Studying Finance in Ireland

Institution: University College Dublin (UCD) - Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School

Program: MSc in Finance

UCD’s Smurfit School of Business is one of Ireland’s most prestigious business schools, with a global reputation for excellence. Its role in educating business leaders stretches back over 100 years with the establishment of the UCD Faculty of Commerce in 1908. Today, the UCD College of Business comprises UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, Smurfit Executive Development and UCD College of Business Global Campus.

The MSc in Finance program at UCD is designed to provide a deep understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, and risk management, making it a suitable program for graduates with an educational track record in business, economics, finance, or any degree with a significant quantitative element.

Highlights:

• Consistently ranked among the top 100 business schools globally.

• MSc in Finance receives special recognition from the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA).

• Strong ties with the finance industry, including access to global banks and financial institutions based in Dublin.

• Ranked 53rd in the world in the prestigious 2024 Financial Times master’s in finance rankings.

• Top ranked in Ireland for career progress.

Domestic and international students from Canada will benefit from UCD's global network, with alumni working in top financial institutions worldwide. The school also offers excellent career support, including recruitment fairs and internship opportunities.

Entry Requirements:

• A 2:1 or higher undergraduate degree (preferably in business, economics, or finance).

• GMAT or GRE scores may be required for some applicants.

• English proficiency tests such as

  IELTS for non-native speakers.

Institution: Trinity College Dublin - Trinity Business School

Program: MSc in Finance

Trinity College Dublin (TCD), founded in 1592, is Ireland’s oldest university and one of the most prestigious in the world. Trinity Business School is one of few business schools to hold the prestigious ‘triple crown’ of accreditations from the three leading global business school accreditation organisations AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. The MSc in Finance program at Trinity is a rigorous and highly respected course that equips students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the global finance industry.

Highlights:

• Ranked 1st in Ireland, 29th in Europe, 34th in the world (2024 Financial Times - Pre-experience).

• A specialist programme designed to prepare students for a range of careers in the financial industry.

• Focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application of finance principles.

The program is designed for students with a background in business or finance, and includes modules on financial analysis, corporate financial management, and risk management. Highly interactive lessons provoke discussion and provide opportunities to deal with real-life case studies.

Entry Requirements:

• A minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (ideally in finance, economics, or a related field).

• GMAT scores are required for some applicants, particularly those without a strong academic background in finance.

• English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers.

Institution: University of Limerick - Kemmy Business School

Program: MSc in Finance

The MSc in Financial Services at the University of Limerick (UL) is an ideal program for domestic and international students from Canada who want to specialize in financial services. The triple accredited Kemmy Business School at UL is one of Ireland’s leading business schools, providing a first-class education designed to prepare graduates for successful and rewarding careers.

Highlights:

• Streamlined 3-semester course is designed and led by expert faculty and industry practitioners.

• Course offers learners the opportunity to pursue three distinct capstone pathways that align with their career goals.

• Learners receive in-depth training in a variety of fields within finance, including financial analysis, corporate finance, capital markets, corporate governance, data science, mathematical and predictive modelling, portfolio analysis, derivatives, private equity, and financial regulation.

Entry Requirements:

• A 2:2 undergraduate degree in finance, economics, business, or a related field.

• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers.

Institution: Dublin Business School (DBS)

Program: MSc in in Trading and Investing

Dublin Business School (DBS) offers an MSc in in Trading and Investing that aims to produce individuals with the specialised skills and attributes necessary to meet the demands of the modern-day trading and investing environment. Learners develop advanced critical thinking, teamwork, and team leadership, writing and research skills.

Highlights:

• Critical analysis of the up-to-date research on best practices in trading and investing.

• Located in the heart of Dublin, Ireland's capital city.

• Ireland's largest independent third level institution with a student population of more than 9,000.

Domestic and international students from Canada will find that DBS offers a dynamic, hands-on approach to finance education, making it an excellent option for those who want to work directly in capital markets or financial institutions after graduation.

Entry Requirements:

• An undergraduate degree in business, economics, or finance (preferably with some experience in the field).

• English proficiency tests for non-native speakers.

Institution: National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) - J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics

Program: MSc in International Finance

The MSc in International Finance at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics is another strong program for domestic and international students from Canada. It provides a rigorous foundation in the theory of international finance as well as technical skills used in applied financial market analysis, with an emphasis on fundamental tools for financial analysis.

Highlights:

• Wide range of programmes, from undergraduate degrees to MBA executive education and PhD.

• Over 2,600 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

• University of Galway is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide.

• Ranked Ireland's #1 university for sustainable development in the Times Higher Education World Rankings.

International Finance students have the option of pursuing a work placement opportunity incorporating an applied International Finance Project.

Entry Requirements:

• A 2:1 undergraduate degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field.

• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS).

Canada and Ireland share strong ties, culturally as well as economically. Ireland’s financial sector is one of the largest in Europe, particularly in Dublin, where many global financial firms have their European headquarters. Its education system is also highly regarded globally, with universities and business schools consistently ranking highly. There are also several finance-specific programs that offer both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on learning.

Top global banks, insurance firms, and asset management companies are headquartered in Dublin, which offers strong career prospects to graduates from finance programs in Ireland. There are multiple opportunities in industries such as investment banking, insurance, financial consulting, or fintech. The government of Ireland also offers an attractive post-study work visa that allows graduates from eligible programs to remain in Ireland for up to two years to gain work experience, provided they meet the requirements.

Ireland is an excellent destination for domestic and international students from Canada looking to pursue a career in finance. It has prestigious universities, strong industry connections, and a thriving financial sector, making it a great choice for students interested in developing their skills.

If you are interested in studying finance in Ireland, or have any questions about top universities, programs, scholarships, or application requirements, an IDP counsellor can help you create a personalized study abroad plan. This covers everything including:

• Applying and getting accepted

• Securing your Visa

• Arranging accommodations, banking, and health insurance

• Lining up any other service you may need to succeed.

Best of all, because of our partnerships, these services are offered by IDP at no cost to you!

Book your appointment with IDP Canada now!