive sports.

Located just 85 kilometers from Dublin and 97 kilometers from Dublin Airport, the Carlow campus is nestled in the picturesque Irish countryside. The Waterford campus is situated 170 kilometers from Dublin and 177 kilometers from Dublin Airport. As Ireland's oldest city, Waterford offers a blend of history and modernity, allowing students and visitors to experience the quintessential Irish charm.

SETU Carlow prides itself in fostering an inclusive campus environment, where students can pursue their academic aspirations and cultivate lifelong friendships, and is an ideal location for those aspiring to successful careers in various fields such as business, law, humanities, science, sports, or engineering.

South East Technological University Carlow Highlights 

Griffith College Ireland is one of the best universities you can apply to for the next step in your academic career.  As one of the leading universities in Ireland, Griffith College should be on your list of potential institutions to study at. It has a growing international presence and, interestingly, was founded by Professor Diarmuid Hegarty. 

Griffith College was established in 1974. The campus buildings date back 200 years, constructed in 1813. Moreover, the College was purchased in 1991 by Griffith, and ever since, it has been a site full of rich history.